The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 11

“The Schnabel family is steeped in culture and high society. Where did this wild and unruly girl come from, daring to butt in even on my own sister? Just looking at her brings bad vibes.”

Stirling, with a flourish, served Noella a bowl of soup using the fancy gold–plated serving spoon. rolling his beautiful eyes in the process.

“Seriously, who knows who’s fresh off the turnip truck, being spoon–fed by Mother Nature herself. With your bumpkin vibes, you could go back to the countryside and get straight onto farming.”

Yvonne was at a loss for words. Her hands, clad in lace–trimmed white gloves, tightened around the hem of her dress, her facial expression contorting.

“Stirling. Jasper, I’m just looking out for Noella. Why are you being like this? I’m part of the Schnabel family, too. I just want us to be a harmonious and beautiful family. Grandma was worried about Noella not knowing the ropes and sent me here on purpose.”

When Ashlyn was mentioned, everyone held their tongues.

Yvonne was an outsider, but Ashlyn was, after all, their elder.

The Schnabel family was all about strict upbringing; elders were to be respected.

Tristan waved his hand impatiently. “Noella’s got her head on straight; she’s awesome. The whole family adores her. Just head back, will you? Don’t disrupt our family dinner.”

Yvonne’s eyes bulged in disbelief. She had deliberately stood at the entrance for half an hour. timing her entrance with dinner, just to show off her impeccable table manners compared to country–bumpkin Noella.

That way, the Schnabels would see that she was the perfect fit for the family.

Why do they still side with Noella, knowing full well she was rough around the edges?

Was this all about blood? So what if she didn’t have it?

Yvonne, her face burning with shame, stormed out.

Ulrich, with his golden hands, peeled a plate of crab meat for Noella and passed it over with a beaming smile. “Give it a try.”

The crab meat was succulent, the roe rich and flavorful.

“Delicious,” said Noella.

Tristan smiled. “Honey, just tell us whatever you like. As Jasper said, from now on, you will set the rules in this house. Mom and Dad will listen to you.”

Sienna said lovingly, “Don’t take Yvonne’s words to heart. She’s no relation to our family. She bears the Schnabel surname because your grandma does. You’re the only daughter of our

household.”

Noella nodded, feeling the warmth of the Schnabels‘ protection–something she had never experienced in eighteen years with the Lambert family.

“Thanks, Mom, Dad, and brothers. I’ll remember that.”

Yvonne left in a huff, not a single tear on her face.

Hunger pangs gnawing at her stomach, she wandered through the vast Schnabel garden. nearly getting lost.

servants planting new flowers. Yvonne asked curiously, “What’s going on here?”

“Ms. Yvonne, Ms. Noella likes roses. Mr. Tristan has ordered us to clear all the flowers in this courtyard and plant roses

lilies were her

would swing among them every year. How could everything be snatched away just because of Noella’s

envy, Yvonne scurried off to

back home, quick! There’s trouble. Mom, Dad,

indifferently, “That’s it?”

around, finally blurted out with determination, “Elara, don’t you want to know why

experimental data, retorted, “As if you can find something out with your brains. Go work off some

Yvonne’s face twisted in rage!

with her since childhood, nothing

her feet, Yvonne dashed off

the Heartfelt Orphanage

was barely eighteen and had no time to get her driver’s license.

could drive, she didn’t want to worry the Schnabels, so she took a cab to the

orphanage was in the suburbs, surrounded by a private estate with a vast rose garden and

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Chapter 11

sea

rang out. Her instincts had her swiftly pressing against the wall concealing hersel

hurried past, cursing, “Damn that Vocalist, stealing our alas

we’d known he was here, we’d never

it. If he spots us, we’re goners,

quick on their feet, but not

and the four assassins dropped dead.

emerged from the shadows, the sunlight catching his handsome features. He was dressed in a vintage vest and suit jacket, his tie unruffled by the

meet again,

Palmer, her brow furrowing slightly. “You

commotion and thought I’d kill

was at a

a buck with their lives on the line. Vocalist must be one of the local

“The target?”

Heartfelt Orphanage. Client unknown, order taken by

the situation, Noella turned on her heel and strode into the orphanage.

piped up from behind her. “What are you digging

old memories. I used to live here.”

flashed through Palmer’s handsome eyes.

went toe–to–toe with her, Palmer couldn’t guarantee walking away unscathed.

was

needed and stood

and cleared the place out in advance. Swear,

already a ghost