The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 22

Yvonne shamelessly mooched a dinner at the Schnabel family’s pad.

Turns out, being Ashlyn’s adopted kid wasn’t so bad. When she wasn’t causing a ruckus, the Schnabel couple and their four boys would just give her the cold shoulder at most, nothing too harsh.

After dinner, Tristan rallied the Schnabel boys to brainstorm about Noella’s birthday party.

Beckett chimed in. “Our place is kinda cramped. Noella’s party might be a tad humble. How about we snap up a new crib right now? The penthouse over at Serene Haven is pretty sweet, a thousand square meters for just a cool billion. We can just put it in Noella’s name.”

Tristan agreed, “Serene Haven’s barely passable. These days, the mansions in Imperial City ain’t what they used to be. Next year, let’s jet off to Italon and snag Noella a castle. Castles here feel too small–time. Plus, with Grandpa and Grandma not well, they can’t travel abroad.”

Noella was shocked at Tristan’s words.

Ulrich suggested, “Let’s get fresh flowers air–shipped for the venue. Noella digs roses, so how ‘bout we craft a rose crown with pink diamonds for her birthday?”

Stirling got hyped, “We’ll invite all the media, have choppers and drones live–streaming the whole party, and let the world know about our Schnabel family princess! I’ve already touched base with Imperial Quartet for the music, and Master Azure’s agreed to design a custom gown for Noella!”

Jasper added, “I’ve invited top chefs from state dinners around the globe for the catering. The ingredients will be air–freighted the same day, so Noella can feast on the freshest delights from all over the world. Oh, and we’ll ditch the onions and garlic.”

Noella didn’t know what to say..

It was just a birthday. Wasn’t this all a bit much?

Just as Noella was about to decline, Elara gently held her hand.

“We’re in a bit of a rush this year, sorry for the fuss, Noella. I know you’ve never had a birthday party back at the Lambert family. It’s okay, we’ll make it up to you, and give you the best of everything in the world.”

Sienna was on the verge of tears. She was still fretting that the plans were too last–minute to give her darling daughter the best possible experience. And to think, her beloved had never even celebrated her birthday before!

“Sweetie, Mom and Dad are so sorry you’ve had it rough. Why didn’t you tell us?”

Sienna’s beauty was classic, the picture of a well–read Horwich family lady – pure, expressive eyes that could melt hearts, especially when she cried.

Chapter 22

The Schnabel brothers were tripping over themselves trying to comfort her.

Elara patted her own mouth and said, “My bad for running my mouth and upsetting Mom. Sorry, Mom!”

Noella held Sienna’s hand, wiping away her tears.

“I’ve been fine, no worries.”

Sienna knew her daughter was just consoling her; it was a mix of heartache and gratitude, but mostly it was just painful to know.

Elara, foreseeing a headache if Sienna continued crying, quickly changed the subject.

“I’ll handle the fireworks for the party. Our lab just cooked up these colorless, odorless fireworks with some sick effects. Noella will definitely love ‘em!”

mostly top–secret government gear. If she said it was the good stuff, you

my laptop to write a report and show you

experiment she ran was crucial, demanding

was super important, too. Even a tiny slip could lead to irreversible

up her laptop and her brows instantly knotted – something was

been in my study just now?”

up? Noella and

frowning, said, “Someone’s

not a bit could be out of

envy over Noella’s birthday plans, piped

Elara’s laptop, except maybe Noella. Probably just an accident, but Noella, don’t be scared. You’ve

would I mess with Elara’s

“It wasn’t me.”

voice, stirred the pot, “Noella, no use denying it. Elara’s data is super important – one wrong click could spell disaster. Even if it was an accident,

said again, “It wasn’t

agreement. “We really didn’t touch your laptop. I can vouch for

12:21

rolled her eyes.

the block. It ain’t good for you, you

a bind. She was sure Noella hadn’t touched Elara’s laptop, but data doesn’t just change

to herself.

If Noella messed with them, she’d

dogs, and soon the

her!

Pollack family engagement, it’ll

If she says it wasn’t her, I believe her. But you… Yvonne, I recall you were in my study before dinner. Did you

pale with

I know better than to mess with your laptop, so how could you even think it was me? The

stone–cold, her piercing gaze chilling to the

held a high rank and exuded an aura of authority that scared the living daylights out of her

in my study, so let’s just

Yvonne was dumbfounded.

Elara for

cameras in their study? How paranoid can

out, nonchalant as ever, “Elara, need a hand? Mind if I

full of scorn. She couldn’t make heads or tails of Elara’s crazy data, and here was country bumpkin Noella thinking she could crack

Elara’s data isn’t child’s play. You won’t

But Elara hesitated for a

Chapter 22

her little sis, and she just didn’t have the heart

the data anyway, so no harm in showing her.

of numbers like she was reading the morning paper, all focused and