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!”

If she said it was the good

write a report and

experiment she ran was

important, too. Even a tiny slip could lead

her laptop and her

in my study just

stern–faced Elara and asked, “What’s up? Noella and I popped

said, “Someone’s tampered with my laptop.”

sacred- not a bit could be out of

green with envy over Noella’s birthday

to mess with Elara’s laptop, except maybe Noella. Probably just an accident, but Noella, don’t be scared. You’ve gotta own up, and everyone

left speechless. Why would I mess with Elara’s laptop? She thought.

“It wasn’t me.”

important – one wrong click could spell disaster. Even

and said again, “It

nodded in agreement. “We really didn’t touch your

12:21

her eyes.

you’re the new kid on the block. It ain’t good for you, you know.

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

smirked to herself.

precious datasets trump everything. If Noella messed with them, she’d go ballistic!

cats and dogs, and soon

her!

birthday parties or the Pollack family engagement, it’ll all

says it wasn’t her, I believe her. But you…

face went pale with

your laptop, so how could you even think it was me? The only one in the house who’s

piercing

she held a high rank and exuded an aura of authority that scared the living daylights out of her underlings. Just one look from her was enough

in my study, so let’s just check the

Yvonne was dumbfounded.

for real?

in their study? How paranoid can you get about

need a hand? Mind if

of Elara’s crazy data, and here was country bumpkin Noella

child’s play.

But Elara hesitated for a sec before nodding. “Sure.”

Chapter 22

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

the data anyway, so

laptop and scanned over the complex jumble of numbers like she was reading the