The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 23

The four Schnabel brothers widened their eyes.

Elara, you’re totally cheating here!

Ulrich flashed a meaningful smile, his eyes shimmering with ripples like a serene autumn pond, as his gaze landed on the hairpin atop Noella’s head.

On the hairpin he had carved himself, he had also stealthily inscribed: “I love you!”

The butler hurried forward, “Mr. Schnabel, Palmer has sent over two gifts.”

Tristan scratched his head. “Two gifts? Should be one for the elders and one for Noella, right? After all, Noella and him are still engaged. The kid sure knows how to curry favor!”

Sienna looked puzzled. “But Palmer doesn’t know Noella’s back home, so how come he’s sending her a gift?*

The butler explained, “One’s for you, Mr. and Mrs. Schnabel, and one for Ulrich, as a thank–you for saving Sexton Pollack.”

“When did I save Sexton?”

Noella knew full well that the gift from the Pollack family was meant for her but they mistook Ulrich for her.

She discreetly tugged Ulrich’s hand and whispered, “Ulrich, just take it.”

Ulrich’s heart nearly melted when a soft little hand gripped his suddenly!

Thinking it over, since Noella had been at the hospital lately, she might know the scoop. Tossing all rational thought aside, Ulrich, with a genteel smile, played along. “That was me. I helped Sexton with a prescription before. Mr. Pollack is too kind.”

Sienna playfully scolded, “You didn’t even give us a heads–up. You almost had me thinking Mr. Pollack got the wrong person. We’ve invited Mr. Pollack to Noella’s birthday party; they can meet the kids then!”

Noella was confused. What’s that got to do with me? Engagement? When?”

Seeing how the Schnabels were all hyped up, Noella didn’t have the heart to burst their bubble.

Imperial West Hospital, patient room

Yvonne, holding a nourishing tonic soup, took her sweet time fixing up her look outside Sexton’s

room.

“Palmy, this is the soup I made for…”

Inside, Palmer was locked in a standoff with Sexton over taking his medicine.

Chapter 23

meds last time that made me sick! They are all bad stuff,

Palmer was helpless.

oversight that allowed Sexton’s meds to be tampered with last time, but now It’s Sexton’s excuse for not

just for you, and I

I won’t

her skirt supported by a huge crinoline that required her to sidle through the door, with an umbrella in hand that

a bit

Ms. Schnabel?

was like a psychedelic trip! And it was a hospital, not

fellow blue–blooded young lady, how could

had always preferred a clean, neat look. Yvonne’s getup was like jumping

no–go zone.

changing into something more appropriate?

her chin, sizing up Annie who stood a head taller in a

Who’s this chick?

criticize my careful selection for seeing

are you, some random chick? Worthy of standing next to Palmer?

Schnabel, you’re a woman too, so how can

lowlifes, I am Palmer’s fiancée, the future lady of the Pollack

Annie was flabbergasted!

actually married Mr. Pollack? That would plunge the entire Pollack Group into

saw a colorful

12:22

“And you are?”

Annie aside, fawning over him. “Grandpa Sexton, I’m Yvonne from the Schnabel family. I specially brewed this soup for you!”

eyes drying out looking at her glistening lids. “Yvonne? Never heard of a

Sexton didn’t

was icy, devoid

she claims she saved

out in disbelief. “What? No, no, no, definitely not her. The one who saved me was way prettier, had better

as her lie

and I know how to take care of your grandfather, so let me stay and look after

as a natural–born

come back to see my grandfather again. You and I have nothing to do with

shock. How could he

I’m your

eyes deep and dark, “A mere adopted daughter of the Schnabel family

did Palmer get wind of that?

was freaking out! “I truly love you, Palmer, and I’m the one who’s meant to be your wife.

instantly, a bodyguard stepped up. scooped up Yvonne