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

the wrong meds last time that made

Palmer was helpless.

meds to be tampered with last time, but now It’s

this batch was made on a dedicated production line just for you, and I personally oversaw it,

won’t listen, and I won’t take it!”

promptly stepped forward, her hat adorned with a massive cluster of artificial flowers screaming for attention, and her skirt supported by a huge crinoline that required her to sidle through the door, with an umbrella in hand that

was a bit upset.

with Ms. Schnabel?

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

blue–blooded young lady, how

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

no–go zone.

as a top–notch assistant, suggested, “Ms. Schnabel, would you mind changing into something

haughtily lifted her chin, sizing up Annie who stood a head taller in a professional suit.

Who’s this chick?

my careful selection for

are you, some random chick? Worthy of standing next to Palmer? Once we’re married, I’ll have him fire all the female

too, so how can you endorse such workplace

Palmer’s fiancée, the future lady of the Pollack family!”

Annie was flabbergasted!

actually married Mr. Pollack?

at Yvonne and saw a colorful blob

12:22

“And you are?”

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

her glistening lids. “Yvonne? Never heard of a Schnabel granddaughter

didn’t recognize

devoid of any warmth.

saved you

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

her lie was

your grandfather, so

his aura as formidable as a natural–born Satan, cold and heartless.

grandfather again. You

shock. How could

your

adopted daughter of the Schnabel family dares to call herself my fiancée? Since when did the Schnabels grow such a big

in the world did

meant to be your wife. Marry me and you’ll see I’m the best

his hand dismissively and instantly, a bodyguard stepped up. scooped up Yvonne in a sideways hold because of her outrageous hat