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

it was the wrong meds last time

Palmer was helpless.

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

line just for you, and I personally oversaw it,

I

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 nearly

a bit

Ms. Schnabel?

like a psychedelic trip! And it

how could her taste be so…

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

no–go zone.

top–notch assistant, suggested, “Ms. Schnabel, would you mind changing into something more appropriate? Your outfit isn’t quite fitting

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

Who’s this chick?

is she to criticize my careful selection for

swept over Annie’s supermodel–like face and figure, scoffing. “And who are you, some random chick? Worthy of standing next to Palmer? Once we’re married,

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

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

Annie was flabbergasted!

actually married Mr. Pollack? That would plunge the entire

glanced at Yvonne and saw a colorful blob

12:22

“And you are?”

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

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

didn’t recognize her.

gaze was icy, devoid

she saved you last time.”

no, definitely not her. The one who saved me was way

as her

really am Professor Calvin’s student, and I know how to take care of your grandfather, so let me stay and look after him, and it would be even better if you could stay

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

and don’t you ever come back to see my grandfather again.

could he be so heartless to

your fiancée…”

a snort of disdain, his eyes deep and dark, “A mere adopted daughter of the Schnabel family dares

in the world did Palmer get wind

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

stepped up. scooped up Yvonne in a sideways hold because of her outrageous hat and dress,