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

last time that made me sick! They are all bad

Palmer was helpless.

to be tampered with last

was made on a dedicated production line just for you,

and I

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 nearly poked secretary Annie

was a

Ms. Schnabel?

sense was like a psychedelic trip! And it

young lady, how could her taste be

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

no–go zone.

mind changing into something more appropriate?

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

Who’s this chick?

she to criticize my

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

so how can you endorse such

you lowlifes, I am Palmer’s fiancée, the

Annie was flabbergasted!

yet Yvonne was like this, what if she actually married Mr. Pollack? That

glanced at Yvonne and saw a colorful blob standing there.

12:22

“And you are?”

fawning over him. “Grandpa Sexton, I’m Yvonne from the Schnabel

felt his own eyes drying out looking at her glistening lids. “Yvonne? Never heard of a Schnabel granddaughter by that

Sexton didn’t recognize

devoid of any

she claims she saved

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

as her lie was

I didn’t mean to lie. I 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

as formidable as a natural–born Satan, cold

out, and don’t you ever come back to see my grandfather again. You and I have nothing to do with

How could he be

your

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

the world did Palmer

and I’m the one who’s meant to be your wife. Marry me and

scooped up Yvonne in a sideways hold because of her