The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 24

The little black car smoothly rolled out of the Imperial West Hospital grounds.

“That gal you just saw? She’s not my girlfriend.”

Noella didn’t respond.

“She’s my secretary.”

Noella was like, what’s the deal with her?

Running the show as one of the big three on the deep web, it’s no surprise Palmer’s got a few secretaries, especially when that secretary looked like she could seriously kick some butt probably a real whiz at her job.

“Not bad.” said Noella.

Palmer went on to clarify, “You can’t replace the standout abilities and shining moments that women bring to the table at work, so yeah, I’ve got a good number of ladies on my team.”

Noella nodded in agreement. “Totally get you. My big bro’s company is chock–full of women too. He always says no one falls for the boss just because of the job at hand; integrity and skills trump gender every time.”

Palmer chuckled, “Your brother and I are on the same page.”

“Guys can fall for their boss just as easily. It’s got nothing to do with gender.”

That’s not exactly what Palmer meant!

Palmer touched his nose, trying to mask the stiffness around his lips.

“You’ve heard about Thorpe entering the country, right?”

“Yeah, Thorpe’s probably here to touch base with Toxic Monarch.”

Thorpe, the big cheese of the Cerulean Whale Organization, cozying up with Toxic Monarch in Harmonia Country’s Imperial City – that’s quite a meet–up!

“What’s your take?” asked Palmer.

Noella shot him a look and said coolly, “Toxic Monarch’s after the Harmonia market, and Thorpe’s gunning for us. They’re just teaming up for a quick minute.”

Being both seasoned foxes in the deep web game, Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s combined craftiness could run circles around the planet, with not less than eight or ten sly tails trailing behind them.

When Palmer heard her say “us,” the corners of his mouth curled up ever so slightly, a wave of indescribable joy sweet as honey flooding his heart.

Noella, catching the smile on Palmer’s face, was a bit speechless.

1/5

12:22

She’d just mentioned Thorpe and Toxic Monarch joining

Hospital was pretty decent too; might be worth

Group, the CEO’s

desk, not a wrinkle to be seen on his shirt, his chiseled features exuding a warm elegance,

by respectfully. “Mr. Schnabel,

“Let’s hear it.”

Her pocket money was capped at two hundred a month. often not even paid out. Last

the Lamberts, grew up with Noella. She pulls in five grand monthly, raked in

brow, struggling to contain the

player. The Lamberts wanted Briony to marry into

yesterday, Noella got nabbed – all orchestrated by the Lamberts. They were hoping to sell her

shaking in his

rotten bunch!

grip snapped clean

if they were just nice to my sis, even if they were broke. But to torment her like

and refinement; his

the bar tonight

curving into a

2/5

12:22

Tobin I’ll be right

“Got it.”

At the bar.

biggest watering hole in all of Imperial City, the bar was a blaze of

packed. No sooner had Noella stepped in than she felt a few deliberate bumps against her

close, his towering frame casting a protective shadow over her.

she’s with

Palmer’s icy demeanor, Instinctively

to be wearing a sandalwood–like cologne,

Noella held her breath, about to step back when Palmer’s hand pressed against her spine.

there.” He leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and tinged with barely–contained delight and allure, thick

Palmer’s nod towards a booth. And sure

had crossed paths with Thorpe and knew his mug. The unfamiliar

back a reassuring pat, which to any onlooker might

got over fifty goons with. him. Wouldn’t be surprised if there are more drug lords lurking around here.” Noella did a quick. headcount of the

she figure out Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s

making it a little hard for him to let

the intrusion, but we gotta play it cool to keep