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

missions or what? She’d just mentioned Thorpe

might be worth getting Vocalist checked out when

Group, the

seen on his shirt, his chiseled features exuding a warm elegance,

by respectfully. “Mr. Schnabel, we’ve dug up everything on Noella’s time with

“Let’s hear it.”

a month. often not even paid out. Last year, she got a measly five hundred for the whole year,

in five grand monthly, raked in thirty thou last year, mostly under–the–table cash from

contain the

fiancé lined up, the big shot Milford from the Rosenberg family of Tranquility City. But the Rosenberg heir’s a player. The Lamberts wanted Briony to marry into the Rosenbergs. so they kicked Noella to the curb. When the old Mr. Schnabel sent folks to get her,

orchestrated by the Lamberts. They were hoping to sell

assistant was shaking

rotten

Beckett’s grip snapped clean in two!

if they were just nice to

and refinement; his assistant had never seen him

Tobin from H&Y Corporation wants to meet you at the bar tonight for

scoffed, his thin lips curving

2/5

12:22

Tobin I’ll be right over.”

“Got it.”

At the bar.

the bar was a blaze of flashing lights with thundering music that rattled

No sooner had Noella stepped in than she felt a few deliberate

close, his

she’s with

with Palmer’s icy

she noticed he seemed to be wearing a sandalwood–like cologne, subtle, filling

close to a man, Noella held her breath, about to step back when Palmer’s hand pressed against

low and tinged with barely–contained delight and allure, thick with a magnetic

cheeks flushed even redder, her back stiffening as she followed Palmer’s nod towards a booth. And sure

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

back a reassuring pat, which to any onlooker might have seemed

goons with. him. Wouldn’t be surprised if there are more drug lords lurking

– how did she figure out Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s headcount in just a split

making it a little hard for him to let

we gotta play it cool to keep Toxic Monarch and