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.

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12:22

or what? She’d just mentioned Thorpe and Toxic Monarch joining forces to wipe them

neurology department at Imperial West Hospital was pretty decent too; might be worth getting Vocalist checked out when they get

Group, the CEO’s office.

be seen on his shirt, his chiseled features

a sharp business suit, stood by respectfully. “Mr. Schnabel, we’ve dug up everything on Noella’s time with the Lambert family.”

“Let’s hear it.”

pocket money was capped at two hundred a month. often not even paid out. Last year, she got a measly five

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

the rage bubbling inside

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

– all orchestrated by the Lamberts. They were hoping to

the assistant was shaking in

a rotten

in Beckett’s grip snapped clean in two!

they were just nice to my sis,

usually the epitome of composure and refinement; his assistant had never seen him so angry.

Schnabel, Mr. Tobin from H&Y Corporation wants to meet you at the bar tonight for a business talk,

thin lips curving into a

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12:22

Tobin I’ll be

“Got it.”

At the bar.

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

floor was packed. No sooner had Noella stepped in than she

and pulled her close, his towering frame casting a protective shadow over

she’s with me.”

Palmer’s icy demeanor, Instinctively stepped

a sandalwood–like cologne, subtle, filling her

her breath, about

ear, his voice low and tinged

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

and knew his mug.

a reassuring pat, which to any onlooker might have seemed like a cozy embrace

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

out Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s headcount in just a

smelled good, making it a little hard for him to let

for the intrusion, but we gotta play it cool to