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

Vocalist hit in the head during some missions or what? She’d just mentioned Thorpe and Toxic Monarch joining forces to wipe them out, and he’s still

might be worth

Glory Group, the

behind his grand desk, not a wrinkle to be seen on his shirt, his chiseled features exuding a

stood by respectfully. “Mr. Schnabel, we’ve dug up everything

“Let’s hear it.”

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

the current darling of the Lamberts, grew up with Noella. She pulls in five grand monthly, raked in thirty thou

to contain the rage bubbling inside and

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

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

was shaking in his

rotten bunch!

grip

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

epitome of composure and refinement; his assistant had never seen

to meet you at the bar tonight for a

scoffed, his thin lips curving

2/5

12:22

Mr. Tobin I’ll be right

“Got it.”

At the bar.

was a blaze of flashing lights with thundering music that rattled the senses and soul.

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

pulled her close, his towering frame casting a

she’s with

flirts, faced with Palmer’s icy

a sandalwood–like cologne, subtle, filling her senses, and

to a man, Noella held her breath, about to step back when Palmer’s

her ear, his voice low and tinged with barely–contained delight and allure, thick with a

nod towards a

with Thorpe and knew his mug. The unfamiliar guy sharing his

which to any

brought a posse of thirty hitmen, and the Toxic Monarch’s got over fifty goons with. him. Wouldn’t be surprised if there are more drug lords lurking around here.” Noella did a quick. headcount

taken aback – how did she figure out Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s headcount in

smelled good, making it a little

the intrusion, but we gotta play it cool to keep Toxic Monarch and Thorpe from spotting us.”