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

hit in the head during some missions or what? She’d just mentioned Thorpe and Toxic Monarch

decent too; might be worth getting Vocalist checked out when they get

the CEO’s

a wrinkle to be seen on his shirt, his chiseled features exuding a warm elegance, every

dressed in a sharp business suit, stood by respectfully. “Mr. Schnabel, we’ve dug

“Let’s hear it.”

two hundred a month. often not even paid out. Last

with Noella. She pulls in five grand monthly, raked in thirty thou last

struggling to contain the

of Tranquility City. But the Rosenberg heir’s a player. The Lamberts wanted Briony to marry into the Rosenbergs. so they kicked Noella

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

the assistant was shaking

rotten

Beckett’s grip snapped clean in two!

would’ve been okay if they were just nice to my sis, even if they were broke.

usually the epitome of composure and refinement;

to meet you at the bar tonight for a business

scoffed, his thin lips curving into a scornful smirk.

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12:22

I’ll be right

“Got it.”

At the bar.

all of Imperial City, the bar was a blaze of flashing lights

had Noella stepped in than she felt a few deliberate

close, his towering frame casting a protective shadow

with

with Palmer’s icy demeanor, Instinctively stepped back.

be wearing a sandalwood–like cologne, subtle, filling her senses, and causing a slight warmth

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

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

as she followed Palmer’s nod towards a booth. And sure enough, there

crossed paths with Thorpe and knew his mug. The unfamiliar guy sharing his booth must

to any

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

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

a little hard for him to

but we gotta play it cool to keep Toxic Monarch