The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 44

Palmer’s eyes were glued to Noella on the stage the whole time.

He’d run through a gazillion scenarios in his head, but never saw it coming that she’d turn out to be the lady of the Schnabel family!

She looked stunning in that gown! The sheer silk outlined her slender waist, which was slim enough to make anyone green with envy.

The gown was tailored to perfection, with each swirl and pleat meticulously designed, making her look like she was enveloped by waves and clouds as she moved. With a pink diamond necklace gracing her swan–like neck and her hair cascading down like mist, she was the spitting image of a fairy straight out of a storybook.

Tristan was busy introducing Noella around and raking in a ton of birthday presents.

But Palmer was on the move, heading straight for Noella!

“Hey, wasn’t there some kind of arranged marriage deal between the Pollack and Schnabel families?”

“Yeah, and look at Palmer making a beeline for Noella. If you ask me, they’re a match made in heaven.”

“Totally! Only a family like the Pollacks could land a celestial beauty like the fairy–like young lady from the Schnabel family.”

Hearing the whispers around him, Palmer couldn’t help but crack a slight smirk.

“Happy birthday! This is my gift to you.”

Noella’s eyes met Palmer’s, and there was a fleeting look of surprise in them.

Tristan slapped his forehead and quickly introduced them, “Oh, Noella, totally slipped my mind to introduce you. This here’s Palmer Pollack, your fiancé. You two were betrothed as kids and now’s the perfect time to meet.”

“Palmer, this is my daughter, Noella!”

Palmer nodded with a mischievous and teasing grin, “Noella? That’s a pretty name, got it

memorized!”

She

Couldn’t tell if he was emphasizing her name on purpose or not! And fiancé? She knew she

had one, but she never imagined it would be Palmer!

What happened to driving an Uber and scraping by?

“Here’s my gift for you.”

beautifully wrapped box with a pearwood carving and

12-13

Chapter 44

my heart’s bright moon. Palmer.”

when he saw the

for Noella? Why another one? You’re being

Noella’s face, as tender as

one was for Ms. Schnabel, this one is from me to Noella,”

of young people’s idea of romance!

his way to give

clam, and he even started to ponder whether the grandkids would take the Schnabel or the

simply said,

my dear fiancée.

this guy for real?

speechless for a moment, but with all the eyes around, she couldn’t diss Tristan’s face and had to

Schnabel and Mr. Pollack are such a dream

and with Mr.

be off–the–charts cute!”

Their sister had just come home, and they

could they let some random fiancé swoop in and steal

“My sister just got

smile. “Noella’s still young; no rush for marriage. We, the Schnabels, aren’t planning on marrying

decade? Noella would be an old maid

frowned at Palmer and pulled Noella behind him. “No offense, Mr. Pollack, but aren’t you twenty–four already? My sis is only nineteen. Don’t you think you are a

twenty–four, so how did

“Mr. Pollack, you’ve delivered your present,

12:14

Chapter 44

her, but her sharp eyes stayed fixed

if you don’t like him, just say it. We don’t need to marry off a daughter for some business

shielded Noella behind them, not leaving

closeness, was

the way here to give Noella a gift. You all go.

Pollack, I saw a few families you’re in business with over

still wore a gentle and affable smile. “No, you go ahead, Beckett.

a bit annoyed.

was definitely not