The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 79

The moment Merrick laid eyes on Noella, he knew exactly how he’d pen his new masterpiece!

The old man felt like his long–dormant writer’s heart had been reeled back in, and his creative block was smashed to smithereens!

Sienna was pretty flabbergasted too. “Dad, how many years has it been since you’ve written a book? I remember that you said you were gonna take a breather after snagging the Honor Literature Prize.”

The old man was all fired up, not showing a hint of feeling under the weather.

“After seeing Noella, I reckon I could whip up another ten books! Noella, kiddo, I’ve got a sort of music store and I’m handing it over to you. Pop in when you’ve got a sec and pick out a zither you fancy. We’ll start creating magic next week!”

Sienna jumped in to intercept.

“Dad, that music store’s got a ton on its plate. Noella will get worn out. If you’re fond of her, just snag her a zither and call it a day.”

Merrick’s store wasn’t just any old shop; it doubled as an art exhibition center where many maestros showcased their zithers, a real hub for the zither bigwigs.

“A girl’s gotta have her own gig. Noella, the store is yours now. Whatever dough it makes each year, it’s all yours. Oh, and throw in the gallery next door too. If it gets too much, have Beckett pitch in. He’ll handle the hustle and you pocket the cash. The old man didn’t see anything off–kilter with his plan..

He was doling out businesses to Noella left and right, with the vibe that he wouldn’t mind tossing a few more her way.

When Beckett heard this, he thought Merrick’s plan held water.

“Alright, I’ll keep things ticking over for Noella, and the profits are hers. If it tanks, I’ll take the

hit.”

The old man cracked a satisfied grin, “That’s my boy.”

Beckett already had his hands full, so squeezing in a family dinner was a feat. He was already buried in financial reports during his car rides, and piling more companies on his plate would probably run him ragged.

So Noella quickly chimed in, “I’ll manage it myself. It’s Grandpa’s hard work, and I’ll be sure to learn the ropes from Beckett.”

Merrick nodded, “Sure, they’re just small ventures. Have a little fun with them. And hey, if they go belly up, no biggie. Count it on me.”

Merrick sounded like he was practically grooming Noella to be some kind of spoiled heiress.

like he owed her something. and that was exactly a

her elegance one bit. Instead, they added a touch

a university yet? If not, how about shadowing grandma

the acceptance letter from her bag

University to study

Schnabels, and partly because she had promised Old Mrs. Lambert as a child she’d

had taught her to identify the stars while cradling her in

little one will shine bright as a

I’ll study jewelry design and make the prettiest jewels

showering Noella with kisses as their laughter filled the

acceptance letter, Freya beamed ear to

offer, no less! The brainy

in, grabbing Noella’s letter and

and excelling academically even in the dump of the Lambert family. Such a flawless daughter was truly Sienna’s

didn’t you tell us?”

a bit speechless.

the Schnabels – not to mention Elara being some kind

it a few days

a few jewelry businesses – they’re all yours now! I

12:21

Chapter 79

all for it.

I don’t want to take care of you. Look at me – I got pushed around

up painful memories, Tristan was a bundle of

school. Let the

sense. After we drop off Noella, we’ll take a trip. Didn’t we buy an island last time? We should get one for Noella when she comes to

to watch these two. So, they’d have their fun and leave him to mop up the mess

at his wit’s end dealing

Beckett, who was lost for words. “Brother, Grandpa said not to sweat it too much.”

lit

ages. They’ve watched her push Sienna around since childhood. She was also harsh

one having meat in her bowl, while