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.

was exactly a thought from someone who loved her. Both the Schnabel and

looked at Noella with tender affection. Her silver locks didn’t dull her elegance one bit. Instead, they

corner. Have you decided on a university yet? If not, how about shadowing grandma in biology?”

letter from her

off to Imperial University

had settled on her school and major a while back, partly because Imperial was closest to the Schnabels, and

in that starry courtyard, Old Mrs. Lambert had taught her to identify the stars while cradling

shine bright as a star too.”

I’ll study jewelry design and make the prettiest jewels for grandma!”

over the moon, showering Noella with kisses

Noella’s acceptance letter, Freya beamed ear to

star! A scholarship offer, no less!

in, grabbing Noella’s letter and planting several kisses on

perfect! She was beautiful, sweet–tempered, and excelling academically even in the dump of the Lambert family. Such a flawless daughter was truly Sienna’s pride and

why didn’t you tell us?”

a

not to mention Elara being some kind of teen prodigy. Her acceptance was hardly a big

got it a few days ago.”

beside himself with emotion, practically bawling. “The Schnabels have a few jewelry businesses – they’re all yours now! I will keep them warm for you until

12:21

Chapter 79

all

own career. Noella, it’s not that your dad and I don’t want to take care of you.

his wife bring up painful memories, Tristan was a

let’s just jet off somewhere after Noella starts school. Let the eldest deal with the household

last time? We should get one for Noella when she comes

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

was at his wit’s end dealing with

glanced at Beckett, who was lost for words.

lit up!

love for Ashlyn for ages. They’ve watched her push Sienna around since childhood.

they were kids at the dinner table, Yvonne was the only one having meat in her bowl, while Beckett and his little brothers could barely lay their