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.

owed her something. and that was exactly a thought from someone who loved her. Both the Schnabel and the Horwich families felt they owed

affection. Her silver locks didn’t dull her elegance one bit. Instead,

you decided on a university yet? If not, how

acceptance letter from her bag and handed it over to

Imperial University to

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

that starry courtyard, Old Mrs. Lambert had taught her to

one will shine bright

make the prettiest jewels for grandma!”

Mrs. Lambert was over the moon, showering Noella with kisses

letter, Freya beamed ear to ear.

star! A scholarship offer, no less! The brainy kid is surely

Noella’s letter and

just 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

tell

a

in the Schnabels – not to mention Elara being some kind of teen prodigy.

few

bawling. “The Schnabels have a few jewelry businesses – they’re all yours now! I

12:21

Chapter 79

all

it’s not that your dad and I don’t want to take care of you. Look at me – I got pushed around because I was stuck at home

painful memories, Tristan was a bundle

jet off somewhere after Noella starts school. Let the eldest deal with the household mess!”

off Noella, we’ll take a trip. Didn’t we buy an island last time?

their fun and leave him to mop up the mess

at his wit’s end dealing with Ashlyn’s tantrums and

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

eyes lit

Sienna around since childhood. She was also

only one having meat in her