The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 80

Merrick and Freya were making such a big deal about taking photos with Noella, as if they were more excited than if they finished novels or won science awards. They even dug out their wedding outfits to snap pics with her.

Freya’s rocking this burgundy silk dress, and man, she’s still got it all grace and poise. The dress just added to her charm.

Merrick’s suit was an oldie but goodie, with a well–preserved fleur–de–lis brooch adding a touch. of scholarly kindness.

Noella, sandwiched between the two old–timers, snapped their first group selfie.

Freya was over the moon, and she waved at Tristan and Sienna, who look like they were about to drool with envy.

They were practically itching to jump in and take pics with their daughter.

away

Last time at the birthday bash, they were so busy clicking at their girl that they totally spaced on getting a group shot. Now they were kicking themselves over it.

“Come on, get in here. We’ll photoshop Stirling and Elara in later.”

The whole family ended up taking a bunch of photos together.

Merrick couldn’t wait to switch his profile pic to the selfie with Noella. He hightailed it to chat with Marcel, “Whoa, why did I change my profile pic? Can’t quite make out who’s in it, can you?” Marcel was in the middle of a chess game with Sexton, and when he saw that message, he was so close to flipping out. “That sly old fox’s showing off his pic with Noella, huh? Just wait until she visits me in the hospital. I’ll get my photo op too!”

Seeing Noella all cozy with Merrick in the photo, Marcel was getting all choked up.

Why didn’t he think to take a pic with his granddaughter?

Now he’s just got to sit there and watch Merrick strut his stuff!

In the Schnabel family group chat, Beckett ‘accidentally‘ dropped à ton of Noella’s pics. including the fresh ones they just took.

Ulrich: [Noella’s looking adorable. That outfit’s perfect on her. Grandma doing okay? I’ll swing by after my surgery.]

Stirling: [What’s the deal here? Why didn’t we take any when I was home?!]

Elara: [No biggie, I got Photoshop.]

She played it cool, but she quickly edited herself into the group shot and uploaded it to the chat.

12:22

fake, drop the act. You’re probably

he want to kick me out? I can’t stand

was spinning as she calmed her down, “Sis, I’ll swing by Emerald County when I can. I’ll

photos with you too!”

take

hung up. She was pleased as punch and dropped the recording

chat.

Stirling was livid.

out of line! You are stirring up drama to get sympathy

lunch tomorrow? I wanna take photos with

“Sure.”

photo requests, Noella breathed a sigh

ever took pics and didn’t have

for Old Mrs. Lambert, who treasured this one photo of her as a kid. And when she was laid to rest, that photo went with her into the grave. Therefore,

photo of Noella’s sweet, gentle smile, sneaking a tear wipe when no one’s watching and planting a kiss on that photo on her phone. “My

through her heart as she sensed Freya’s love in that simple

act.

hand, “I take you to check out the music store?”

“Sure.” She answered.

they drove off with Beckett, Noella heard him humming a tune. Sounding like he’s in a particularly good

Elara wasn’t ours, he just changed – no joke,

elevator accident at the mall, and a

12-22

sat there himself, saying how great it’d be if someone did that for you

on charity, especially these last couple of years. One time, Grandma said it was Mom’s fault for losing you, and Mom just broke down and got ill. Elara’s great, but we missed you

smile too, “Yeah, I know.

reached out to ruffle her soft hair, “Elara once came to me, said she’d leave the Schnabels once you were back. But she dropped the idea as

first, so she cracked open, “Elara’s awesome. We are still a family even if she finds her own,

and

just the best, a true Schnabel through and

Elara without changing a single letter, and added a few scolding lines of his own, telling Elara to stay

bombarded him with a stream of crying

is my little angel! And how dare you scold me, Beckett? You piece of crap! Lololol! My

at his phone and felt

chuckle, “What a cheeky girl. She just has no respect for her brother.”