The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 86

“Craving anything to munch on?” he asked.

“Nah.”

Palmer got the hint and gestured for Annie to steer the car towards a downtown eatery.

“Into painting, are you? Prefer oil or sketch? Got a few decent pieces back at mine, could owing them by next time.”

“I’m more into oils. Don’t bother, I’m swamped with paintings as it is.” She said.

Master Killian must churn out a gazillion paintings for her each year, and Ivan, Killian’s star pupil leaves his works lying around Polaris Star’s lab like they’re going out of style.

“So spill. What’s your jam?” Palmer requested.

Noella couldn’t help but look up at Palmer with a puzzled look.

The guy was a mix of suave and ice–cold, one glance and you’d peg him as a ruthless ruler with a heart of stone. Yet, when he peered at her, all you could see was this uncontrollable tenderness.

Those deep and piercing eyes carried a touch frosty, while his whole vibe screamed a chilled elegance. And there, at his cuffs, a pair of ruby cufflinks added him an extra layer of posh.

“Why the sudden interest in my likes?” she asked.

“I could play the guessing game with your preferences, but hitting the nail on the head with gifts. is always a win. Plus, I wanna get to know you better.” Palmer whipped off his glasses that were perched on his prominent nose and put them aside casually.

Without the barrier of lenses, he could gaze more intently into Noella’s crystal–clear eyes.

“Before I knew you were my fiancée, prying into your likes might’ve! can, I’d rather hear it from you than through the grapevine.”

Under his intense gaze, it was like she could see a vast starry sky.

“Got it.” She nodded.

Now

hey, if you are itching to figure me out, there are plenty of ways. I’m an open book.”

her lips, glancing at Palmer, “Saw this morning’s gossip rag tagging you with

froze instantly. Tabloid journos always cook up anything for clicks!

spiel, he’d be up incapable of defending himself.

on Noella’s lips.

leapt into action as she watched her boss get cornered, “Miss, that

13:24

Chapter 66

Mr. Pollack, and they were at the Pollack Group’s hotel. We’ll handle that

to test Palmer. She just

squirm.

to the Pollacks. Was worried you’d be spooked because they’re a tad overbearing. But since you’ve

who couldn’t muster a smile. She never wanted

a Pollack family dinner, and with Noella unable to get

Horwich Mansion

like a faucet as she said, “Grandpa, I never wanted to compete with Noella! But she’s just too much. She tossed out the painting I slaved over for two months!”

dedication to that piece and knew it was a labor

if Noella tossed it, there must be a reason.

and wasn’t about to meddle. Whatever she wanted

hands are tied. Here’s what we’ll do: I’ve got a small gallery and

in their

even a tenth of Merrick’s size!

fobbing her off

prime gallery, and she’s

unfair to me. Is she holding a grudge? That painting was my heart and soul. Grandpa’s an artist: surely he understands the significance of a work. If she treats an artist’s

it off as if it were nothing. “Noella can do as she pleases. Worst