The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 11

“The Schnabel family is steeped in culture and high society. Where did this wild and unruly girl come from, daring to butt in even on my own sister? Just looking at her brings bad vibes.”

Stirling, with a flourish, served Noella a bowl of soup using the fancy gold–plated serving spoon. rolling his beautiful eyes in the process.

“Seriously, who knows who’s fresh off the turnip truck, being spoon–fed by Mother Nature herself. With your bumpkin vibes, you could go back to the countryside and get straight onto farming.”

Yvonne was at a loss for words. Her hands, clad in lace–trimmed white gloves, tightened around the hem of her dress, her facial expression contorting.

“Stirling. Jasper, I’m just looking out for Noella. Why are you being like this? I’m part of the Schnabel family, too. I just want us to be a harmonious and beautiful family. Grandma was worried about Noella not knowing the ropes and sent me here on purpose.”

When Ashlyn was mentioned, everyone held their tongues.

Yvonne was an outsider, but Ashlyn was, after all, their elder.

The Schnabel family was all about strict upbringing; elders were to be respected.

Tristan waved his hand impatiently. “Noella’s got her head on straight; she’s awesome. The whole family adores her. Just head back, will you? Don’t disrupt our family dinner.”

Yvonne’s eyes bulged in disbelief. She had deliberately stood at the entrance for half an hour. timing her entrance with dinner, just to show off her impeccable table manners compared to country–bumpkin Noella.

That way, the Schnabels would see that she was the perfect fit for the family.

Why do they still side with Noella, knowing full well she was rough around the edges?

Was this all about blood? So what if she didn’t have it?

Yvonne, her face burning with shame, stormed out.

Ulrich, with his golden hands, peeled a plate of crab meat for Noella and passed it over with a beaming smile. “Give it a try.”

The crab meat was succulent, the roe rich and flavorful.

“Delicious,” said Noella.

Tristan smiled. “Honey, just tell us whatever you like. As Jasper said, from now on, you will set the rules in this house. Mom and Dad will listen to you.”

Sienna said lovingly, “Don’t take Yvonne’s words to heart. She’s no relation to our family. She bears the Schnabel surname because your grandma does. You’re the only daughter of our

household.”

Noella nodded, feeling the warmth of the Schnabels‘ protection–something she had never experienced in eighteen years with the Lambert family.

“Thanks, Mom, Dad, and brothers. I’ll remember that.”

Yvonne left in a huff, not a single tear on her face.

Hunger pangs gnawing at her stomach, she wandered through the vast Schnabel garden. nearly getting lost.

a group of servants planting new flowers. Yvonne asked curiously, “What’s going on here?”

in this courtyard and plant roses for her.

stunned. Those lilies

How could everything be snatched away just

with envy, Yvonne scurried off to call

There’s trouble. Mom, Dad,

replied indifferently, “That’s it?”

darting around, finally blurted out with determination, “Elara, don’t you want to know why you were

brains. Go work off some of that extra energy by exercising; there’s no

face twisted

at odds with her since childhood, nothing but

Yvonne dashed off toward Ashlyn’s place.

the Heartfelt Orphanage

eighteen and had no

the Schnabels, so she took a cab to the

was in the suburbs, surrounded by a private

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Chapter 11

sea of

Noelia entered the orphanage, a piercing gunshot rang out. Her instincts had her swiftly

past, cursing, “Damn that

If we’d known he

it. If he spots us, we’re

on their feet, but not

sky, and the four assassins dropped

handsome features. He was dressed in a vintage vest and suit jacket, his tie unruffled by

again, Wise Fool.”

her brow furrowing slightly.

nearby. Saw some commotion and thought I’d kill

was at a

were those desperate to make a buck with their lives on the line. Vocalist must be one of

“The target?”

what he had learned. “The director of Heartfelt Orphanage. Client unknown, order taken by the Cerulean Whale organization.”

Noella turned on her heel and strode into the orphanage. In the orphanage, the director’s

“What are you digging into? I can

memories. I used to live here.”

pity flashed

even if he went toe–to–toe with her, Palmer couldn’t guarantee walking

was

files she needed and

knew you’d show up and cleared the place out in advance. Swear, when

was already a ghost

surprised at