The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 24

The little black car smoothly rolled out of the Imperial West Hospital grounds.

“That gal you just saw? She’s not my girlfriend.”

Noella didn’t respond.

“She’s my secretary.”

Noella was like, what’s the deal with her?

Running the show as one of the big three on the deep web, it’s no surprise Palmer’s got a few secretaries, especially when that secretary looked like she could seriously kick some butt probably a real whiz at her job.

“Not bad.” said Noella.

Palmer went on to clarify, “You can’t replace the standout abilities and shining moments that women bring to the table at work, so yeah, I’ve got a good number of ladies on my team.”

Noella nodded in agreement. “Totally get you. My big bro’s company is chock–full of women too. He always says no one falls for the boss just because of the job at hand; integrity and skills trump gender every time.”

Palmer chuckled, “Your brother and I are on the same page.”

“Guys can fall for their boss just as easily. It’s got nothing to do with gender.”

That’s not exactly what Palmer meant!

Palmer touched his nose, trying to mask the stiffness around his lips.

“You’ve heard about Thorpe entering the country, right?”

“Yeah, Thorpe’s probably here to touch base with Toxic Monarch.”

Thorpe, the big cheese of the Cerulean Whale Organization, cozying up with Toxic Monarch in Harmonia Country’s Imperial City – that’s quite a meet–up!

“What’s your take?” asked Palmer.

Noella shot him a look and said coolly, “Toxic Monarch’s after the Harmonia market, and Thorpe’s gunning for us. They’re just teaming up for a quick minute.”

Being both seasoned foxes in the deep web game, Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s combined craftiness could run circles around the planet, with not less than eight or ten sly tails trailing behind them.

When Palmer heard her say “us,” the corners of his mouth curled up ever so slightly, a wave of indescribable joy sweet as honey flooding his heart.

Noella, catching the smile on Palmer’s face, was a bit speechless.

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12:22

hit in the head during some missions or what? She’d just mentioned Thorpe and Toxic Monarch joining forces to

Hospital was pretty decent too; might be worth getting Vocalist checked out when they get the chance.

Group, the

his shirt, his

Schnabel, we’ve dug

“Let’s hear it.”

was capped at two hundred a month. often not even paid out. Last year, she got a measly five hundred for the whole year, nearly had to fork out

pulls in five grand monthly, raked in thirty thou last

contain the rage bubbling inside and said, “Go

Briony to marry into the Rosenbergs. so they kicked Noella to the

yesterday, Noella got nabbed – all orchestrated by the Lamberts. They were hoping to sell

shaking

rotten

grip snapped

just nice to my sis, even if they were broke. But to torment her like

of composure and refinement; his

at the bar tonight for a business talk, and that Milford

curving into a scornful smirk.

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12:22

Tobin I’ll be right over.”

“Got it.”

At the bar.

of Imperial City, the bar was a blaze of flashing lights with thundering music that

packed. No sooner had Noella stepped in than she

his towering frame casting a protective shadow over her.

with me.”

flirts, faced with Palmer’s icy demeanor, Instinctively stepped back.

seemed to be wearing a sandalwood–like cologne, subtle, filling her senses, and causing a slight warmth to

man, Noella held her breath, about to

Thorpe’s over there.” He leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and tinged with barely–contained delight and allure, thick with

Palmer’s nod

back, Noella had crossed paths with Thorpe and knew his mug. The unfamiliar guy

Noella’s slender back a reassuring pat, which to any onlooker might have seemed like

Monarch’s got over fifty goons with. him. Wouldn’t be surprised if there are more drug lords lurking around here.” Noella did a quick. headcount of the crowd.

taken aback – how did she figure out Thorpe and

smelled good, making it a little

for the intrusion, but we gotta play it cool to keep Toxic Monarch and Thorpe

about an unnecessary cover–up!

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