The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 183

Elara's gaze drifted from the photograph with a serene detachment. "We do have a striking resemblance. We must share some serendipitous connection."

"It's uncanny. I must say I've taken quite a liking to Miss Elara too!"

Lucian observed the exchange silently, his eyes eventually drifting to the manor's verdant garden, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Noella glanced at Lavinia with a smile. "Lavinia, that hair clip of yours is gorgeous. May I take a look?"

"Of course, you can. I heard from Master Killian that you are studying jewelry design, right? This clip was crafted by a master jeweler; it's quite unique."

Noella carefully unfastened the hair clip from Lavinia's head, admired it for a moment, and then returned it.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

After a short while, Noella and Elara got up to leave.

Lucian quickly interjected, "What's the rush? You've only just arrived. Stay a little longer."

Noella answered politely, "We were just passing by; we didn't mean to disturb you guys for so long. My sister and I still need to get home for dinner."

Lucian knew he had no right to ask them to stay but couldn't bear to see them go. "Elara, could I get your phone number? Maybe you could visit me sometime?"

"Sure, I'll be working at a research institute in Imperial City soon. If I happen to drop by for a meal, you can't send me packing!"

The largest research institutes were conveniently located near the Richardson family estate, with Phoenix Lab's affiliated labs close by.

Joy spread across Lucian's face, smoothing out the wrinkles into a wide grin. "Come by anytime, my dear. If anyone tries to shoo you away, they'll have me to answer to!"

Stepping outside the estate, Elara exhaled deeply.

Noella swung a leg over her motorcycle and handed Elara something.

"What's this?"

"Lavinia's hair."

Noella had snagged it while removing Lavinia's hair clip, enough for a DNA test.

"You said you trust DNA more, right? Lucian also sneakily put away the spoon you used."

Elara hadn't noticed that detail. She slapped her forehead as if struck by a sudden revelation. "Is there enough DNA on the spoon, or should I drop a few strands of my hair in there, just in case?"

"That should do it."

Elara quickly pulled a few strands from her head, sealed them in a baggie, and said, "Wait here, Noella!"

She dashed back to the manor and, panting, crouched in front of Lucian. "This is for you. The spoon might not be enough!"

Lucian blushed at being caught red-handed. "Well, I didn't mean to..."

"No worries. Call me with the results. Goodbye, Lucian!"

Watching Elara's hasty retreat, Lucian chuckled, holding the strands of hair in his hand. "That girl's got spunk. I like her!"

...

In the depths of the night at the Schnabel Manor in Serene Haven.

Noella was on the video call with Yasbel.

Yasbel sprawled on her bed, exuding an air of defeat. "Boss! The old man's arriving in Imperial City tomorrow! We've got to pick him up. Ugh, I'm done for!"

"Is the Gemstone Gambling King invited by the Gruber family here?"

Master Hector, the previous Gemstone Gambling King, had an impeccable reputation for his skill in valuing precious stones. His biggest pet peeve was anyone tarnishing his moniker with false claims and deceit!

Yasbel scoffed. "The last Gemstone Gambling King's on a flight across the ocean, and the current one's right here. If it's about half-baked gem betting, no one beats me. Calling himself a king? More like a joke! The Gruber family's Walden sure knows how to stir up trouble. He’s still oblivious to the lesson from his last encounter with you and Mr. Pollack. Tomorrow, he's hosting a public gemstone auction, and the Gruber family's turning a blind eye because of Gemstone Gambling King’s title."