The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 191

Yates's eyes sparkled with intrigue at his secretary’s words. "But she's just an adoptee, what a waste."

"Sir, an adoptee is still a daughter of the Schnabels, and a cherished researcher at that," the secretary reminded him.

Yates stroked his chin, his face a canvas of schemes. "Two daughters, and this one has little value. But if something were to happen to that annoying one, wouldn't she become the sole heiress?"

Yates was angling for a lucrative alliance with the Schnabels, and he knew he had to pick the most profitable match. Only as an only child could she inherit the undivided wealth of the Schnabels, allowing him to clinch an absolute victory in the inheritance battle of the Grubers.

If Ms. Schnabel wasn't the right fit, he could always set his sights on another Ms. Schnabel!

"Make the arrangements. Such a trifle should be well within your capabilities."

"Yes, sir."

...

Outside the Gruber mansion, Master Hector waved at Noella. "Noella, Yasbel and I will head out to make some preparations. See you tomorrow!"

Noella nodded. "Stay safe. The Grubers might do something."

Master Hector dismissed the concern with a casual wave, clearly not intimidated by the Grubers. "Don't worry, I'd be disappointed if they didn't try. The Grubers think they can cause me trouble? Hmph!"

Years of dealing with the rough-and-tumble of the gemstone world had seasoned Master Hector well.

Lucian chuckled. "Your life's getting cheaper by the day. The Grubers are no threat. It's the Shadow Dragon Society behind them that plays for keeps."

"I don't care if it's dragons or snakes; they all bow down before me!"

Lucian's steely gaze rested on Noella, suggesting, "Take care of yourself... and when Elara has a moment, have her come see me. I hold her dear!"

Noella understood Lucian's hint. "I'll let her know."

Watching Master Hector and Lucian leave, Malvina idly played with her hair. "Noella, darling, knowing Yates as I do, you and your sister better watch your backs."

She couldn't be too direct, but she trusted that clever Noella would get the message.

"I will, thank you."

"Let's exchange contact info, please!"

It was clear Malvina wasn't having the easiest time with the Grubers. Noella agreed, and they exchanged contact details.

"Yay! Rest assured, as long as I'm around, Yvonne won't have a day of peace!"

Noella smiled lightly. "She's no concern of mine."

To Noella, Yvonne was a mere jester, not worth her attention.

"That's even better. If there were ties, I'd have to be more careful dealing with her."

"Do as you please."

Malvina simply found Yvonne irksome, and Noella's response was all the assurance she needed.

...

On the way back, Palmer was still beaming with joy.

Noella glanced at him and airily remarked, "It's just a piece of emerald, Mr. Pollack. Haven't you seen the world?"

Palmer laughed softly, his eyes gleaming as they settled on Noella. "I'm just assessing the relationship between my fiancée and Master Hector."

From Master Hector's demeanor towards Noella to his support for the Schnabels, and the fact that Noella casually picked a top-grade Glassy Type emerald, along with Yasbel treating Noella with such respect... If he wasn't mistaken, the Gemstone Gambling King had a close connection with his little lady—perhaps Noella was the King herself!