The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Noella always had a feeling that Oriana wasn't as simple as she appeared to be. A fool, perhaps, but a fool with some powerful connections behind her. To know someone like Dan, you'd need a pretty solidwork!

Mizar shrugged. "Well, that's why you and Palmer are such a great match. Annie mentioned the Abyssal Organization has been poking around that woman too, along with that pint-sized gang."

"It's quite something that you're both snooping on the same person. Truly a match made in heaven."

Noella raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile. "A perfect match, indeed. What about it?"

Seeing the smile on Noella's face sent shivers down Mizar's spine! He hurried off with his crew, eager to escape the lovey-dovey atmosphere. Talk about being force-fed sweetness!© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Turning around, Noella saw Palmer standing behind her, bathed in the corridor light, the fragmented daylight gathering around him, accentuating his distinguished aura.

"When did you get here?"

Palmer chuckled, his voice smooth and enticing. "With your sharp senses, you already know the answer."

The first rule of being a hitman was to use the sounds of breathing to pinpoint people around you, and Palmer's presence was something Noella was all too familiar with. She had known he was there from the moment he arrived!

"You've been looking into Oriana?"

Palmer reached out to Noella, taking her fingertips in his. "Yes, I knew you'd be investigating too, so I went ahead and did some digging. I've already sent the data to the Obelisk Organization."

"Sharing the Abyssal Organization's findings with the Obelisk Organization for free? Mr. Pollack, isn't that bad for business?"

"Not at all, I've gained the Obelisk Organization's most valuable treasure!"

Catching his implied meaning and feeling the intensity of his gaze, Noella's smile widened.

"So, you plan to take over the Obelisk Organization?"

"No, I'm thinking of handing over the Abyssal Organization, but only if I come with it."

It sounded like he was the real prize of the Abyssal Organization!

Holding Noella's hand, Palmer glanced towards the emergency exit. "Our first meeting was here in Imperial City, right at this spot!"

If only he had known then that this girl would be the one he'd spend the rest of his life with, he might never have let her go.

Hand in hand, they entered Sexton's hospital room, where Megan was visiting the old man with her three grandsons. Little Gavin ran up to Noella and hugged her leg tightly.

"Auntie, hug!"

Megan scolded gently, "They're not married yet, don't jump the gun."

Noella bent down to pat Gavin's head. "It's fine, it's just a title."

She didn't mind being associated with Palmer, especially in front of his family.

Sexton chuckled, "So, Noella, I hear your brother Ulrich is planning a wedding? That's wonderful, Malvina is a lucky girl to marry into your family!" "Malvina is great, and being fated with Ulrich is a blessing for our family too."

Sexton eagerly asked, "Can I... go home soon?"

His days were numbered, and he wished to spend his remaining time at home. Noella checked Sexton's pulse. "You can, I'll visit you every day at the Pollack Mansion."

"That's settled then! Your grandfather mentioned someone wanting to meet Elara, bring them over for me to see!"

This was news to Noella, presumably an arrangement between the Schnabel family and another influential family seeking an alliance with Elara. "Alright, I'll ask my sister about it."

Sexton's mood lifted at the thought of going home, showering his great-grandsons with affection, But soon, confusion clouded his face as he looked at Gavin, "What's your name again?"

"I'm Gavin, great-grandpa!"

"Why the Vaughn surname?"

"Because my grandpa is a Vaughn, and my grandma is your daughter!"

"And why do you call me great-grandpa?"

After Gavin's explanation, it was

clear this wasn't the first time he had to remind Sexton of their connection. Megan turned away, her eyes welling up with tears. She, Palmer, and Noella stepped outside.

"Grandpa keeps forgetting things, but he's really looking forward to your engagement. Sometimes he even asks why Palmer's mother hasn't visited him yet..."

Sexton was nearing the end. Palmer looked solemn. "Let's bring grandpa home for his last days. Our engagement party can be at home."

The Pollack and Sexton homes were close, with a large garden in between perfect for celebrations. Megan nodded. "It's a good idea. Let him enjoy the home atmosphere one last time."

...

Serene Haven, Dragon Tower, the Pollack Mansion.

After bringing Sexton back home, the whole family seemed to have entered into a silent pact not to mention his illness. Sexton himself seemed to have forgotten about his

sickness altogether!

Elara bent down to greet him, "Grandpa, I'm back, and I brought your favorite apple pie."

“Elara, come here let me have a look at you...Lavinia, why did you come back alone? Isn't Jacob with you?"

Elara paused, realizing Sexton had mistaken her for Lavinia Richardson!

"Grandpa, it's me, Elara. Mom will be visiting you in a few days."

“Oh... Elara! Grandpa has missed you so much!"

Watching Sexton's cloudy awareness, Elara couldn't help but silently cry! Noella patted her shoulder.

"Sis, don't be sad."

Elara, trying to hold back her tears, said, "Noella, it breaks my heart to see Grandpa like this..."

"Grandpa Sexton mentioned that Mr. Patel's son wanted to meet you, suggested you should bring him over sometime."

“Huh? Who's that? I don't know him! I've been getting calls recently, but I blocked the number because it was interrupting my work!”

Elara checked her phone and indeed found several messages asking her out for dinner.

"Forget it, with Grandpa's current state of mind, if I bring someone home, he might think Mom divorced Mr. Pollack and brought another man over!"

Given the situation earlier, that wasn't far-fetched...

Elara's gaze drifted to Horatio, who was chatting with Helen in the garden. Maybe it was his bald head shining under the sun, or perhaps he was just naturally conspicuous!

"Noella, do you think if I went over and flicked Horatio on the forehead, he'd hit me back?"