The Killer Queen

“Milford, what should I do?”

“Just sneak into Vincent’s study, find a certain document, and bring it to me. Briony, the future of the Lambert and Rosenberg families is in our hands. You wouldn’t want to see me down in the dumps, right?”

Briony hesitated. She didn’t have the clearance to enter Vincent’s study. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

“Briony, don’t you want to marry me? Once this hiccup is out of the way, I can get you a rock the size of a pigeon’s egg. Come on, just like last time, swipe Vincent’s papers for me. You got this.”

A rock the size of a pigeon’s egg! Briony’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Alright! I’ll nab it for you! Just wait, Milford!”

Milford grabbed Briony’s hand, his lips curling into a broad grin. “I’ll be waiting!”

As soon as visiting hours at the ICU ended, Briony left with her head turning back three steps at a time, heart heavy with reluctance.

Her father had been all for her marrying Milford in double–quick time. He would surely back her up on this. Once the Rosenberg family crisis blew over, she could spill the beans to her dad.

At the Lambert Mansion

Briony tiptoed into Vincent’s study and, amid a mountain of paperwork, she pinpointed the document Milford had mentioned and made off with it, careful as a cat burglar.

Her heart was racing like a drum roll! Just the thought of soon becoming Milford’s bride made her feel like she was floating on cloud nine!

Too bad her bliss was a no–go show for Noella, who would be green with envy if she caught.

wind of it!

Belinda lounged on the couch, soaking up a massage from the nanny.

She felt like she had been put through the wringer just thinking about the stint she had had to endure in the clink because of that little stinker Noella.

“Where’s Briony?“.

“The young miss is visiting Mr. Rosenberg at the hospital.”

“That’s good. At least Briony knows the score: She better clinch that marriage deal with the Rosenberg family. Once she’s in, she’ll be living the life of Riley! As for that little stinker Noella…”

Belinda’s thoughts took a sharp turn. She shot up and found Vincent watering the garden,

12:26

dragging him over to sit down,

“Honey, do you reckon the old lady left some dough for Horta in sacs YAGE DE Bezed the bucket? How else could she have cut loose so easily

It clicked for Vincent.

“The old bat always had a soft spot for Hoella. No way she’d leave this wild without leaving a little something behind. If Noella managed to snag Jasper, she must have used her coc

Belinda frowned. “That’s not on. All that foot should be Brionys. She’s the Lambert’s flesh and blood. Why should Noella get a dime?”

Vincent nodded. “I’ll give Noella’s folks a ring myself to make her cough up every penny, it’s all Briony’s!”

Thinking they could take anything from the Lamberts? Fat chance!

Vincent made up his mind and headed upstairs to his study.

Five minutes later, he bolted out of the study, sweating bullets!

“Where the heck are my papers? That’s the bid proposal our company needs. It’s top priority!”

Belinda joined the panic. “Did anyone go into your study? Briony and I just got back. We haven’t been in there. When did you prep the bid?”

“The same day Noella took off. Haven’t glanced at it since!”

Vincent slapped his forehead, grinding his teeth. “That little snake! She must’ve swiped it. Is she trying to get back at the Lamberts?”

“What do we do now? Should we call the cops?”

The bid had too many secrets to go public. If Vincent called the cops, Noella would be in hot water, but he would be the one embarrassed. If word got out, he could kiss his reputation in Tranquility City goodbye.

“No, no. Let’s get ahold of Noella first and make her hand it over. If we push her too far, and she runs off to our rivals with the bid, then what?”

“That treacherous little brat! I knew I should have…”

Belinda caught herself mid–sentence, realizing she was about to spill the beans, and clammed

1. up.

Lucky for her, Vincent was so wrapped up in the bid that he didn’t catch her slip–up.

At Imperial City, Imperial West Hospital.

As Noella stepped out of Marcel’s ward, she spotted a familiar car parked at the hospital entrance.

The setting sun cast its glow on the black car and the dashing man leaning against it, painting a picture of worldly charm. His faint smile tugged at Noella’s heartstrings.

“Please.”

Noella got in the car, frowning slightly. “Can’t you get any other fares? Why do you always end up picking me up?”

Palmer was speechless.

“My car’s a bit rough around the edges. The platform won’t approve it, and you don’t seem to mind.”

True, the car had seen better days. Most Imperial City Uber drivers had nicer rides, and with Palmer’s unique situation, getting approved was tricky.

Palmer leaned in, close enough to help Noella buckle up, his scent of sandalwood enveloping her, making even the dust in the air seem bewitched.

“I can do it myself.

“Of course, it’s just this car’s seat belt is a bit fiddly. My apologies. I’ll work hard to upgrade to a better one.”

Noella did not know what to say.

What did his car upgrade have to do with her?

She hid the flush creeping over her face, speaking coolly. “Thorpe skipped town. Actually, he never showed up at the bar. It was his brother who met with Toxic Monarch.”

“My guys found out, too. Turns out Abyssal Organization has some dirt on Thorpe. Wanna take a look together?”

Noella shot him a glance, “This intel is from the Abyssal Organization. Why share it with me?” Abyssal and Obelisk, two assassin groups that were like cats and dogs!

Palmer’s lips curled into a smooth smile. “Why not? When I do things I follow my heart, not the rules.”

Heart?

Noella turned away, feeling a bit awkward.

“Alright, I’ll share what Obelisk has on Thorpe too.”

“In that case, let’s grab a bite and have a proper chat.”

Palmer drove into the city center and picked out a revolving restaurant that oozed romance from every brick; all lit up with colorful lights.

Just as well, the joint was a real wallet–buster; you wouldn’t get out of there for less than a five–figure meal!

12:26

“Did we really have to pick such a pricey spot to eat?”

Palmer came up beside her, swung open the door, and shielded it with his hand to keep her from bumping her head.

He leaned in slightly, a ripple of darkness crossing his deep–set eyes. “The first meal I treat you to. I want it to be special. Relax, it’s just dinner. I still have enough dough for a new ride.”

Noella was at a loss for words. What’s it got to do with her?

She just thought Palmer, already not Mr. Moneybags and busting his back to support a whole org, was burning cash like it was going out of style – must be tough.

What car he would buy wasn’t up to her!

Inside the restaurant, Palmer led Noella to a window–side seat with a killer view, overlooking most of Imperial City’s nightlife.

“Any preferences?” He asked.

“Whatever.”

Palmer nodded and motioned for the waiter to come and order.

His phone buzzed, and then Yvonne’s voice, all dolled up in sweetness, sounded. “Palmy, when are you coming to get me? I wanna have dinner with you!”

“Who gave you my number?”

“If there’s a will, there’s a way. Palmy, I really like you!”

“Beat it!”

He hung up, blocked the number in one fell swoop, and messaged Annie to sniff out who leaked his digits to Yvonne.

Looking up, he caught Noella’s teasing gaze across the table.

“Palmy?”

Hearing his name from Yvonne’s lips made Palmer’s skin crawl, but from Noella, it sounded like music to his ears!

The girl opposite him was all smiles, lips shining and juicy like jelly, the name she uttered laced with an enchanting allure..

“I’ve got nothing to do with her. I can’t stand her.”

Noella nodded. “So, people you can’t stand can call you that, too? Palmy?”

Palmer was speechless.

He stood up and poured Noella a glass of red wine.

“Only someone I like can call me that.”