The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 264 Ten minutes later, a cloud of dust kicked up outside the coffee shop. A bright red sports car screeched to a halt at the entrance, and out stepped Jasper, clad in an exclusive, flamboyant floral shirt paired with trendy hip-hop wide-leg pants. His meticulously styled hair showcased several colors.

He whistled at the valet, tossing him the keys with a flick of his wrist. This man, exuding fashion sense from every pore, initially didn’t catch Darcy’s attention until he boldly took the seat right in front of her! Darcy was nearly blinded by the sparkle of at least seven rings on his hand under the incandescent lights. He smirked, an carring dangling from one ear his handsfeatures complemented by his flashy outfit, almost making Darcy mistake him for spop star fresh off a music video shoot! “Hello, partner at Four Seasons Law Firm, Jasper.” “Jasper?” “That's me. Sorry if | startled you” Jasper smoothly presented his attomey’s license and ID to prove his identity, a routine he was all too familiar with by now. It was evident that he had surprised quite a few clients befom.

After checking the documents, Darcy finally relaxed. “Hello, Jasper. I've already briefed you on the matter. It's about an inheritance Issue Despite his flashy appearance, Jasper’s professional knowledge and ethic were impeccable, quickly grasping the entire situation from the documents Darcy had prepared.

“So, you're looking to reclaim your father’s inheritance in the best possible way? However, if | may be so o bold, given your SEMI marital status to your father, fT portion of the inheritance you're entitled to might not be substantial Darcy nodded. ‘Tunderstand, but | believe they weren't legally married.” your marital “Common-law mariages under certain conditions can still grant a spouse inheritance rights. Another question, what's your status? This could also impact your inheritance rights.” I'm single, never mamed, and so is my sister” Jasper snapped his fingers, tucking his pen back into the pocket of his flamboyant shirt “Great, I've got all | need to know. Your case isn’t complicated, I'll do everything in my power to maximize the benefits for you and your “Thank you Jasper. Il pay your fee according to your standard rates!” Jasper flashed a bright smile. “No need for that. You're Noella’s teacher, and I'm Noella’s brother. Il give you a 50% discount! We'll be seeing more of each other regarding Noella’s matters!” Darcy hadn't expected that the man she’d been talking to was Beckett's brother! She subconsciously squeezed the bag on her lap, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“Wasn't Beckett Schnabel always the one handling Noella’s affairs?” “Beckett's been busy, he took the last flight out for business meetings! From now on, you can ctofor anything regarding Noella! Pleasure doing business!” Jasper’s laugh was open and hearty as he extended his hand to Darcy.

“Pleasure doing business, Jasper,” Meanwhile, Palmer opened the car door, letting Noella and Elara step out The car stopped in front of a quaint courtyard nestled within Imperial City, its antique charm standing out amid the surrounding skyscrapers, like a hidden gem exuding elegance.

The welcoming pines at the entrance, clearly worth a fortune, hinted at the restaurant's prestigious status just from its decor.

Elara was about to comment on the impressive appearance of the place when the owner greated them at the door bowing respectfully to Noella and Palmer ‘Dear guests, Mr. Pollack awaits youth the private room. The financial report for the last quarter is also in your office! Noella nodded slightly. “Thank you” It dawned on Elara that this upscale restaurant was owned by her sister, and it seemed likely that Palmer had gifted the restaurant to Noellal might like” Noella turned to Elara, smiling lightly. “Elara, there are a few dishes here you n Chapter 264 Choosing this venue was also meant to make Elare feel more at ease.

Jacob awaited them in the private room, a middle-aged man in a dark blue shirt standing tall and serene, like bamboo swaying in the wind, his presence commanding attention.

You've arrived. Please, have a seat” Palmer guided Noella to one side, leaving the seats across for Elara and Jacob. Elara furrowed her brow slightly but sat down without a word.

“What did you want to discuss?” “I wanted to ask if you'd be willing to return to the Pollack family? It's not about changing your | But id like the chance to publicly acknowledge you.” last nama you can remain a Schnabel, He had pondered over his decision, realizing his selfishness had caused Elara much distress. Initially unaware of her existence, he chose to avoid the responsibility upon learning about her “I'm not a great father, not compared to Tristan. But you shouldn't refuse what's rightfully yours. You don’t have to acknowledge me, but you shouldn't have to suffer,” Elara scoffed. “I'm doing just fine with the Schnabels. It's you who's pitiable.” She even patted Jacob on the shoulder. “Mr. Pollack, life must be tough for you- losing a wife and having a child who doesn’t acknowledge you” or words.

Jacob was at a loss for

“Don't look atlike that. You just feel sorry forand want to publicly acknowledge me, right? There's no need to make such a self-gratifying gesture .Being a daughter of the Schnabel family doesn’t humiliate a bit. The few grievances in my life mostly cfrom you. If you think | don't want to see you, then just stay away Huh, when you secretly did a paternity test and found out | was your child, why didn't you stay away then? Now suddenly you care about your dignity?” She rolled her eyes, unable to hold back her sarcasm. “Mr. Pollack, you should be grateful you didn’t know aboutwhen | was younger. With your twisted personality, you could never have raised a confident beautiful, optimistic, and strong girl like me!” Jacob knew he was in the wrong, and Elara’s words held weight and truth.

Rubbing his forehead, he glanced at Noella and Palmer sitting across from him.

“Palmer, why don’t you and Noella go for a walk? | need to have a word with Elara in private” After Noella nodded in agreement with Elara, she stood up and left the booth with Palmer “They might chat for a while. Shall we go to the office?” “As long as I'm with you, anywhere works.” Noella looked down at her hand intertwined with Palmer's.

Somehow, neither the hug they shared before nor holding hands now seemed as bad as she thought Once Noella left, Elara quickly took her place across from Jacob “Let’s hear it then. What else do you want to say?”

Jacob's voice was hoarse. “Elara, can you... giveanother chance? I've never been a dad before. |I don't know how to bond with you I ,essed up but I can change! I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I'm really envious of Tristan. I'd love to have a normal father—daughter relationship with you. Can you givethat chance?” Elara sighed softly, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips.

“Mr. Pollack, you might be new to being a father, but you were a child once. When you were little, what did you expect from your parens? to avoid you or to claim they cared while never showing up? You need to understand, it's not that | haven't given you a chance; it's that you never choseto begin with.” Elara curled up, her slender back forming an arch as her shoulders trembled slightly. Her voice choked with emotion.

“I had already accepted that my parents didn’t lovethat much. Why do you have to reopen my wounds and tellan even more painful truth?”