The Killer Queen

Sienna’s hands trembled with rage as she stared at her phone.

Marcel’s only offspring was Tristan, and with most of the extended family away from Imperial City, Sienna had been the one calling the shots since Ashlyn moved out. Their household wasn’t strict, and Sienna had always been kind to the staff. But beneath her watchful eye, a snake had been lurking

Queenie stumbled several steps back, legs quaking, yet her mouth ran with defiance. “Madam, Ashlyn instructed me to take those items, it wasn’t my doing…

The videos she had been filming mostly featured the Schnabel Mansion, particularly the part where Ashlyn used to live. Noella smirked slightly “The money on your statements has been funneled to your son, not a dime went into Ashlyn’s pockets.” Queenie had been selling off the Schnabel family treasures at bargain prices. With Ashlyn and Marcel’s divorce, the old house was even more deserted, and the missing items became more apparent. As the thefts piled up, so did the money in Queenie’s accounts.

“No big deal, Queenie,” Noella said coolly. “Your son and his wife just bought a fancy downtown apartment in Imperial City last month, without even having jobs. Relying on your support to purchase a property at a hundred thousand per square foot, your husband and sons don’t work; you’ve been carrying quite the burden, haven’t you?”

Queenie had more than one son, and the fact that each could afford a downtown Imperial City apartment outright was a testament to her “hard work“. But the nature of that hard work was something only Queenie knew too well.

Having had it so easy at the Schnabels for years, she’d allowed her sons to quit their jobs. If she lost this job, how would her sons

survive?

“Madam, please, don’t fire me. I was forced into this. Every time I sold something. I gave a large cut to Ashlyn! She made me do it!”

Sienna’s fury was palpable. “Save your excuses for the police!”

Queenie knew Sienna only listened to Noella these days. If Noella spoke for her, Sienna wouldn’t be too harsh on her.

She knelt toward’s Noella, bowing her head repeatedly and muttering pleas. “Ms, Noella, I didn’t do it on purpose. I beg you, don’t send me to jail. I’m old, and I raised the young masters and ladies…”

Noella raised an eyebrow. “The only one you raised was Yvonne, and she’s a ‘Gruber now, not a Schnabel. As for jail, it seems like the best place for you right now.”

Queenie’s social media accounts had vanished, and those who shared her videos were being contacted by the Schnabel Group for removal.

Beckett, massaging his temples, said coldly. “The police are waiting for you. The properties bought with illegal money will be reclaimed by the Schnabels. Tell your sons to claim a spot under the bridge while they can.”

Queenie collapsed on the floor!

“No, please! I’ve served the Schnabels for years, I beg of you, don’t do this. It was Ms. Yvonne’s idea, and Ashlyn’s. I’m innocent!”

Noella said, “Let the police bring Yvonne and Ashlyn for questioning too. It’s time to clean house.”

Noella’s gaze swept over the row of servants. “Queenie was dirty; you might want to clean your own hands.”

The servants panicked at the thought of being investigated. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Madam, this house is still under your rule. Ms. Noella just got back, and she’s already trying to step over you…”

“Exactly, Madam. We’ve served for years and deserve better than this. If we’re investigated, it will shake our faith.”

“Ms. Noella is a country bumpkin; she knows nothing of the Schnabel’s ways…”

Sienna, exhausted, rubbed her temples and snapped, “What my daughter says, goes! You might not listen to me, but you must heed Noellal This house belongs to Noella; we’re merely living under her grace. Whatever she decides, we’ll abide by it! She is a Schnabel. If you disrespect Noella in front of me, what would you do if I weren’t here? Lay hands on her?”

Tristan chimed in, “Exactly I’d be happy even if Noella stepped on my head!”

He regretted not being able to raise Noella, never experiencing the tender moments of a father lifting his daughter on his shoulders to watch fireworks. Elara was always mature, preferring to study and dismissing such activities as childish. Tristan never knew what it was like to have a sweet, soft daughter to cherish.

alty to the The police arrived promptly, taking aylay a group of servants. Even the driver, Wren, went along, claiming innocence and loyalty to t family.

Sienna sat down at the dining table, sighing. “This mess has happened under my watch”

If it hadn’t been for Noella stumbling upon the secretive antics of Queenie, she would’ve remained utterly clueless.

Sienna had been the apple of her parents, Merrick and Freya’s, eye, and after tying the knot, Tristan had catered to her every need. Her

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greatest challenge had been dealing with Ashlyn, which, at its core, was a testament to her forgiving and broad–minded nature.

Marcel set aside the newspaper he’d been reading and removed his reading glasses, his sharp and penetrating eyes softened with affection.

“All right, it’s all small potatoes. Water under the bridge now From here on out, we’ll let the kids call the shots when it comes to family

matters.”

Sienna was an exemplary daughter–in–law, and Marcel often thought that if his son hadn’t been so shameless and persistently wooing her, he wouldn’t have stood a chance with someone like Sienna.

How was it that both he and Hamlet, sharp as tacks, had managed to raise a son who was all show and no substance?

“Sienna, you’ve had it rough, and none of this mess is your fault! You can’t see into people’s hearts– kindness doesn’t always beget kindness. Noella handled this beautifully, and I’m delegating all things in Serene Haven to her from now on. You, Sienna, deserve a break” Over the years, Marcel had seen his fair share of those with honey on their lips and daggers in their hearts. He had watched Noella handle

the situation with a keen eye, recognizing that his granddaughter had more resilience than Sienna, more brains than Tristan, and knew when to advance or retreat

This granddaughter was simply perfect!

A true chip off the old block, Harriet’s upbringing had done wonders!