The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

"Big sis, they'll be watching over you from heaven."

Elara knew the Pollacks' kindness towards her was partly out of guilt. On one hand, they felt that Jacob wasn't reliable, and his relationship with Lavinia didn't offer Elara the warmth of a real family. So, the elderly couple went out of their way to make her feel joy. But it was also because they loved her. Their love made them feel they owed her so much. Just like how the Schnabels always felt they hadn't done enough for Noella, always thinking they could've provided a better life for her. The Pollack grandparents gave Elara an extraordinary sense of warmth.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Noella patted Elara's back. The Sextons and the matriarch were also very kind to Noella. Always smiling at her, even the usually sharp-tongued Helen had earnestly advised her to make sure she truly loved Palmer before marrying him. They were unlike Marcel, Harriet, or the Horwich grandparents. Noella felt a bit guilty. If only she had noticed Helen's intentions sooner, maybe this tragedy could have been averted!

Father Horatio approached them, his gaze lingering on the continuously weeping Elara. He softly said, "I will pray for their souls, Noella, don't worry."

"Did Grandma Helen tell you anything before?" Father Horatio shook his head. "She only showed me the single grave she had chosen for Sexton, commenting on the spot's good energy, ensuring Sexton would rest peacefully." It was because she had chosen a single grave that Horatio hadn't thought much of it! Given that Helen and Sexton didn't seem very close, Horatio hadn't expected Helen to follow him in death!

"Come to think of it, she quite liked that place... Now I realize she chose it for herself too." Helen had once said she wanted to be buried alongside her husband! Noella nodded. "I understand, Father. I'm going to check on Palmer. Please take care of my sister for me."

Father Horatio instinctively wanted to refuse, but as he looked up and saw Elara's tear-stained eyes, he swallowed his words. "Alright, I understand." Approaching Palmer, who was discussing funeral arrangements with the Pollack family, Noella stood on the outskirts of the crowd, observing the man who stood at the center like a star among pls. Palmer was dressed in a black suit, his face etched with unmistakable fatigue and solemnity. Noella stepped forward. "Palmer, you should take a break."

"Not just yet." Megan had collapsed emotionally, her husband and children gathered around her, caring for her. Half an hour ago, after crying herself into shock, Noella had administered a shot, and Megan had gone up to rest. Jacob was notifying distant relatives of the Pollack family, but it was clear he was also not in great spirits. All these responsibilities seemed to fall on Palmer alone!

Having just lost his beloved relatives, the impact on Palmer was immense, yet he had to muster all his strength to manage everything, keeping his emotions hidden! Elara could weep openly, but Palmer couldn't. Noella felt a pang of sympathy. "Then I'll stay by your side."

Palmer held Noella's hand and nodded, "Thank you, Noella. Don't worry, I won't overdo it."

"Mhm."

The Pollack family tradition was burial. Only when Palmer inquired did he learn that Helen had already arranged everything for the funeral! She had even personally selected the caskets, knowing which ones would be more comfortable underground! Reflecting on Helen's activities in the days before her death, it became clear she had been preparing for her and Sexton's final arrangements...

Elara's heart ached. "Father Horatio, can you imagine how heartbroken grandma must have been? Choosing her own casket, it's unimaginable..."

Father Horatio chanted a prayer. Calmly, he said, "Helen was a very intelligent woman. Even if you had noticed her intentions, you couldn't have stopped her."

"In fact, my master once told me he had hoped Helen and Sexton wouldn't marry."

"Because it seemed Helen gave more in the relationship. But Helen said she wouldn't choose wrong." Helen was fiercely independent and headstrong in everything she did! Whether it was learning to dive into graves, embarking on a career in showbiz, or marrying Sexton, it was all Helen's choice!

"Father, I think Helen made the right

bet." Sexton's will not only

distributed his assets but also

included many instructions for his children to take good care of Helen! It's just that he never imagined his wife, whom he never verbally declared his love for, would choose to follow him in death!

Elara wiped away her tears. "Grandpa once told me, even though grandma was difficult at times, he

always adored her. The Pollack men don't marry women they don't love."

"It's a relief grandma knew that in the end." What was thought to be just companionship turned out to be profound love!

Elara sniffled. "Father, may I lean on your shoulder for a moment?"

"Of course."

Leaning on Father Horatio's

shoulder, Elara took several deep breaths to settle her emotions. After a while, she stood up and patted her face. "Grandpa and grandma wouldn't want to see me like this. I should send them off happily! Father, grandma mentioned you plan to travel the world. When are you leaving?"

"After handling Helen and Sexton's funeral and wrapping up some matters here in the city, I'll be on my way."

"Will you come back?"

Father Horatio shook his head then nodded, his tone serene, "If someone needs me, I will return."

"Yeah, with your skills, I bet half of the city would line up at your doorstep. And if Noella needed you, you'd be on the first flight back."

Horatio spoke slowly, "Noella doesn't need a monk like me."

"Her spirit is strong. She only asked for my presence to comfort those who've passed."

"Not everyone needs what I can offer."

After all, the world is full of skeptics, and Horatio's influence can seem quite limited. A thought suddenly struck Elara. "What if I needed you?" Horatio looked down with a slight smile, dimples playing hide and seek on his pale face, the soft blush around his eyes and forehead adding a touch of gentleness. He shook his head. "You wouldn't need someone like me. And I hope you never find yourself in a situation where you would."

"Meaning, you wouldn't come." His words hung in the air, unsaid but clear!

Elara blinked, feeling unexpectedly empty, unable to pinpoint exactly what she was feeling. She glanced at the funeral parlor being set up and Horatio, who was now getting up to join his disciples for the prayer service.

"Weird, why do I feel off about him saying that? Must be because the Pollacks are gone. I'm just too sad!"