The Killer Queen (Noella Briony) novel Chapter 315

Palmer chuckled softly. "Need me to tag along with you guys?"

It was pretty obvious that the vintage paintings missing from Garrick's place the other day were Horatio's doing.

Horatio waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, you wouldn't get our vibe. You’d just be in the way for me and Noella. Just chat with Helen, alright? Make sure everything's ready for the memorial!"

Palmer raised an eyebrow. This was the first time someone had told him he'd be a bother!

But then again, this was Horatio speaking, whose insights as a spiritual practitioner always seemed particularly pure. Meeting those clear, earnest eyes, Palmer knew Horatio spoke his mind.

It was hard for Palmer to feel offended.

"Grandma's out of town, so I'll handle the preparation. Just get back soon. If you need help, give me a buzz," Palmer said, directing the latter part to Noella.

"Got it, will do."

Horatio clapped Palmer on the shoulder, satisfied, and left with Noella.

...

At Larson Pollack’s estate, Larson was almost amused by Old Mrs. Pollack, who sat across from him, sipping her coffee with an air of indifference.

"Mrs. Pollack, how many times do I have to tell you? Those antiques were meant for the auction!"

"Larson, we both know the true origins of those items. Don't make me report you."

"They were all legitimately bought with my own money. How can they be tainted? If it weren't for Palmer ruining my business, I wouldn't even be selling these things!"

Helen didn’t even bother to lift her drooping eyelids. "I've made myself clear, Larson. I'm taking those items. You know very well whether they're yours to keep."

Larson was at his wit's end!

The moment Helen stepped in, she insisted on claiming all the antiques Larson treasured from his storeroom. When Larson resisted, Helen threatened to report him on the spot, her phone already poised to dial the Cultural Heritage Agency!

"Ma’am, those vases came through clean deals, you can't just slander me like this!"

Helen offered a faint smile. "Vases from 18th century, adorned with elaborate designs and patterns. You’re saying they came through clean channels? As far as I know, such items belong in museums. Exactly how 'clean' are your sources? Raiding museums?"

Larson’s expression soured. "Those are my lifelines. If you take them, I can't go through with the auction tomorrow!"

"I care not. I've come for them, and I will take them. Otherwise, enjoy your time behind bars."

Helen left Larson with no other choice.

Suddenly, thumps echoed from the ceiling.

Larson looked up towards the noise, only to hear Helen's sarcastic remark, "Oh dear, seems you've really hit rock bottom, hosting rats in your home."

"Ma’am, I really can't just hand these over for nothing!"

As Helen listened intently to the noises, she elegantly sipped her coffee.

"Let's see the goods then. If they're not up to par, I don't want them. If they are, I'll pay you half the market price."

Hearing Helen haggle from above, Noella's lips curled into a smile.

"Never would've guessed Grandma Helen had it in her."