The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Tears streamed down Lavinia's cheeks as well.

In an effort to calm her heightened emotions, Lucian quickly intervened. "Alright, alright, I'll get someone on the DNA test right away. You just rest up, okay? Don’t let emotions swing too wildly; your health is what matters most."

Lucian had spent a fortune to have Lavinia and couldn't bear the thought of losing her in his twilight years! He hadn’t told her about the already conducted paternity test, fearing it might overexcite her.

Lavinia's gaze was icy, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes shimmering with tears.

"Dad, have you already done the test? I overheard you talking to the lawyer about transferring all your assets to Elara."

Realizing he owed Elara, Lucian had indeed instructed his lawyer to divide his assets after receiving the paternity test results.

Seeing Lucian's hesitation, Lavinia knew she was right. Elara... was really her child!

Struggling slightly, she moved her hand to grasp Elara's, patting it reassuringly. Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.

"I overheard you, but I thought I was mistaken back then. Since that’s the case, everything I have should also go to Elara. Just bring in the lawyer."

Elara waved her hands in protest. "No, no, that’s too much. I don't need money. I get a hefty research grant from the government every year, and my grandparents make sure I'm well-provided for. I'm quite wealthy!"

"It should have been yours all along. I overheard Dad mentioning it. The Richardson family might not last long. Those things are just fleeting; those are the only amends... a mother can make to

you."

Over the years, her child had grown so much. She was so beautiful, yet because of her own frail mind, she had been unaware of her existence for so long!

Lavinia fought back her tears, refusing to cry in front of Elara.

"Please take it, okay? It's all my fault. I'm sorry for not being able to protect my baby..."

Elara shook her head, burying her face in Lavinia's palm, wetting it with tears. It was a tearful moment but also one filled with warmth.

"I remember, you were born, but someone took you away from me. Who was that person?" Lavinia frowned slightly, clearly unable to recall who had taken her newborn away.

"I can't remember. There was a fire at the hospital, a huge fire. Someone helped me out, and when I opened my eyes again, I was at home."

Lucian, witnessing her distress, felt a profound sense of sorrow. "Let’s not dwell on it if you can't remember. Just rest up; Elara and I are here with you."

Tears welled up in Lucian's eyes, overwhelmed by the thought that his daughter might regain her memories.

Lavinia held onto Elara's hand, reluctant to let go, as if fearing she'd lose sight of her. Her lips quivered slightly, wanting to say something but then hesitated.

Elara, always considerate, prompted, "What do you want to say? I'm not busy these days, I'll come and visit you."

"Could you... call me 'Mom'?"

Elara looked into the eyes of the woman lying on the hospital bed. Her expression was unexpectedly calm, yet the tears in her eyes and the trembling of her hands betrayed her emotions. She probably feared rejection.

After all, from what Elara had shared, the Schnabel family seemed nurturing. Elara already had a caring mother. Did she even need Lavinia? She had failed to protect her own child.

Elara met Lucian's hopeful gaze, knowing his health was fragile, and any unexpected mishaps with Lavinia would be too much to bear.

She smiled and looked into Lavinia's eyes.

"Mom, I've missed you a lot these past few years."

Lavinia's face was filled with contentment. Her baby still wanted to acknowledge her. After so many years, she, as the unfit mother, had finally found her precious child!

"To be honest, I thought it was you who didn't want me, perhaps you had abandoned me. Especially during those years when I was doing research in the field, I saw many such cases."

"How could we ever not want you? It's my fault, for forgetting you! It's all my fault!"

"Don't say that. You're a victim too."

No mother could ever stand by and watch her child being taken away without a fight.

Lavinia, when she glanced over, had a look of tender love almost spilling from her eyes. Even Jacob, the unreliable father, had quietly resolved many issues for Elara.

"Have you seen your dad?"

Elara nodded. "Yeah, I have. Do you want to see him?"

"Not for now. I don't want him to see me like this."

Moreover, Lavinia wasn't sure how to face Jacob. Their relationship seemed tethered only by Elara, yet there was something else, a complexity that made her feel uneasy.

"I'm sorry, Elara. We've wronged you."

"Compared to my sister, I’ve been fortunate. Noella had such a hard life; I should be grateful."

"Yes, your sister is a good girl, a real sweetheart."

Lavinia's eyes teared up as she nodded off, her spirit fading along with her consciousness. After exchanging a few words with Elara, she drifted back to sleep.

After tucking her in, Elara and Lucian exited the room.

Bowie Richardson was waiting outside. His eyes lit up at the sight of Elara.

Elara was tall, with a slender waist and long legs, her short hair giving her an edgy look. Her face bore a striking resemblance to Lavinia's but carried an additional air of nobility that was unforgettable at first glance.

Bowie stepped forward, offering support to Lucian.

"I'll take care of Lorne's mess. Grandpa, I'm so sorry for the heartache. I apologize on his behalf to both you and Aunt Lavinia, and to Elara too, truly sorry!"

"It's my failure in raising him. You handle his affairs. I'm too old for this turmoil, not to mention the family business."

Bowie smiled apologetically, his demeanor respectful. "Grandpa, I'll take care of everything at home. Lorne crossed many lines you advised against; I'll deal with it all. As for the business, I plan to

transfer my shares to Elara. What do you think?"

Lucian glanced at him, considering. "You three should have received an equal share of my legacy. I wouldn't play favorites!"

Bowie shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "It's both compensation and a gesture of goodwill. My own business is doing pretty well. You don't need to worry about me, Grandpa."

Bowie and Lorne couldn't be more different if they tried. Lorne was cunning, often resorting to underhanded methods, something Bowie had always looked down upon with disdain.

"It’s good that you could think in such a way. Rest assured, I won’t mistreat you. You’re my grandson, after all!"

The conversation shifted as Bowie mentioned running into Horatio at the airport.

"I had hoped to get the master to perform a ritual, but he refused. It's a pity."

"Horatio's in Imperial City? It must be Helen who called him over. It's almost the anniversary of that poor girl from the Fowler family. When I took you and Lorne in, I had Horatio do a reading for me."

Bowie was surprised to learn about Lucian's connection with Horatio and asked curiously, "What did the master say?"