CHapter 174

Chapter 174

Tandy was the very definition of cautious. In his story, it was sheer serendipity that brought Elara to the Schnabel household. With so many children in the orphanage, why her?

He clenched his Jaw. “Pure coincidence.”

I’ve checked ail the kids that came out of Heartfelt Orphanage that year, and you just happened to pick the brightest and the smartest. Lucky, huh?”

Tandy’s gaze drifted. “Alright, that child was indeed handpicked. Someone said she was exceptional, and that she wouldn’t raise any suspicions at the Schnabels.”

Noella nodded, seemingly agreeing with the statement.

Elara and the Schnabel boys were alike–intelligent, attractive, and cultured. It was as if she was one of their own. Standing with them, no one questioned Elara’s place in the family.

“Whose child is she?”

Tandy hesitated, silent for a long moment. “She’s doing so well with the Schnabels, so why dig into her past?”

Elara indeed lived well in the Schnabel family, but she deserved to know her origins, to choose her own family!

Noella understood this dilemma all too well. Embracing a new family was tough, but the truth was Elara’s right.

“Just tell me whose child she is, that’s enough.”

Tandy sighed, a wry smile crossing his face. “If memory serves, she’s a Pollack.”

Noella and Palmer were stunned.

Elara, a Pollack?

Xavier frowned at Palmer. “Your cousins are way older than you, your uncle is single, so your dad had an affair?”

Palmer was quick to deny. “My parents were devoted to each other.”

“Really? You’re not with your dad all the time. He could have secrets, right?”

Facing Xavier’s skepticism, Palmer added, “Even if there was a possibility of an affair, there’s no way he’d have a child Elara’s age.”

During the time of Elara’s birth, Palmer’s mother had her own troubles. It was unlikely his father would betray her then.

Tandy spoke up faintly. “It’s Jacob Pollack, the second son. He likely isn’t aware of the child’s existence.”

“My uncle Jacob?” Palmer was shocked.

Noella pictured Elara and Jacob together, their resemblance uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender than that of a mere superior.

“Now that we’re on the subject, what really happened with Jacob’s lover in the hospital?”

Tandy chuckled and shook his head. “I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave birth to the kid when an incident happened.”

Noella scrutinized Tandy, searching his face for further clues.

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Speaking slowly and deliberately, she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother was hospitalized long before, that made her leave the Schnabel family?

Xavier hadn’t anticipated Noella’s inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right then and there for answers.

Tandy looked at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give me a sip.”

With clenched teeth, Xavier grabbed a finely crafted flask from his waist and tossed it over.

As the strong liquor went down Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently. After a moment, he regained his

composure.

“I wasn’t directly involved in that matter, but I can tell you, the former director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about it; Harriet didn’t die, she even gave birth to a child, but the child given to her wasn’t the one she delivered. Do you understand?”

Under the influence of alcohol, Tandy grew agitated. “I don’t know the full story! After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither the Schnabels nor the Pollacks would spare me! But God will forgive.”

“People forget their pasts. A mother forgets her child, a spouse forgets their love. Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to us! You’ll be the brightest stars in the

heavens!”

Tandy began to sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and disjointed.

Xavier, puzzled, muttered, “What’s he rambling about? Is he losing it? I can’t make heads or tails of it!”

Noella picked up a bottle from the floor.

Fifty–five proof vodka, strong enough to muddle the senses of a sober adult.

“Let’s wait for him to sober up. When he does, give him these pills.”

She removed a necklace, opened the pendant, and handed it to Xavier.

“What’s this? Are you really going to save him?”

Noella looked at Xavier with a hint of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find the former head of Tandy Hospital? At least he knows who that is.”

Xavier nodded. “You’re right. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes it.”

Magee burst in, a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. “Xavier, we’ve got a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to storm the place. How do we welcome them?”

Every day in Lockhart Prison was a tedious affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee was all but losing his mind!

Xavier delivered a swift kick and barked, “Next time you get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting on in years; the joint’s gonna be Noella’s!”

Noella glanced at him, her gaze light as a feather. “I don’t want it. Bad vibes.”

Xavier’s face quickly morphed into an ingratiating grin. “Right, right! You’re spot on. I’ll just let you handle things for now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s got its uses! What do you reckon we should do with those jailbirds out there? Chum for sharks or feet in concrete?”

“If they die, Tandy will clam up for life.”

Xavier slapped his forehead in realization. “I better go check it out. Can’t let those hooligans accidentally off

someone!”

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With that he dashed toward the fray outside the prison walls.

Noella turned to Palmer. “What’s your take on Elara’s situation?”

If Elara truly belonged to the Pollack family, they deserved to be in the loop.

“I plan on spilling the beans to Uncle. See what he wants to do.”

His grandfather Sexton was getting on in years; the news would likely send him racing to Emerald County, which could be a shock for Elara.

*Til clue in Elara. She has every right to know, and no matter her choice, she’s family.”

Noella eyed the audio file on her phone and hit ‘send‘.

Palmer chuckled softly. “Don’t worry. It’s a shocker, but if she’s a Pollack, Grandpa will adore her. Our family’s been short on ladies for a generation.”

“That’s for the best.”.

In Emerald County, Tristan, Sienna, and the four strapping lads of the Schnabel family were waving from a hilltop at Elara.

“Elara! Over here!”

Elara, still in her lab coat, hadn’t expected the whole family to show up.

Was it because of that kerfuffle in the lab? Had they been worried?

“Mom, Dad, what brings you all here?”

“Just wanted to check on you, sweetheart. Your lab is quite a trek–nearly did in your mother and me.”

Elara hurried over to lend Tristan a hand.

A new message popped up on her phone from Noella, and Elara opened it with glee.

“Hehe, Noella must be missing me.”

After the message played, the entire family stood frozen in shock!

Elara was a Pollack, and not just any Pollack–she was the daughter of Jacob, the Pollack family’s second son?!