Though hesitant and eager to end the conversation, Mrs. Prescott nodded. Seeing Isabella chatting with the engaged couple, Charlotte and Lucas, along with her cousin Jake, presented the perfect opportunity.
Mr. Prescott motioned for Mr. Reed to head to Isabella’s room in the mansion.
“Remember, the door with the Spathiphyllum next to it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Prescott went straight to the kitchen to grab the drinks she had prepared earlier.
Casually, Mrs. Prescott approached Isabella’s group with the tray of drinks.
“Isabella, why don’t you give your congratulatory toast to your cousin?” Mrs. Prescott said nonchalantly, as though there were no ill intentions behind it
“Sure! Since I didn’t bring a gift tonight, I suppose I can only offer this toast,” Isabella replied.
“Are you still upset with Charlotte? Why didn’t you bring a gift?” Jake teased.
pay a large amount in termination fees at Golden
“I’ve been facing some financial difficulties lately, especially after having to p Stage.” Isabella admitted with a shrug.
Mrs. Prescott’s composure wavered as a familiar ache settled in her chest. She’d tried to steel herself against feeling sympathy for Isabella but failed.
Lucas cleared his throat, feeling a pang of guilt. “It’s fine… Your presence was enough.”
“That’s right, Isabella! But I’m still expecting your gift at the wedding. I’m sure we’ll make up by t
then, Charlotte said meaningfully.
Without hesitation, Isabella picked up the glass without the lime garnish. It was the signal for the plan, unnoticed by anyone
“Honey, Charlotte is allergic to lime–take this glass instead, Mrs. Prescott said, smoothly exchanging the drinks.
“Oh, sorry! I forgot. I haven’t lived in the mansion for so long: I didn’t realize,” Isabella replied.
“Let me join the toast,” Jake stepped forward, flashing a smile. “To Charlotte and Lucas!”
He winked at Charlotte, drawing a frown from Lucas, who had never been fond of Jake. Charlotte had always explained that Jake just had a cocky way about him.
Mrs. Prescott felt anxious as she watched Isabella gulped her drink. “To Charlotte and my friend Lucas! May your relationship be filled with happiness.”
“Auntie, you look pale. Are you feeling alright?” Lucas asked with concern.
“Oh! I… I’ve had a drink too. I’ll handle some guests first,” Mrs. Prescott replied, trying to shake off her uncase
But just minutes later, they noticed Isabella swaying. Charlotte quickly offered to escort her cousin to her room since they were at the mansion.
But the carefully laid plan shattered when Jake burst into Charlotte’s room. He confronted and beat up Mr. Reed, leading to the engagement being canceled that evening when Charlotte and Jake’s relationship was exposed.
What in the world happened?
1/3
Chapter 52
Isabella
I suppressed the hatred in my eyes as I stared at the wine given to me by my own mother.
A call from Mr. Reed’s daughter earlier this morning was a surprise,
“Ms. Prescott.. you need my help. I overheard my father talking to yours. Avery wid
I had immediately known her offer wouldn’t come without strings. I’d seen her shy demeane during dinner them Still, I asked the obvious question.
“What’s in it for you in exchange for this information”
“You’re quick to the point, Ms. Prescott. I want to become one of SummitGlow’s artists, the declared
Her request wasn’t unreasonable–something I could easily arrange. But I didn’t want to make it sound too every
“You’ll still have to audition. Becoming an artist isn’t just about connections.” I reminded her
“That’s fine,” she said firmly. “It’s the only way to break free from my dad’s control. I’ve followed Pulsen’s success and they often mention you in interviews. I even trained as an idol and crossed paths with them in school, but my dad shattered that dream. I believe you’re the one who can help me revive it”
“Deal
Before the call ended, she revealed the shocking truth.
“They’re planning to spike your drink tonight. I don’t know everything, but I trust you can piece in together”
“Alright! You’ll know soon enough if your efforts to save me were worth it. Avery. Let’s talk after the enprent” I had told her, sealing our agreement.
I arrived early to the Prescott mansion, where the engagement party would be held. Shipping into the security control I bribed the guard with a promise of discretion and a generous offer, convincing him to let me monitor the mea he took an extended break.
An hour of watching confirmed my suspicions, I saw my mother tamper with a glass of wine, marking it with a litte partibu. Not long after, I noticed a plant being deliberately placed outside my room.
I had anticipated their plan to use Charlotte’s lime allergy as a cover. Knowing where my mother hid the liquor ne me the perfect opportunity to switch them. I also placed the plant near Charlotte’s room before joining the gathering
Soon after drinking the liquor, the room began to spin
“Are you alright, Isabella Lucas asked, his voice laced with concern.
“There’s just too much work at the office, so I have a bit of a headache,” I replied, holding my head.
“Let me help you to your room” Charlotte offered her smile as fake as ever.
“Don’t trouble yourself; I can ask a maid. You’re busy tonight with the guests,” I reminded her.
“But they’re the most busy tonight, Isabella. Charlotte knows the house well, let her help. Lucas insisted.
“Thank you, Charlotte!” I said, then pretended I was about to puke.
In the hallway, I stumbled deliberately, noting with satisfaction how Charlotte’s skin had begun to flush. The spike was taking effect–just not on its intended target.
THE SUN, TRADE S–W.
Chapter 22
“Hold on 1-1 text Jake the stamme red,
I leaned against the wall, suppressing a sweer
fiance, che dented w Instead of looking for her fiancé, Lim,
Well, I would definitely give her exertly what she wanted
