Chapter 56
The poison looked just like mushroom, but it was actually something Selena had acquired at a high price.
Each slice contained more than enough poison to kill, and there were seven or eight slices in the entire pot of soup.
It was extremely toxic.
Regan carefully cooked the soup, and once the aroma was just right, she turned off the heat.
The rich, savory smell filled the room.
As the soup was placed on the table, Thalia sniffed and asked, “Hmm? clam chowder? I have said that I didn’t want anything greasy these days.”
“Ma’am, I added some mushroom to the soup. You’ve been having headaches again, and this will help. It’s good for your health, boosts energy, and helps you sleep well,” Regan said.
“Fine, just leave it there,” Thalia said.
“Okay,” Regan said.
Regan carefully set the soup on the dining table, serving several bowls to Charlie, Thalia, and Eric.
“Dinner time. Still busy?” Thalia asked.
Hearing Thalia call him, Charlie put down his work with a smile. “Alright, I’m done. I must listen to my wife. Whatever my wife says goes.”
“You’re so oily.” Thalia playfully scolded Charlie with a glare.
The couple had been together for over twenty years, and their love was still enviable.
Eric, used to their public display of affection, just rolled his eyes.
The family of three continued their dinner happily.
***
Meanwhile, at school, Tiffany sneaked out during evening study hall.
She hadn’t been home in days and felt uneasy for some reason.
Since the afternoon, she had been feeling unwell, making her feel like something bad was about to happen.
This unease came out of nowhere but couldn’t be ignored.
Instead of heading toward the main gate, Tiffany made her way to the basketball court to climb over the fence.
However, Sandra followed her and called from behind, “Tiffany, where are you going? The teacher came by and didn’t see you. You better go explain, or they’ll deduct points.”
Tiffany glanced back, her eyes narrowing slightly.This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .
Tiffany had snuck out of study hall several times before, and Sandra had never shown this much concern.
Something felt off
Tiffany turned around and stared at Sandra’s face for a moment before replying indifferently, “It’s stuffy inside. I’m just getting some air. Now, get lost.”
With that, she gave Sandra a look that clearly said, “You may leave.”
Sandra was momentarily stunned.
Seeing Tiffany was heading toward the basketball court and not the main gate, Sandra subtly sighed in relief and turned back to the classroom.
Little did she know, as soon as she turned away, Tiffany swiftly scaled the school fence with ease.
On her way, Tiffany called home.
At that exact moment, the family had just finished dinner and were about to sip the still-warm clam chowder.
Just as the bowl was brought to their lips, Tiffany’s call came through. Thalia and Charlie immediately set down their bowls, smiling as they answered the phone, “Oh, sweetie, how’s the food at school? Is the studying pressure too much lately?”
Eric rolled his eyes again.
He’d always thought that he was adopted.
The difference in how his father treated him compared to Tiffany was simply worlds apart.
Of course, Eric was never really upset.
In their family, girls were to be cherished, whether it was his mother or sister.
Hearing the familiar voices over the phone, Tiffany relaxed a little but still felt uneasy and warned them, “Dad, Mom, I’m on my way home. In the meantime, don’t eat anything or go anywhere.”
“Why?” Charlie asked.
Charlie and Thalia were taken aback but quickly became concerned when they heard Tiffany panting over the phone. Their hearts tightened. “Tiffany, is something wrong? Should I come pick you up?” Charlie asked.
“No, I’ll be there soon,” Tiffany said.
With that, Tiffany hung up.
by now, she’d run from the school’s back alley into the bustling main street, flagged down a cab, and immediately called Jeremy.
Ever since Tiffany saved Jeremy on Sanctuary Mountain, he had reported to work at the company as soon as he recovered. Despite being just a security guard, he was talented and often helped resolve conflicts and even gave suggestions on business matters.
This led Caleb to praise Jeremy several times, saying he was being underutilized.
Although Caleb wanted to promote Jeremy, Jeremy had no interest and just wanted to be an inconspicuous security guard.
Jeremy quickly picked up the call, and Tiffany wasted no time, saying bluntly, “Go check around my house. If you see anyone pouring gasoline, kill them on the spot.”
The last four words were spoken with a chilling ruthlessness and intensity.
The driver, startled, couldn’t help but tremble.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw a sweet-looking lady, smiling innocently.
“I was talking about a game,” Tiffany said.
“Oh, I see,” the driver said.
When the cab reached the villa entrance, Tiffany got out, handed the driver a large bill, and said, “Keep the change.”
Tiffany rushed inside to find her parents and brother sitting at the dining table, just as she’d told them. They hadn’t eaten or gone anywhere.
Seeing Tiffany return, Charlie sighed in relief. “You scared us! We thought something happened. Are you alright, sweetheart? Did someone bully you?”
Tiffany’s expression darkened slightly as she detected a peculiar smell at the table.
James had taught her many skills beyond treasure appraisal and disguise, Including poison mastery.
Tiffany could identify and neutralize a wide array of poisons.
She had never imagined needing this skill, as she would never intentionally poison anyone.
But now, someone had poisoned her family.
Tiffany had sensed something was wrong from the moment she left school. She’d vaguely guessed what her unease was about.
Since Charlie’s near-fatal car accident, she knew that without intervention, the next events would be catastrophic, a house fire that would claim Thalia’s life and poison that would render Eric mute and mentally impaired.
She thought these events were years away, but they had arrived much sooner than expected.
Perhaps it was for the best.
Seeing Tiffany’s gloomy expression, Thalia approached, concerned. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”
Tiffany suddenly asked, “Did you drink the soup?”
They all shook their heads.
Tiffany sighed in relief, then turned to Regan, who stood nervously in the corner. “Who made this soup?”
Regan’s heart skipped a beat. She thought that Tiffany simply found the soup unappetizing. Trembling, she stepped forward. “Miss Kelley, I made it.”
“What did you put in it?” Tiffany asked.
“It’s just clam chowder,” Regan said before adding, “Oh, and some mushroom for Ma’am’s health”
“Tell the truth!” Tiffany said.
Tiffany walked over with a cold expression and suddenly shoved Regan against the dining table, pressing down hard. “How much did you get from Stan and Selena?”
“What?” Regan said.
Regan was terrified, frantically waving her hands. “Miss Kelley, I didn’t! I’ve worked for the Kelley family for years, always doing my duty. Please don’t falsely accuse me.”