Chapter 231



“Hold on a sec,” Bria said, a sugary-sweet smile plastered on her face. It was the same smile she’d used when they first met. Bria looked like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, the appearance of a charming girl who did no harm. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and those bangs framed her face like an innocent cherub. With such a face, she could fool anyone. Easy on the eyes, that was what Bria was.

But Kallie knew better. Every time that smile appeared, trouble followed like a bad smell. This time was no different. Terror coiled in Kallie’s stomach, icy and tight.

“You know, after getting a good look at you today, I have to say, you’re actually quite pretty,” Bria cooed, her hand reaching out to stroke Kallie’s cheek.

Kallie couldn’t help but shudder as Bria’s cool fingertips brushed against her cheek. It felt like a poisonous snake slithering across her skin, sending chills down her spine.

Kallie hadn’t bothered with makeup lately. Sure, her features weren’t movie-star perfect, but her facial structure was striking, especially her big, watery eyes. Kallie’s eyes could hold a softness that tugged at anyone’s heartstrings, but beneath the surface, coldness took hold, especially around figures like Bria.

Bria clicked her tongue, a look of annoyance flitting across her face. There it was again, that flicker of Ewing in Kallie’s eyes. It was freaking her out.

Bria swallowed her annoyance. Putting on a fake look of concern, Bria remarked, “Well, pregnancy really takes a toll on a woman, doesn’t it? Look at you, your eyes have lost their spark. But hey, lucky you! My special tonics just arrived today, and seeing as I’m feeling generous, I’ll share some with you. Come on, take some.”

Someone next to Bria immediately chimed in, “That’s right! Miss Nixon’s tonics are made with the rarest herbs, practically impossible to find! You better be grateful and thank Miss Nixon right now!”

Kallie’s stomach lurched. This couldn’t be good. Her fingers trembled as she typed a message on the phone. “Thank you for offering, Miss Nixon, but I’ve already taken my meds today. Combining medications can be dangerous. It wouldn’t be good if your kindness backfired, would it?”

Bria’s smile was sharp, her laugh laced with venom. “You know, for a mute who keeps to herself, I thought you didn’t understand how to butter someone up. Guess I was wrong. Listen up, I’m giving you some of this medicine. Take it, or I’ll assume you hate me.”

Bria flicked her wrist. A maid scurried in, a jar of medicine clutched in her hand. The moment the medicine was brought in, the room was hit with a powerful stench of medication.

Pregnancy had already messed with Kallie’s stomach, thanks to morning sickness. Now, with that smell suffocating the room, her insides churned like a washing machine on a spin cycle.

Kallie knew Bria wouldn’t poison her outright, but who knew what was in that jar? If she took one sip of that, things could get ugly.

Swallowing her pride, Kallie dropped to her knees in front of Bria. Her fingers swiftly danced on the screen as she typed. “Miss Nixon, I don’t know what I’ve done wrong, but I apologize. Please consider this. I have to finish your grandpa’s birthday present as soon as possible. Kindly do not force me to drink this.”

Bria observed Kallie in silence. After a moment, she let out a snort. “Well, forget it then,” she declared. Relief washed over Kallie instantly. Yet, to her astonishment, Bria wasn’t finished.

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