Chapter 839

Marcus glanced at the sausage, his brow furrowing momentarily before a smile tugged at his lips again.

Rhea’s eyes danced a perilous waltz, oscillating between Marcus’ form and Millie’s all-too-attentive

countenance. Fury ignited within her, recognizing the brazen flirtation that was unfolding before her

very eyes.

Casting Darin to the shadows, she left in a defiant stride. Darin, compelled to follow, was arrested by a

sudden realization.

He understood that Rhea’s storm needed its time to abate.

Arriving at the swimming pool’s edge, Rhea’s eyes caught the glimpse of a vine, alive with blossoms,

which she regarded with a snarl.

It was tripterygium wilfordii, a seductive plant whose allure hid a deadly secret. Every inch of it, from its

tender sprouts to its vibrant pollen, concealed a toxic wrath. Even the slightest mistake in handling

could unleash agonizing torment.

With a resolve unshaken, Rhea plucked the blossoms, their innocence betrayed by her intentions, and

wrapped them discreetly in her handkerchief .

As she engaged in this dangerous harvest, thoughts swirled tempestuously in her mind. Millie’s

happiness was a fire she yearned to extinguish, to eradicate that triumphant smile.

“Ah, you’ve returned.” Darin’s voice exhaled a tremor of relief, as if a held breath finding release. “If this

setting doesn’t quite harmonize with your spirit, we could always retrace our path and journey back,” he

proposed, a soothing note woven into his words.

Fear for Rhea’s safety loomed Large in his heart, a shadow he couldn’t quite dispel.

“Extend your stay here a while longer, if you may. The allure of indulging in roasted oysters beckons to

me.” Upon observing the vacant vessel that was Millie’s cup, Rhea answered.

“Aware of your fondness for oysters, I’m preparing a roasting delight for you at this moment. They were

procured by me with your delight in mind.”

With a dutiful nod, Darin attended to the grill, the aroma of oysters wafting into the air.

Rhea’s face grew somber, her eyes falling upon the empty beverage table, a secret unnoticed by the

oblivious crowd.

Capitalizing on the chance, Rhea deftly maneuvered herself before Millie’s artisanal beverage, adeptly

concealing any sight beyond her presence.

With a masterful illusion, she mimicked the act of pouring a Libation for herself. Yet, beneath this

facade, she deftly scattered the elusive tripterygium wilfordii pollen into the vessel, a gesture woven

with hidden intent. Then, in an air of tranquil composure, she gracefully departed from the scene.

Cognizant of the vacant state of Millie’s cup, Rhea foresaw her impending approach to quench her

thirst.

As foreseen, following a bout of indulgence in piquant fare, Millie’s yearning for revitalization surged.

With eagerness propelling her, she made her way to the beverage station, deftly pouring herself a

Libation.

Uplifting her gaze, Millie Lifted the vessel to her lips, partaking in a succession of measured sips that

effectively quelled the Lingering fire of spiciness. Employing a delicate hand to sweep away the beads

of perspiration adorning her brow, she unveiled a contented smile, a testament to her gratification.

A chuckle, cold and precise, escaped Rhea’s lips.

“The roasted oysters have emerged as a delectable success. I invite you to savor their essence.” The

invitation was extended with a touch of culinary anticipation.

As Darin presented the grilled oysters to her, Rhea rose from her seat, gently pushing the platter aside

with a subtle gesture.