Chapter 361

361,Chapter 361 Tather, let’s hurry back! I can’t stand another moment in this wretched placer Sophie huffed, practically jogging as she made her way outside. She fully expected to see a corringe waiting for them:

But to her dismay, no carriage awaited them.

“Seriously? Didn’t Benedict know we were out today? Why didn’t he pick us up?” she grumbled, her frustration spilling out the moment she realized there was no carriage there.

Gabriel, who had followed her out, shot her a sidelong glance and said coolly, “Matthew is confined to his quarters, Anthony is still recovering from his leg injury, and Benedict hasn’t been feeling well. Who exactly do you think could come fetch us?

Sophie froze for a moment before mattering sheepishly, “I... I just forgot.” A flicker of quilt crossed her face as she spoke.

Then it hit her–she had sent two pots of flowers to Benedict earlier. By now, the poison should be kicking in.

Once she got back, she’d use the half–finished antidote her mother had left behind to stage a dramatic rescue. That way, the Stonor brothers would all owe her big time. Who cared if she wasn’t their real sister? As long as their lives were in her hands and she was their so called savior, they would be hers to command.

With that thought, her sour mood lifted considerably.

The stifling frustration in her chest eased a little “Alright, Father, let’s head back quickly. It’s been days since we’ve been home. Our brothers must miss us terribly.” Sophie said with a smile About half an hour later, Sophie and Gabriel finally returned to the Stonors‘ estate But as soon as they stepped inside, Sophie immediately noticed that something felt off. The atmosphere in the estate was heavy and unsettling.

Gabriel frowned, picked up a cup of coffee, took a sip to warm himself, and then turned to a nearby servant. “Where’s Benedict and the others?” he asked.

The servant stepped forward hesitantly “My lord, a few days ago, Lord Benedict suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed We called several doctors, but they all said... said... The servant’s voice faltered, his expression uneasy.

Gabriel’s face darkened. “Speak clearly! What did the doctors say?”

The servant stammered, “They said Lord Matthew should prepare for Lord Benedict’s final moments The cup slipped from Gabriel’s hand, shattering everywhere.

Gabriel stared at the servant in disbelief, his voice trembling as he asked, “What did you just say?”

Gabriel hurriedly brought Sophie to Benedict’s courtyard “Benedict!” Gabriel said.

Gabriel rushed into the room, his eyes immediately landing on Benedict, who was lying pale and motionless on the bed. Beside him, Matthew was carefully tending to Benedict.

“Father? Sophie?” Matthew’s eyes lit up when he saw them. “You’re finally back! Are you okay?”

“I was planning to check on you at the Ministry of Justice, but then Benedict suddenly collapsed. I couldn’t leave him. Sorry.

Father”

“That’s not important right now. Tell me, what’s going on with Benedict? How did his condition get so bad so quickly?” Gabriel asked.

Gabriel had only been away for a few days, yet the doctors were already talking about preparing for the worst for Benedict! At Gabriel’s question, Matthew’s gaze instinctively darted toward Sophie, his eyes scrutinizing her expression To his surprise, Sophie looked genuinely stunned, as if she had no idea Benedict would be like this.

Sophie’s shock was utterly genuine this time By her calculations, those two potted plants should have only induced preliminary symptoms by now: occasional blood- tinged coughs, localized pains, perhaps brief s Successfully unlocked! orst.

This progression makes no sense.

Benedict was going to diel She wanted to control Benedict, sure, but killing him? That was never part of the plan! If Benedict died, her plans would be ruined!

362 Chapter 362 362.Chapter 362