The Kiss that Sparked it All

Suddenly, a young man with a glass of wine in hand approached Olivia and inquired with a

hint of concern.

Quickly masking her distress with a practiced smile, Olivia clutched at her chest and said, “Oh, I’m fine. Did I startle you?”

“Not at all, but you seemed a bit under the weather there.”

And with that, a conversation sparked naturally between them, while Alyssa remained hidden in a blind spot, waiting for Mara to leave before she could stealthily make her exit. “Sister, oh sister, blame them if you must, but not me! Thanks to you, I’m now under the Howard family’s wing! Heh heh heh.” Mara chuckled softly, a sound that sent a chill down Alyssa’s spine.

Initially, she thought Mara was just a bit mischievous, not putting her mind to good use, but after overhearing today’s secret, she felt more strongly that Mara could no longer stay near Balfour. She had to be sent away – and quickly! It was also time to thoroughly re-investigate the events of the past.

Just as Mara was about to descend the staircase, Alyssa’s guard slipped, and she accidentally nudged the door, causing a loud “click”. Mara whipped around, alert, “Who’s there? Show yourself!”

Mara had thought this corner was perfectly concealed, so she hadn’t been too cautious. But the thought that someone might have overheard their conversation was intolerable. All her long-term plans could be ruined. She couldn’t let anyone interfere!

“If you know what’s good for you, come out now. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you skulk

around.”

Alyssa covered her mouth and nose, not wanting to provoke the madness within Mara. But Mara’s footsteps grew closer, and Alyssa began to regret skipping out on the exercise sessions her husband often encouraged her to join. If only she had, perhaps she could have made her escape before Mara noticed.

Now, trapped in this corner with no way out, she could only watch as Mara’s high heels came into view. As Mara’s gaze finally met hers, Alyssa dropped her hands and adopted an air of superiority.

“Well, look who we have here snooping around. Alyssa, what brings you to this little hideaway?”

Mara’s voice was light and cheerful, like a blooming flower, yet to Alyssa, she seemed a cannibal flower.

“Nothing much. This is my house, and I’ll wander where I please. The question is, what brings you upstairs, dear?”

Mara detested Alyssa’s condescending tone, as if she were some unworthy refuse.

“Oh, Alyssa, let’s not play games. Out with it! How much did you hear just now?”

But Alyssa feigned ignorance, “Heard what? Were you speaking with someone just now? Are you plotting again, perhaps slipping sleeping pills into my grandson’s meals? I warn you, I won’t allow such things to happen again.”

Alyssa acted as though she had heard nothing, but Mara wasn’t one to be easily fooled by such sly tricks. This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .

“Alyssa, I’d quit the act if I were you. I know you heard everything. Don’t you have anything you want to ask me?”

Now, Mara relaxed, crossing her arms. She had all the time in the world to spar with this cunning old fox.