Chapter 149
Alex’s head snapped toward me, his expression a mixture of confusion and disapproval “Raina-” he started, but I held up a tend to
“I know what I’m doing,” I said firmly, meeting his gaze.
He didn’t look convinced, but be didn’t argue further.
Ito stop him.
As Adelaide rose to her feet and shuffled toward the door, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. She had no idea what was coming, and there was no better way to catch someone red–handed than in their comfort zone.
Alex gave me one last questioning look, but I ignored it. My plan was already in motion.
Adelaide had barely been inside for ten minutes when she excused herself to prepare tea. My stomach churned, and Alex gave me a sharp look, silently asking if I was sure about this. I nodded. This was the only way,
We waited until she was in the kitchen. My heart pounded in my chest as I grabbed my phone and hit the record button. With Alex at my back, I stormed
into the lötchen.
Adelaide stood by the counter, her back to us, pouring water into the kettle. She didn’t flinch when we entered.
“Step away from the drink,” I said, my voice firm and loud enough to make her pause.
She turned slowly, bet expression calm but guarded. “Miss Raina?” she asked, feigning confusion.
*Don’t play dumb,” I snapped, lifting my phone higher so the camera caught everything. “I said step away from the drink
Adelaide’s eyes flicked to Alex, then back to me. She didn’t move.
“Why?” she asked, her voice trembling just slightly. “I’m just making tea Herbal tra, like always. It’s good for your health.”
My blood boiled at her audacity. “Good for our health?” I repeated, my tone dripping with sarcasm. “You mean the same herbal tea that killed my grandfather? Did you think we wouldn’t find out what you’ve been doing?”
Adelaide’s face paled, but she didn’t respond.
“What kind of monster polsons the man who took her in, gave her a job, and treated her like family?” I demanded, stepping closer.
Still, she said nothing. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, I thought she might cry. But then she said, “I didn’t know-
The words weren’t out of her mouth before my palm connected with her cheek. The slap echoed in the small kitchen, and she stumbled back, clutching her face.
“Didn’t know?” I shouted, my voice shaking with rage. “Don’t lie to me. You kry exactly what you were doing. You’ve been poisoning us, all of us, for God knows how long.”
Adelaide’s eyes filled with tears, but they didn’t move me.
*Herbal tes,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “It was just herbal tea I didn’t know it was harmful.”
My hand connected with her face again, the sharp crack echoing in the Itchen, Adelaide staggered, clutching her cheek as her eyes welled up with tears, bur I didn’t care
“You’re disgusting.” I spat, my voice trembling with anger. “If it was so pure, why did you hide it behind the counter? Why not leave it out in the open?”
Adelaide opened her mouth as if to answer, but no words came out. Her eyes darted to Alex, who stood silently beside me, his expression cold and unreadable.
Before she could stammer out another pathetic excuse, Alex stepped forward, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. His touch sent a wave of calm through me, though my body still trembled
“Raina,” he murmured softly, Jesaning close “You need to calm down. Remember what the doctor said. Don’t let her get to you.”
1 closed my eyes for a moment, breathing deeply as I tried to center myself. Alex was right. Letting Adelaide rile the up wasn’t going to solve anything
The kitchen door swung open, and Domine walked in, litis gaze imminediately locking onto Adelaide. His jaw tightened as he took in the scene–Adelaide disheveled and on the floor, me shaking with barely restrained fury, and Alex holding me steady.
Dominic’s voice was low and cold when he spoke. “She’ll be locked up for a very long time,” he said, his words carrying a finality that left no room for Mgument
Adelaide’s eyes widened in panic, and she began stammering again, but Dominic didn’t give her a chance to continue. He turned toward the hallway and barked, “In here.”
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-25 Bonus
A moment later, two police officers entered the kitchen. Adelaide’s panke reached a fever pitch.
“No! Wait!” she cried, scrambling to her feet. “You can’t do this to me! I didn’t do anything wrong!!
The officers moved quickly, their faces impassive as they cuffed her hands behind her back. Adelaide twisted and thrashed in their grip, her vote rising to a shrill scream.
