The test confirmed it–the chicken soup was poisoned.
Zada’s face went pale. “That’s impossible! How could there be poison in the soup I made? There’s no way. That can’t be right!”
Shaun’s expression darkened. “You made that soup yourself, didn’t you?”
Zada nodded quickly. “Yes, I did!”
Shaun’s voice turned cold. “Guards!”
A group of men in black suits rushed over. “Mr. Lane.”
He waved his hand sharply. “Take her away.”
The guards moved instantly, grabbing Zada by the arms.
Zada’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait, you’ve got the wrong person! Why are you grabbing me?”
Shaun’s face was ice. “Halsey was poisoned because of that chicken soup. You made it, which makes you the killer! Since you took Halsey and my baby from me, you’ll pay with your life!”
Hidden in the corner, Sierra watched it all unfold with quiet satisfaction. Zada had finally served her ultimate purpose–being her perfect scapegoat.
Zada’s voice cracked. “No, it wasn’t me! I’d never hurt Halsey. She was my best friend! I—”
Shaun cut her off sharply. “How do I know you were really her friend? Maybe you had something else planned all along. I know the two of you had a falling–out before. That gives me every reason to suspect you.”
Zada shook her head desperately. “No, please–you have to believe me! I didn’t poison her!”
Shaun’s tone was final. “Take her away.”
“Got it, Mr. Lane.”
The guards dragged Zada out of the hospital corridor.
Sierra’s red lips curved into a smug smile. Two birds with one stone–everything had gone perfectly.
She turned and left quietly.
Back at her apartment, Sierra treated herself to a long, relaxing bath.
She poured herself a glass of red wine and sank into the tub, letting the warm water and soft candlelight melt her tension away. Her mind wandered to the bright, perfect future she had just secured for herself.
She thought about Gilbert, sitting in prison. She’d have to visit him soon and tell him that Halsey was dead.
1/3
Gilbert had once loved Halsey so much that he’d turned against Sierra for her sake. Sierra couldn’t wait to see his face when he found out who had really won in the end.
She smiled to herself. She had won.
Sierra had finally won!
After finishing her wine, she stepped out of the bath and slipped on her robe.
Ding–dong!
The sound of the doorbell broke the silence. Someone was knocking at her door.
This late at night? Who could it be?
Sierra walked over and opened the door. Her heart skipped when she saw the person standing there.
Zada.
For a moment, Sierra just stared. Didn’t Shaun take Zada away? How was she here?
Sierra had assumed they’d never cross paths again. Zada was a pawn she’d already sacrificed, a piece she’d wiped from the board. And yet here Zada was, right at her doorstep.
Sierra forced a look of surprise. “Zada? What are you doing here?”
Zada’s hair was a mess, her face pale and drawn. “Weren’t you at the hospital? When did you leave?”
Sierra scrambled for an answer. “After Mr. Lane showed up, I–I came home.”
Zada’s voice rose, trembling with anger. “Halsey and her baby are both gone, and you just left? What were you thinking?”
Caught off guard, Sierra didn’t know what to say. She forced a shaky sigh and shifted the topic. “Hey, I’m upset that they’re gone, too. I was so devastated that I couldn’t breathe, so I left the hospital and came back. But… Why did you come here?”
Zada’s expression hardened. “Do you know? Halsey was poisoned.”
Sierra widened her eyes, feigning shock.
“Poisoned? How? Who would poison her? That doesn’t make sense. Halsey was loved by everyone! Her family, her friends, even her classmates–everyone adored her. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to hurt her!”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
