No wonder the Rivers family rushed to bring Sloane back. They wanted the benefits of a marriage alliance with the Hawthorne family, but couldn’t bear to let their precious daughter Samantha marry a dying vegetable. Naturally, they thought of Sloane—their unwanted biological daughter.
“Ms. Rivers, is there anything you need me to do?” Lena had already prepared for both outcomes the moment she learned what the Rivers family was scheming.
Sloane propped her chin up with one hand, thought for a moment, then said, “You don’t need to worry about this.”
“Yes, Ms. Rivers.” Lena didn’t ask questions and responded respectfully.
She placed another box in front of Sloane. “Ms. Rivers, this is your phone and some other devices we prepared for you.”
Sloane accepted them without hesitation. “Just what I needed.”
Before she came to Stonebridge, she had lived in the rural area with her master. After reuniting with the Rivers family, she was tricked into an asylum and cut off from the world for five years. She knew nothing about the changes that had taken place in Stonebridge.
Whatever she planned next would take careful thought.
But the Rivers family would never provide her with what she needed. In their eyes and hearts, there was only their adopted daughter—Samantha.
Once the people from Velora Atelier delivered the clothes, they left. No matter how the butler tried to pry, Lena’s answers were flawless.
“I think Sloane’s gotten thin. She must’ve gone hungry and cold in that asylum all these years.” Samantha called over her servant. “Go take good care of Sloane.”
Sloane had embarrassed her earlier—there was no way she would let that slide.
“Yes, Ms. Samantha.” Elena Quinn, the butler’s daughter, had served Samantha since she was seven. She was now her most trusted aide.
Sloane looked at the food Elena brought. The bowl of soup was still steaming with a rich aroma.
“Ms. Rivers, this is a kind gesture from Ms. Samantha. She specially had this prepared to help you recover.” Though Elena called her Ms. Rivers, her tone carried not a trace of respect.
Sloane glanced at her coolly. She knew at once this food wasn’t as simple as it looked. “Put it down,” she said calmly.
But Elena didn’t budge. “Ms. Samantha told me to stay until you finish it.”
Sloane stared at her for a long moment. A cold glint flashed in her eyes. “Fine.”
Without hesitation, she picked up the bowl and drank the soup in one gulp, then handed the empty bowl back to Elena.
A hint of triumph crossed Elena’s face as she reached for it.
Sloane casually flicked her fingernail and said, “Tell Samantha thank you for her kindness. My return gift is on the way.”
Elena didn’t take it seriously. Of course, the soup had something added, but it also contained genuine, expensive herbs. Someone like Sloane probably had nothing worth giving back.
She carried the bowl out and hurried to report to Samantha.
Samantha was about to leave when she heard that Sloane had finished the soup. She covered her mouth and laughed gleefully. “What a shame. I have to go to a party now and won’t get to see the show myself.”
With that, she strutted off in her heels, pleased with herself.
Elena waited outside Sloane’s room, keeping time. She had already set up a camera, ready to capture Sloane’s humiliation and earn Samantha’s praise.
But most of the day passed, and there was no sound from inside.
“That’s impossible. I definitely used a strong enough dose of laxatives. Even if she’s not passed out, she should at least be reacting by now.” Elena grew uneasy. If she failed her task, she would be in trouble.
After waiting a bit longer with no sign of movement, she decided to check inside.
She took out her key, only to find the door was never locked. She pushed it open and walked in.
The curtains were all drawn, the room pitch dark and eerily quiet. A chill ran up Elena’s arms, and goosebumps popped up all over her skin.
She swallowed hard and raised her voice. “Ms. Rivers, I know you’re in here…”
Bang!
The door slammed shut and locked behind her.