Chapter 22. Poison

Theo’s expression darkened. He rose slowly from his chair, towering over the room with a presence that made even Rina fall silent. “You wish to reward her?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with iron.

“Yes,” Rina replied firmly, though she was unsettled by his tone. “She saved my life, Theo. Whatever grievances you may have had with her in the past, you cannot deny she proved herself today.”

Theo’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. He did not trust Samantha—not even slightly. Her timing was too perfect, her story too convenient, and that “letter” was almost too damning. Yet… the evidence had arranged itself against Priscilla, and Samantha now stood shining as the hero.

He exhaled slowly, forcing his temper down. “Rina,” he said at last, his voice low and measured, “you must be cautious. Not everything that glitters is gold. A cunning snake often slithers closest to the fire, basking in its warmth while plotting in the shadows.”

Rina frowned, slightly offended