“It’s carefully measured in tiny doses,” Daniel explained. “Slow acting. Designed not to kill immediately. It causes vomiting, weakness, hair loss…”
Martha burst into tears.
“No…”
“Whoever is doing this knows exactly what they’re doing.”
The phone nearly slipped from her grasp.
Suddenly every horrifying piece fit together.
Every single one.
Martha slowly lifted her eyes.
And froze.
Vanessa stood behind her.
Watching.
Smiling.
Coldly.
“Interesting conversation?”
Martha’s heart slammed against her ribs.
But this time she didn’t look away.
“I know what you’ve been giving Sophie.”
Heavy silence filled the room.
Vanessa narrowed her eyes.
Then laughed softly.
“Smarter than you seem.”
Martha trembled with rage.
“Why? She’s just a little girl.”
Vanessa stepped closer.
Elegant.
Composed.
Terrifying.
“Because she’s in the way,” she said flatly. “As long as she’s alive, Nathan will never fully belong to me.”
Martha felt sick.
“She’s his daughter!”
“And I’m his future,” Vanessa replied coldly. “Once she’s gone, he’ll have only me.”
Martha stepped backward.
“You’re evil.”
Vanessa smiled.
“And if you think you’re leaving this house after accusing me… you’re naive.”
Then suddenly a voice thundered from the doorway.