t to sweep the corners of the room. Hiss. A strange, heavy sound broke the silence-like a sharp intake of breat

y in the sudden light. The snake locked onto her, its hood flared and its piercing green eyes tracking her every move. If the noise ha

he cobra by its tail, and slammed it violently against the floor. The impact stunned the reptile instantly.

cobra-a species native to the South, not the North. There was no way

its. Henrick cared about her-or at least, he firmly believed she was his ticket to climbing the ranks of the Nightshires. He had been far too attentive; it was unthinkable that he'd orchestrate this. That left only Cindy and Shandie. But Cind

ghly of yourself. If you want to kill me,

k silence. Almost everyone was fast asleep. Everyone except Shandie.

r and ordered the maid up to her room. The second Janet slipped through the door, Shandie snapped, "Did

ked, waving

t you asked. I bought the most venomous snake I coul

it bit her, she would have woken up screaming in pain. M

have n

doesn't bite?" Janet sho

y aggressive. He even starved it for days.

s frown

hat hap

ratched

reatment, the victim will surely die from it. Maybe it already bit her? I

die finished, a malicious g

o go check on her, Miss So

ndie replied, w

now would only draw suspicion. Besides, if she's tak

e make absolutely sure she's dead, an

ded in ag

l morning. By then she'll be gone for good. Not even

as excitement bubbled in her chest. She unc

ward. If you need anything in

hall!" Janet gasped,

sight of the glittering jewelry. I didn't kill her, she rat

y get a peaceful night's sleep, " Shand

vering her sister's body, sobbing hysterically in front of the neighbors and the cameras

, she thought. Such a flawless display of acting would be invaluable for her fu

ep sleep. The icing on the cake was the sweet dream that followed. She was at her graduation ceremony, where Vinson, captivated by her talent, publicly announced his intention to marry her. From the

dling scream shattered the silence, shaking the entire villa. Outsid

s goin

happ

st heard someone sc

's coming from Mis

froze them in their tracks. Shandie was thrashing on the floor near her bed, convulsing violently as foam gathered at her mouth. Her face had already taken on a s

r daze. She lunged forward to help, but another servant shri

ha

uders. It was nothing like the harmless garden snakes the staff were used to seeing; its head was raised,

screamed, scrambling bac

open doorway, Henrick immediately shrank back, terrified of getting bitten. Cindy's face drained of color. "What i

owd, stood frozen with fear. Isn't that the snake I put in Arielle's room? What is it doing here? Just transporting the cobra in a box had pushed her to her limits; there was no way she dared to go ne

ndy grabbed Henrick's arm and ple

dn't save his daughter from a snake, he would lose all respect. These cowardly servants! And Cindy, too! If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be emb

.. what are you

her half-closed eyes and dressed in her pajama

ter fainted after being bitten. I have

out, her eyes flying

angerous! You ca

le's face. With her reflexes, Arielle could have easily dodged the sl

ac

m left a stark red print on Arielle's che

die, huh? Get out of my sight, you bitch! Alfred! Throw he

n. Tears were streaming down Arielle's cheeks. Before Henrick had time to answer, she cried out, "Dad, I only want you to be safe!

me! If something happens to me, they won't make it.Besides, it gave him the perfect excuse. Who would under

her? She's worrie

shes Shandie harm..

ly interrupted, her voice tremb

l prove it to you with my actions.

hands and stepped toward the snake, showing almost

ul, Ms. S

ake is v

In his eyes, Arielle mattered far more tha

closer!" he begged, t

off and continued to a

and pinned the snake's tail to the floor with her broom. The blow only enraged the cobra further; its hissing grew louder and more thr

seemingly grueling fight, Arielle finally managed to subdue the snake, pant

issors or a knif

forward just enough to hand her a small kitchen knife. Arielle place

and fear, she finally committed the act.

?" Henrick asked frantica

eemingly still in shock. The moment her father

was so s

ne, sweetheart, " he soothe

bed.Then she pulled back, her expression resolute. "Bu

e was also deeply caring! What a treasure! Catching sight of the glaring handprint on Ariel

her life to protect Shandie, and you a

ndy stammered,

re not fit to manage the household affairs, " Henrick bar

tely drained fro

anted to... " she began,

Stay in your room to reflect, and don't come

the maids ran into th

the ambulance