Chapter 934

"I'll do it! I'll do it right now!" Mia Lombardi curled up on the floor, her back drenched in cold sweat. Her trembling hand reached out. "Please... give me the antidote..."

Zero let out a chilling laugh and tossed a black pill in front of her.

Mia scrambled forward, grabbing the pill and shoving it into her mouth. The effect was immediate—the agonizing cramps in her abdomen gradually subsided.

"Remember, I'm always watching you." Zero's voice slithered into her ear like a venomous snake. "Try anything funny, and next time won't be so easy."

Mia collapsed onto the floor. When she finally regained her senses, the room was empty.

The setting sun cast long shadows as she returned to the villa. Moving mechanically into the kitchen, her fingers trembled uncontrollably. From a hidden pocket in her apron, she retrieved a packet of white powder and sprinkled it into the freshly made soup.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." She whispered to the empty air, tears dripping onto the stovetop.

Soon, the dining table was laden with exquisite dishes. Mia had specially prepared Vivian Laurent's favorites—sweet and sour ribs and steamed sea bass.

The doorbell rang.

"Vivian's home!" Emily Garnache's cheerful voice echoed from the foyer.

Mia's heart clenched painfully.

"Everyone, gather round." Vivian called out, her arms full of shopping bags.

Mia stood at the back, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"These are gifts for all of you." Vivian smiled as she distributed beautifully wrapped boxes. "Mia, this one's for you."

It was a smooth white jade Bodhisattva pendant, glowing softly under the light.

"I heard you've been having trouble sleeping. This should help calm your nerves."

Mia's hands shook so violently she could barely hold the gift.

"And these hand creams and aprons," Emily added. "Vivian picked them out specially, saying you work too hard in the kitchen."

Tears welled up in Mia's eyes. She stared fixedly at the floor, not daring to look up.

"Dinner's ready. The food will get cold." Her voice came out hoarse, as if she'd been wandering the desert for days.

Vivian's gaze suddenly settled on her.

Mia stopped breathing.

"You..." Vivian began slowly.