Chapter 146 Distraction
Jamie had already downed two glasses of wine, his face flushed a faint red.
Hearing what Caroline said, he figured it was time to go out and teach that brat of a niece a lesson.
How dare she cause a scene at the Somerton Residence?
He flashed Caroline a tipsy grin, then got up and swaggered toward the front door.
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Caroline watched his back as he walked away, the corner of her mouth curling into a sly smile. That was exactly what she wanted.
Just like last time, she quickly switched her glass of red wine with the one sitting in front of Helen.
To avoid raising suspicion, she casually followed them toward the door after the switch.
Outside, Jamie was already yelling at Maia. “You little brat! What the heck are you doing here causing trouble? Aren’t you ashamed? Get lost already!”
Maia had heard everything from Caroline about what Jamie was planning tonight. She rolled her eyes and shot back, “Before you go yelling at other people, maybe take a good look at yourself first!”
Caroline gave her a subtle look, signaling it was time to leave.
Maia continued, “Just because you have more people doesn’t mean you get to bully me. I’ll be back for my paycheck, just so you know.”
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away in long strides.
Of course, the paycheck was just an excuse. The real goal was to clear the room so Caroline could make her
next move.
Alaina let out a frustrated breath. That little brat had ruined her mood.
But at least they’d gotten rid of her.
After slamming the door shut, Alaina forced a strained smile as she looked at the others still standing awkwardly by the door. “Don’t let that ruin our evening. Let’s keep eating.”
Helen pouted and said, “I’m going to wash my face.”
The thought of Maia’s spit on her face made her feel downright sick–like her face had been smeared with something foul.
But for tonight’s big plan, she had to hold it in. Just for now.
Next time she saw Maia, she was definitely going to settle the score.”
After washing up, Helen returned to the dining table with a smile, as if nothing had happened at all.
“Weren’t we going to toast? Come on, let’s do it!”
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Caroline followed suit, and the four clinked glasses. Then each took a sip–or more.
Alaina watched gleefully as Caroline downed her entire glass in one go. She tried to act concerned.
“You’re supposed to sip red wine slowly. Why’d you drink the whole thing?”
But honestly, it was better that way–casier for the medicine to work.
Caroline responded with a casual shrug, “Isn’t the whole point of a toast to finish the drink? Or did I get that wrong?” Then she glanced over at Helen’s glass, noticing it was still half full.
“You’re the ones who wanted to toast, but you didn’t even finish your drinks. Where’s the sincerity in that?”
She waved dismissively and stood up. “This is boring. I’m heading out.”
Alaina panicked, her smile turning stiff. “Don’t go; that’s on us. We’ll drink it all right now.”
She threw Helen and Jamie a look, signaling them to finish what was in their glasses.
Helen was not happy. Who made up this nonsense about having to drain a whole glass during a toast?
Bullshit!
But for the sake of keeping Caroline here, she’d put up with it–for now.
She picked up her wine glass and chugged what was left, the liquid gurgling down.
Then, to prove her point, she flipped the glass upside down. “Now do you believe I’m sincere enough?”
Caroline stared at the empty glass with a faint smile. “That’ll do.”
All she cared about was Helen drinking the entire glass. As for Jamie and Alaina? They could do whatever they wanted.
After the toast, everyone dug into the food.
Alaina kept reminding Caroline, “Don’t let the food get cold. It’s not good for you. Eat it while it’s warm.”
Caroline nodded half–heartedly, her eyes darting toward Helen now and then.
She had a guess as to what kind of drug they slipped into the wine tonight–either a sedative or a sceping pill–but she wasn’t sure yet.
She had to wait and observe Helen’s reaction.
Caroline didn’t have much of an appetite, but to avoid suspicion, she followed Alaina’s lead–whatever she picked up. Caroline mimicked.
About 20 minutes later, Caroline noticed Helen stifling a yawn.
And that yawn–it was familiar.
Exactly the same as last time, when Helen had drugged her.
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Chapter 146 Distraction
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Caroline waited a few more minutes, then stretched and let out a big, fake yawn of her own. “Wow, I’m really tired.”
Alaina’s eyes lit up with glee. “If you’re sleepy, go lie down for a bit. I already made the bed in your room a few days ago. I had a feeling you’d come back to rest soon. Didn’t expect it to be this soon, though.”
Hearing that, Caroline couldn’t help but curl her lips into a cold smile.
To someone who didn’t know any better, her sister–in–law almost sounded caring.
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