Selene watched Alice’s exaggerated behavior and then glanced at the calm and composed Grace beside her. She muttered, “Are you a devil or something?”

How could Alice come up with such a nasty trick?

Selene and Grace were on the same page, and it was clear that Alice knew what she wanted. Alice had already moved toward Sloan with the knife.

Sloan saw her tears and felt everything was worth it. He even shut his eyes.

“Alice, I know you’re doing this because you have no choice. I won’t scream because I know you’re hurting inside too!”

Alice pressed her lips together, her eyes red from crying. “Sloan, I’m so sorry. I really am.”

“You haven’t wronged me at all. It’s all my choice! Please don’t cry! It breaks my heart seeing you cry!”

Alice’s eyes flashed with a ruthless glint, and she drove the knife forward. But it didn’t hit any vital spots.

Sloan let out a low grunt but managed to hold back from screaming in pain. He didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his crush. As long as he survived tonight, he’d feel like he and Alice had been through a life-or-death trial together. Maybe after that, Alice would leave Yancey for him. He didn’t feel any pain at all with that thought in mind. In fact, he felt strangely pleased.

Alice, sobbing, pulled the knife out and looked toward Grace. “Is this enough? You devils!”

Grace pulled a bottle of mineral water from behind her, a faint smile curling her lips as she lowered her voice again. “We’re just getting started. This bottle of water is laced with poison, and by the end of the night, only one of you can survive.”

She glanced at the two goons, signaling them to grab Alice.

Alice’s face was instantly drained of all color, and she struggled desperately. “No, please, I beg you. Please don’t do this!”

She had been putting on airs just moments ago, trying to play the part. But now, all that bravado vanished after realizing her life was on the line. She broke down, crying violently and without restraint.

Grace slowly approached with the bottle of mineral water, her tone cold and cruel. “Ms. Lambert, you brought this on yourself by crossing the wrong person.”

With that, she twisted open the bottle cap and made a motion as if she were going to pour the water into Alice’s mouth.

Alice’s eyes were wide with terror, and she screamed at the top of her lungs. “I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die! I won’t drink it. Why won’t you let Sloan drink it? I really don’t want to die! Didn’t he say he’d do anything for me?”

Sloan’s eyes shot open immediately once she said this as if he couldn’t believe his ears.

Grace’s movements froze as well.

Upon seeing that her plea was having an effect, Alice’s voice became even more desperate. “You can let Sloan drink it! He said he’d do anything for me. I don’t want to die!”

Grace motioned for the bodyguards to release Alice.

Alice’s body went limp like spaghetti, and she collapsed to the floor, writhing like a helpless creature.

Grace crouched slightly and placed the bottle of water right before her. “Ms. Lambert, will you drink it, or should he be the one to?”

Alice suddenly sprang up from the ground, snatched the bottle, and rushed over

to Sloan without the slightest hesitation. “He’ll drink it, of course!”

Her voice was filled with raw panic. She was too frantic to hide her fear.

Sloan was still in shock. This was nothing like the Alice he knew. The Alice he knew was kind-hearted and wouldn’t even step on an ant. How could she be so monstrous Row when life and death were at stake?

He didn’t say anything until Alice twisted the cap off and held his mouth open.

Now, Sloan was the one starting to panic. “Alice…”

A ruthless glint flickered in Alice’s eyes. She couldn’t be blamed; she just didn’t want to die here.

The show had to go on.

“Sloan, I’m sorry, but I want to live.”

Sloan’s face flushed red with anger. “Do you think I don’t want to?”

Alice caught a glimpse of Grace walking toward her, and fear shot through her, causing her body to tremble. In a panic, she shoved the bottle into Sloan’s mouth.

“Mmph-“

Sloan struggled violently, but he was tied to the chair and completely unable to

break free. Within a minute, he had drunk the entire bottle.

He bent forward, trying to throw up, but just as he did, he heard Alice throwing the empty bottle to the ground. She immediately felt a sense of relief and aske

“Can

leave now? I’ve done what asked.” sŵnovel

Grace shook her head, clicking her tongue lightly.

“Ms. Lambert, you really are ruthless. This poison only takes a sip or two to be fatal, yet you made him drink the whole bottle. Now, he’s beyond saving.”

Alice’s body stiffened, and hearing Sloan vomiting desperately made her seethe with anger. If she ever figured out who was behind this…

Sloan retched several times, but nothing came out.

Grace opened the door and waved her hand dismissively. “We’re leaving now. Ms. Lambert, you can go too. I’ll see you next time.”

Selene was a little surprised at her words.

Was that it?

Grace added casually before Selene. could fully process it, “Oh, and by the way, that bottle of water you drank wasjust regular mineral water, Mr. Sidler. Congrats, you’re both fine.”

Her words were carefree, but they hit Alice like a thunderclap. She staggered

back, unable to believe what she had just heard. “What?”

“Didn’t I make myself clear? The water I gave you was just plain mineral water, not poison. Congratulations, no one has to die.”

Selene couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine. Grace’s manipulation was more ruthless than anything she could have imagined. She was worse than the devil himself.