Aurelia slipped into the room and took a lifelike silicone mask out of an old trunk. In moments, she disguised herself as an utterly forgettable middle-aged woman, her features so plain that one might glance at her several times without any lasting impression.
Descending to the passenger cabin on the ground floor, she pushed open the door at the end of the corridor to find a tall man with unremarkable features sitting on the patio, sipping his coffee.
She settled beside him, pouring herself a cup and liberally adding cream and sugar. Black coffee was never to her taste.
"The poison Skyler made last time was not bad. Give those two a dose, and they will be high on it," she remarked casually.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Leopold's thin lips curved into a sinister smile. "You're getting naughtier by the day." Aurelia smiled mischievously. "Sweep your enemies off the board’. Merciless and efficient." She was always one step ahead, having secured the antidote from Skyler long before, ensuring she wouldn't fall victim to the hallucinogens. It had all been an act.
For every crafty move, there was a craftier countermove.
Leopold offered a dark chuckle. "I've got better stuff." Surprised, Aurelia shot him a glance. He was always one to have another ace up his sleeve, with talents under his command capable of concocting the deadliest of poisons.
"There shouldn't be any more AK Group goons on this ship, right?" As Leopold stirred his coffee, his gaze grew darker. "Their chapter isn't closed just yet." Aurelia's lips curled into a sly smile. "I understand." In the most hidden compartment at the bottom of the cruise ship, a female assassin writhed under the effects of a toxic injection. Her skin crawled with an unbearable itch followed by searing pain as if thousands of ants were gnawing at her heart. She screamed desperately for release.
"This poison won't kill you, but it will make you wish you were dead. That's what happens when you cross Mr.
Leopold," a chilling voice warned her.
"I'll do everything as you wish! Please give me the antidote. | can't take this anymore..." Meanwhile, Jewel burst into Megan's room upstairs, her face flushed with urgency.
"| just got a message from Allen. Aurelia has poisoned Leopold. She slipped it into his coffee. You need to expose Aurelia immediately and eliminate this threat." Megan shook with disbelief on her face. "Aurelia poisoning Leopold? How could it be possible?" Jewel rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Are you dense? Hypnotize her, and it was possible." Taking a deep breath, Megan asked, "Is Leopold going to die?" "What? You care for him?" Jewel raised an eyebrow provocatively.
Of course, Megan cared. Leopold's death was not part of her plan. She dreamt of being his only woman, to be loved by him, to run the Stirling Group together, but not to be a lonely widow.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
"Leopold can’t die. What would happen to me and the child if he died? The boss should kill Lana, not Leopold! Did Allen take matters into his own hands and poison Leopold?" "Stop wasting time. Go and expose Aurelia now!" Jewel growled.
"Watch your tone. It’s not your place to boss me around. | outrank you," Megan snapped back fiercely. "Do you think I don't want to deal with Aurelia? She's got my antidote and threatened to die with me. What should | do if | expose her and she refuses to give me the antidote?" "You can rest easy. The boss will surely have a cure for you. There's nothing he can't do," Jewel assured her with a dismissive grunt.
Reassured, Megan sought out Tanya, Leopold's aunt. With her in charge, Aurelia wouldn't stand a chance.
Together, they made their way to the security office.
Upon hearing the news, James sent for Aurelia to investigate.
"Madam," the officer James began, "Mrs. Stirling suspects Mr. Leopold got poisoned by the coffee you made for him. We've reviewed the security footage, and it shows you offering coffee to Mr. Leopold."