“Stay here tonight, and I’ll…” Keysha whispered into Sofia’s ear. Benjamin Robins, perceiving the intentions of his daughter-in-law, let out a knowing sigh. “You two carry on with your conversation. These old bones of mine are weary; I shall take a rest,” he remarked, his words laden with significance, and departed for some respite.
Such a reaction left no doubt that Benjamin had silently consented to the idea suggested by Keysha. However, Sofia pretended to be conflicted.
“Well… Mrs. Robins, this wouldn’t be fair to Skye,” she demurred, casting herself in the role of a genteel and virtuous woman.
“You’re being naive. As a woman, any perceived disadvantages would be yours to bear. Therefore, as long as you consent, this matter will be firmly decided,” she declared with conviction, dismissing any thoughts of equality.
Keysha held Sofia’s hand firmly, skillfully coaxing her. Yet Sofia pretended to hesitate, refraining from giving an immediate answer, afraid of revealing her true intention.
“Don’t worry, this idea is solely mine, and I’ll ensure Skye never doubts your intentions,” Keysha administered another dose of encouragement.
“Mrs. Robins… you’re so kind,” Sofia replied. She reached out and embraced Keysha while her voice trembling with emotion.
Throughout the afternoon, Sofia remained by Keysha’s side at the villa, busy with embroidery and tending to the garden, all the while engaging in conversations.
As dinner commenced, all the guests gathered in the dining room, while the servants poured wine for each of them. Meanwhile, Keysha ingeniously found multiple excuses to coax Skyler into drinking more.
Skyler didn’t refuse and went on to drink several glasses, and Sofia, not to be outdone, matched him drink for drink, indulging in multiple glasses herself.
After the meal, Sofia placed a hand on her head. “Mr. and Mrs. Robins, how strong is this red wine? I’m starting to feel slight dizziness,” she asked, her voice betraying a subtle wavering.
“This red wine has aged over the years. You, my dear, should have informed us if you were not accustomed to drinking,” Keysha reproached gently, before turning to Skyler. “Please assist Sofia to her room for some rest. I have a matter to discuss with your father.”
Skyler’s heart brimmed with dissatisfaction, yet driven by the desire to depart swiftly, he reluctantly set his meal aside. Assisting Sofia, he guided her away from the table and ascended the staircase.
Drunk from the red wine, Sofia found solace in Skyler’s embrace, intoxicated by his aroma. A surge of heat coursed through her veins, igniting an intense desire to surrender herself completely to him.
She pondered in her heart. Didn’t Keysha say she would give it to Skye? Why do l feel soun comfortable allover?
Guiding her up the staircase, Skyler warned Sofia, “Stay away from Shirley in the future. If I discover any deceit or schemes on your part, don’t blame me for disregarding our past sentiments!”
He was a sentimental person, but he couldn’t tolerate deceit. Sofia wasn’t drunk; she was merely pretending to be intoxicated to go along with Keysha’s plan. However, as she listened to Skyler’s words, an icy wave of unease washed over her.
“Skye, I’m sorry,” she apologized. Staggering up the stairs, Skyler guided Sofia to the guest room. However, just as he stepped inside, the room door abruptly clicked shut, leaving him locked inside. Before Skyler could react, he rushed towards the room door and grasped the handle, it was tightly shut.
Bangbangbang-
He pounded on the door with all his might and shouted, “Open the door! Open it immediately!” Yet no response came, only a mounting sensation of heat enveloping his body. As a doctor, Skyler comprehended the situation in an instant.
Consumed by anger, he yanked on the doorknob and forcefully pounded on the door, yet the room door remained sturdy as if rooted in place.
Skyler, belonging to one of the Four Big Families of Bloomstead, resided in a grand estate that boasted top-tier security measures. Reinforced with a sturdy panel, the door was impenetrable, rendering any attempts to break through.
“Skye, I’m burning… Skye, Skye… I feel so uncomfortable…” Sofia expressed. It seemed that the medicine had caused Sofia to lose control of her senses gradually.
