Chapter 167

When Verena read the message, she felt no storm in her heart. She had already foreseen that once Katelyn learned she was abroad, she would seize the moment to act.

Opening the attached photo, Verena studied it intently,her eyes sharp as a blade.

Katelyn, just like her, was a doctor. She had slipped medicine into Kaia's hands, who was now living at Seraphina Villas and could easily approach Isaac.

The intention behind that medicine seemed painfully clear to Verena.

She reached for her phone to call Isaac, wanting to sound the alarm.

But the call never connected.

After a pause to gather her thoughts, she dialed Bobby instead.

He answered at once, pleasantly surprised. "Verena,is this real? You're actually calling me?" A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Yes, it's me."

Bobby's voice bubbled with excitement. "Isaac told me you were overseas.When are you coming back?Once you return, I'll treat both you and lsaac to a meal."

Moved by his warm sincerity, Verena agreed, "It should only be a few more days. I'll reach out when I return."

The idea of sharing a meal with his flawless sister-in-law had Bobby practically walking on air. "Perfect,then it's settled. You mustn't go back on your word."

Verena laughed lightly before her tone shifted to seriousness. "Bobby, before that, I need you to do me a favor."

He replied eagerly, "Of course, Verena. Just say the word."

Verena explained, "Since Kaia moved into Seraphina Villas, I've been keeping an eye on her. MMy detective just informed me that she met Katelyn, who handed her a packet of medicine. No doubt it's something shady. I tried reaching Isaac, but he didn't answer, so I'm telling you instead."

Hearing that Kaia and Katelyn were working hand in glove, Bobby cursed. "Those two women are truly birds of a feather-brazen enough to scheme against Isaac! I'll teach them a lesson this very instant!"

As he made to rush out, Verena stopped him,saying,"Bobby, don't be reckless. I already have a plan."

His curiosity piqued, Bobby quickly asked, "What's the plan?"

Verena's lips curved into a cold smile. "Go to Seraphina Villas, but don't interfere with Kaia's actions.Let her believe her scheme is working,and then we'll flip the table on them. Once she slips the drug, find a reason to lead her away. By then, Katelyn should appear, and you can..."

Bobby listened closely, and by the end he was both impressed and proud. No wonder she was his perfect sister-in-law-calm in the storm and able to turn danger into opportunity.

With admiration swelling, Bobby pounded his chest over the phone. "Leave it to me. Don't worry, I'll make sure Isaac comes to no harm."

Hearing his confidence,Verena burst into laughter.

Kaia returned to Seraphina Villas and spotted Isaac's car in the garage-proof of his return.

Inside the living room, she found him seated on the sofa,absorbed in a financial newspaper.

He didn't so much as glance her way or ask where she had been, and even Rhonda didn't greet her.

A suffocating weight pressed on Kaia; never before had anyone treated her as if she were made of air.

Just as she was about to flare up, Rhonda's cheerful voice rang out. "Mr. Bobby Bennett,what brings you here?"

Kaia turned her head and saw Bobby stroll in, hands buried in his pockets.

She frowned faintly. Why had Bobby come at this hour?

Bobby shot her a scornful glance, and then said brightly to Rhonda, "Just dropped by for a meal and to check on lsaac."

Rhonda chuckled heartily. "Well then, perfect timing.One mnore dish and everything's ready."

Isaac looked up at his brother. "Does Mom know you're here?"

Clicking his tongue, Bobby dropped into the seat beside him. "I'm not a child who reports every move to our mother." Isaac lowvered his head again and continued with his paper.

Suddenly, Bobby seemed to remember something."Hey, is your phone dead? I called earlier but you didn't pick up."

Isaac instinctively reached for his pocket, and then paused before replying, "I left it in the car."

"Oh, I see." Bobby quickly handed over his phone,brimming with fake enthusiasm. "I found a few sneakers I like, but I can't decide. Mind giving me your opinion?"

Isaac's brow furrowed. Bobby never hesitated when it came to spending money, so his hesitation now had to mean something.

Sure enough, when Isaac looked at the phone, a line of text flashed before him. "Verena told me Kaia,under Katelyn's orders, plans to drug you. I'll lead her away later-someone else will handle the rest."

Danger flickered in Isaac's narrowed eyes.

Yet he swiftly masked it, remarking casually,"They're all good.Why not buy them all?"

At that moment,Kaia leaned forward curiously. "Isaac,what are you two discussing?" Bobby quickly pocketed his phone and shot her a dismissive look. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't get it."

Her enthusiasm smothered under a cold refusal, Kaia clenched her teeth but forced out a brittle laugh.

"Dinner's ready," Rhonda announced.

Ignoring Kaia, Bobby wheeled Isaac to the dining table.

Though her stomach churned with frustration,Kaia plastered on a smile and followed.

After dinner, night fell.

As Isaac was about to enter the elevator, he told Bobby,"Stay downstairs for a while. I have some work to finish."

When the doors closed, Bobby stretched out on the sofa,absorbed in a game.

Rhonda cleared the dishes and warmed a glass of milk for Isaac, as Verena had instructed before leaving-knowing warm milk eased his sleeplessness.

From the moment Rhonda began tidying, Kaia's eyes searched for a chance to slip in the drug. But with Rhonda bustling about and Bobby seated in the living room, no opening appeared.

Her patience thinned, until finally Rhonda left the warmed milk on the counter and disappeared into the restroom.

Kaia's eyes gleamed. From the corner of her gaze,she checked on Bobby-he was sprawled on the sofa,exclaiming now and then, "Awesome!" at his game.

Seizing the moment, she drew out the packet and poured the powder into the milk, stirring quickly to disguise it.

The toilet flushed. Kaia hurried back to the coffee table, lifting a cup of water and sipping slowly as if nothing had happened.

In her mind, the plan was flawless.

What she didn't realize was that Bobby had seen it all reflected on the wall opposite.

Moments later, Rhonda emerged and carried the milk upstairs.

Kaia prepared to follow, but Bobby suddenly stood and called her over.

She froze, forcing a smile. "What is it?"

Bobby feigned urgency, pulling her toward the door."Ah! I nearly forgot something important-just came back to me now!" Irritation flashed across Kaia's face. She longed to hurry upstairs, yet Bobby was dragging her out."What's so urgent?"

"Slater asked me to fetch you," Bobby insisted."Said there's something he needs to consult you about."

Kaia frowned.Slater wanted her advice? Then she remembered Verena treating Barrie. Could it be his illness had returned?

Her voice trembled with curiosity. "Is something wrong with Barrie?"

Bobby hesitated briefly, and then nodded. "Yes, it's about Barrie. Aren't you studying medicine? Go take a look."

Hearing that, Kaia sneered inwardly. So Verena's so-called cure was nothing but a bluff.With Verena gone,she alone could save Barrie.

A smug smile tugged at her lips.

Bobby, watching her, felt disgust coil in his chest. He had never met such a self-satisfied woman.

But the task now was to lead her away. He bundled her into the car and drove off.

Minutes later, Kaia remembered Isaac. By now, he must have already drunk the milk.

Thinking this, she secretly texted Katelyn before locking the phone screen.

In the rear-view mirror, Bobby caught her movements and smirked. He almost laughed aloud at their foolishness-they were digging their own graves.

...

Katelyn, upon receiving Kaia's message,hurried to Seraphina Villas.

The house lay quiet as she called out, "Kaia?"

No reply.

Her eyes narrowed. Could it be...

She suddenly burst into laughter. Never had she imagined that foolish Kaia, instead of ruining things at the crucial moment,would present her such a gift-clearing the path so she alone could have lsaac.