“Doesn’t he deserve to die? Gianna, don’t forget, you’re a Red Cross nurse, a member of the international humanitarian rescue team. You’ve seen the horrors in that concentration camp with your own eyes and heard their evil deeds with your own ears. He’s a devil! How can you be soft-hearted towards such a person?”
Khanyi felt exposed under her gaze. “But I’m just a prisoner. What can I do?”
“Isn’t that diamond necklace enough to explain this? Gianna, you may not admit it, but you know in your heart that he loves you. At other times, he might flirt with other women, but right now, he doesn’t even have that mood. His eyes can’t accommodate any other woman because he loves you deeply! He can even reveal his heart to you; he trusts you, likes you, and tries to please you, so naturally, he won’t guard against you.”
Khanyi broke free from her hand and shouted at her, “Yes, even if what you said is true, what does it matter? I can’t kill him!” She realized she had spoken too loudly, covering her mouth, quickly blinking her black eyes, looking at Irina.
“You don’t need to worry about that. I have a way.” Irina pulled out a small capsule from somewhere, pinching it gently between two fingers, and held it out in front of Khanyi. “Be careful with this; it’s a chemically synthesized poison.”
Khanyi trembled as she took it, holding it in her palm. It was a tiny transparent capsule filled with white powder.
“This poison will dissolve immediately in water, but it will only take effect fatally if added to the cup within one minute before someone drinks it. So the person doing this must be able to get very close to him, someone who is by his side…”
“You… want me to poison him?” Khanyi’s voice trembled, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
“He’s very cautious. When his trusted Abigail and a few old servants are not around, he won’t touch any food or water sent by outsiders. Clearly, he has some suspicion of me and has deliberately tested me several times. I don’t know what he has discerned from my reactions, but we can’t delay any longer.” She added seriously, “If we fail, we won’t lose anything. If we succeed, I can complete my mission, and you can gain your freedom.”
Khanyi steadied herself, gripping the capsule in her fist, murmuring, “But what should I do…”
“During dinner tonight, look for an opportunity to act.” Irina revealed a charming smile.
She returned to her docile and wooden demeanor, silently setting the dining table with the servants. Khanyi sat on the sofa, her dark eyes fixed on Irina’s every move.
Footsteps sounded as he came down the stairs, walking straight to the dining table and sitting in the large black chair. Clearly, his mood wasn’t very good; he casually picked up a lighter from the table and lit a cigarette.
Khanyi pulled out a chair and sat beside him.
He seemed surprised by her arrival and actions, not asking anything, just glancing at her before lowering his gaze, continuing to puff smoke rings, as if lost in thought.
The servants laid out napkins and utensils for her as well. Khanyi’s hand rested on the white napkin as she nodded in thanks to the male servant.
“Everything is ready, please enjoy.” The male servant bowed humbly.
Khanyi sat up straight, her palms already soaked with sweat. The small white capsule was in her pocket. She couldn’t help but touch it with her fingertip, then quickly withdrew it. With so many people present, it was impossible to act. She bit her lip, feeling extremely nervous.
“Albert, you and everyone else go downstairs.” He turned his head and said to the leading male servant. A row of servants retreated, and Irina walked past her with a blank expression. Khanyi didn’t dare to look up at her, but in her panic, his gaze caught her.
“What do you want to say?” His ice-blue eyes seemed to magnetically draw her gaze, and she met his eyes for less than a second before lowering her head, breathing rapidly, sweat beading on her forehead. Khanyi thought her performance must be terrible, but unexpectedly, he spoke, his tone unusually gentle, “Were you scared by what you saw and heard in my room this afternoon?”
She remained silent, lowering her head, but she could feel his gaze continuing to sweep across her face, like a sea-blue net capturing her wavering focus. She had nowhere to hide, so she mustered her courage to meet his eyes again, only to be stunned once more. She hadn’t expected to see such a gentle light flickering in his eyes. He gazed at her intently, revealing a very slight smile, almost imperceptible. “Let’s have dinner and not mention that matter again.” After saying this, he extinguished his cigarette, picked up his knife and fork, then paused as if remembering something. “I would like to have a little more wine, is that okay?”
She stood up and went to the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of red wine, opened it, and filled his glass.
“This wine seems to be poured a bit too full…” He took the high-stemmed glass in front of her, poured half of it out, and placed it back in front of her. “Drink with me.”
