Chapter 4 - The Poisoned Champagne
I stood completely still, refusing to give Chloe the satisfaction of seeing me react to her cruel whisper.
I simply smiled politely and told her that her dedication to her boss was truly pathetic and incredibly obvious.
Chloe stepped back, her arrogant smirk faltering slightly at my sudden lack of intimidation.
She aggressively slammed the expensive bottle of champagne down onto the dining room table.
Chloe announced that Marcus had specifically asked her to pour the welcome drinks for the guests when they arrived.
I watched her eyes dart nervously toward her designer purse, and my newly sharpened instincts immediately flared to life.
I realized that Marcus would not risk poisoning me himself in front of twenty important witnesses.
He had manipulated his loyal, foolish mistress into doing the dirty work for him.
I excused myself to the kitchen, leaving Chloe alone in the dining room for a few crucial moments.
I quickly pressed the small button on my hidden earpiece and whispered for David to check the live camera feed.
David's voice crackled softly in my ear, confirming my absolute worst and most terrifying suspicion.
He told me that Chloe had just pulled a small glass vial from her purse and poured a clear liquid into a specific crystal champagne flute.
She had intentionally placed that exact flute on the far left side of the silver serving tray.
I thanked David and took a deep, steadying breath to calm the furious pounding of my heart.
I walked back into the dining room just as the heavy oak front door swung open.
Marcus walked in wearing a perfectly tailored Italian suit, projecting the image of a successful and loving family man.
His parents arrived right behind him, followed quickly by his company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sterling.
The house quickly filled with the loud chatter of wealthy executives and the clinking of expensive jewelry.
Marcus immediately wrapped his arm around my waist, tightly squeezing my bruised ribs to silently threaten me.
He loudly praised me to the guests, calling me his beautiful, dedicated wife who managed to cook a feast despite a tragic accident.
Mr. Sterling smiled warmly at me and expressed his deep sympathy for my painful broken arm.
Marcus then gestured grandly toward the silver tray of champagne that Chloe was holding near the table.
He loudly suggested that we all raise a glass to celebrate another successful year of life and corporate prosperity.
Chloe stepped forward and deliberately handed the tainted crystal flute from the far left directly to me.
Marcus watched me with cold, dead eyes, waiting for me to take the lethal sip that would end my life.
I smiled gracefully, raised the glass to my lips, and then intentionally let it slip through my fingers.
The crystal glass shattered violently on the hardwood floor, spilling the poisoned champagne everywhere.
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I loudly apologized for my clumsiness, blaming my heavy cast, but Marcus's mother suddenly grabbed my good wrist with a vicious grip.
She leaned in and whispered that if I embarrassed her son again tonight, she would personally make sure I never saw tomorrow.
