Chapter 161
Violeta recalled when she had taunted Hattie during their last gaming session.
Imagining her upcoming meeting with Hattie, she wondered who would be embarrassed.
“Whatever. If they come, they come. It’s got nothing to do with us.”
Liam, glancing at the rain splattering against the window. He never thought the island would sink, but here they were.
At first, he didn’t want to run into them, but now it seemed unavoidable.
Niall tried to ease their concerns. “Rest assured. Hattie, her brother, and the other servants from the island will stay in the house next to the villa. Once the rain stops, they’ll leave. Our staff will bring them meals daily so they won’t hold us up.
That’s a relief, Liam replied.
As the White Sunset docked, Hattie was so emotionally overwhelmed that her tears threatened to fall. “Benson, look at that enormous yacht! Dad must have sent Niall to rescue us. Let’s hurry and get on board.”
They boarded the White Sunset together with the other servants on the island.
Hattie had been pondering how they’d managed to get on the yacht before, but she never expected to board it in such a sorry state.
Although she was embarrassed, a flicker of pride ignited within her.
Once aboard, Hattie wasted no time. She struck poses from every angle, snapping photos and pairing them with haughty captions before posting them online.
Before they arrived at the island, she crafted a plan. As soon as she saw Niall, she’d chat with him, aiming to leave the best possible impression, maybe even charm him.
So, she put on a waterproof full–face makeup look in the yacht room, hoping to appear delicately pitiful.
However, when they disembarked, her excitement plummeted. Niall was nowhere in sight.
“Where’s Niall?
The servant, who came to meet them in a shuttle bus, answered, “Mr. Niall isn’t here. So, hurry up and get into the bus.”
Hattie eyed the shabby shuttle bus before her. Meanwhile, many servants beside her and Benson got off the yacht.
Due to the limited number of shuttle buses on the island, it was inevitable for them to squeeze with the servants. The thought of squeezing in with the drenched, sour smelly servants with her good dress made her recoil.
“Isn’t there another bus? Do we have to squeeze in together?”
“We only have three shuttles on the island because normally, no one else is here. You can squeeze enough in these three buses. We don’t have the luxury ones for you to pick and choose. Unless you want to wait here while we take them and come back for you.”
Hattie was speechless.
Benson urged her, “Hattie, just get on the bus.”
Despite her reluctance, she was more afraid of being left alone.
The shore is so dark. The wind and rain are so strong. Foto terrifying!
“Fine.”
Hattie could only climb into the shuttle with Benson.
As the vacation villa loomed closer, her anticipation to meet–Niall grew.
However, at a junction, the shuttle suddenly veered off, heading in a different direction.
“Where are we going? Aren’t we headed to the villa?”
The driver in front said, “Mr. Niell arranged for you to stay in a small private cottage nearby.”
“What?!”
Hattie was taken aback and immensely disappointed.
The small private cottage might be nice, but it meant she couldn’t see Niall.
“No need for special treatment. We don’t need to stay in the small private cottage.”
The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, rolling his eyes.
“Miss Hattie, I can’t make decisions in this matter.”
Hattie couldn’t say a word.
Hattie’s hopes of meeting Niall crumbled before they even began.
She was utterly speechless.
However, she wasn’t ready to give up this great opportunity so easily. She resolved to find a way to meet him, no matter what.
After ensuring Hattie, Benson, and the servants were settled, the shuttle bus driver returned to the main villa.
Niall was waiting for them in the living room.
Niall nodded, his voice calm and low. “If they have any needs, try to fulfill them as much as possible.”
“Alright, I understand.”
“Have they made any requests?” Niall asked.
The driver thought for a moment.
Chapter 162
He said nonchalantly. You can go.”
“Yes
Finished
The wind and rain gradually become heavier.
Someone would make the trip to the small private cottage daily to deliver their meals.
Hattie had been yearning for a chance to visit the villa, but the incessant storm trapped her in the room.
At noon, a villa staff member arrived with their meal, driving a shuttle bus. After collecting the dishes and leaving. Hattie kept looking out the window to watch their retreating figure.
Benson had noticed her unusual behavior over the past few days.
He put down his spoon and asked her, “Hattie, what are you thinking?”
Their sibling bond was strong.
Turning her head, she sighed disappointedly. “Benson, I want to go to the villa and meet Niall.
“Niall is the heir of the White family. Getting along with him could be incredibly beneficial for us. want to miss this great opportunity.”
Benson studied the situation calmly. “But he also gets along well with Liam. He may not even consider us.”
Hattie walked over to him; her confidence unwavering. “Benson, I just need to make Niall fall for me.”
They had both returned from Harbor City with clear goals in mind.
That’s why Hattie had never concealed her ambition from Benson,
“If you want to secure the position of the Ridge family head in the future, you’ll need strong allies. I will make sure to choose a wife who can help us.”
Benson’s future wife would also have to be a strategic asset.
Both of them placed a high importance on power, so love became less significant.
Lowering his gaze, Benson contemplated her words.
Hattie had a crush on Niall. She preferred his background.
Benson spoke seriously, “This is the real opportunity.”
Hattie continued, “But, I don’t know how to get to the villa…
Benson replied, “It’s easy to go there. Make something yourself and bring it to him as a gesture of thanks. But remember, you’ll only have one shot at this. Whether he remembers you or not, it depends on your skills.”
Her eyes lit up. “Benson, that’s a brilliant idea. I’m dying to make a cake”
There are plenty of supplies in the refrigerator, and all the necessary utensils were available in the kitchen.
Hattie gathered a few servants to work in the kitchen to help her bake a chiffon cake.
In the garage, there was a spare shuttle they could use to reach the villa.
At the villa, Violeta had been practicing and had nearly regained her former proficiency with the equipment over the past few days.
Violeta’s movements grew increasingly fluid; her gameplay was almost divine in its precision.
In just several days, they climbed the ranks as a team, and Violeta returned to the top. However, to regain their former national ranking, they would have to wait for next month’s leaderboard update.
Hayden’s skills also improved remarkably. He could fill any role with the case.
Now, he wanted to swap roles with Zoren.
With his arms crossed on his chest, Zoren retorted, “No way, Hade.”
“You’ve already lost to me once. Why do you want to switch again? No way!”
Hayden stared at Zoren indifferently. “Survival of the fittest. I demand another solo match.”
Unable to withstand Hayden’s icy stare, Zoren turned to Violeta for help. “Vio, Hade is being unfair. He wants to switch roles with me again.”
Violeta was holding a tablet and watching the replay of their previous night’s ranked match.
She replied offhandedly, “Hayden, you make a great support. You’re brave, meticulous, and have excellent awareness. If Zoren were to play support, we’d probably lose. I trust you more than him. You stay as support.
“Alright”
Hayden agreed immediately, settling on the couch without another word about switching roles.
Zoren was taken aback. “What? Just like that? Vio, what do you mean you trust him more than me?”
Violeta glanced at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “It’s a compliment for you.”
Liam walked over and patted Zoren’s head. “You’re missing the point, idiot. Hade is a better support you.”
“Hmph!”
Zoren wasn’t pleased. “Hade, let’s solo. I’ll prove I’m just as good at support.”
Hayden rolled his eyes.
Zoren was stunned.
“Huhuhu…
Feeling defeated, Zoren stood up from the couch. “You guys are the worst.”
He stormed out of the esports room.
“Is he upset?” Violeta spoke.
Jasper replied lazily, “I doubt it. Knowing him, he’ll be back in under thirty seconds.”
Sure enough, in less than a minute, Zoren returned, carrying drinks and grinning as if nothing had happened.
Years of friendship meant they never held grudges over trivial matters.
Violeta said, “Actually, I think you’re an excellent shooter. We’re the best team.”
“Give me five!”
They toasted their glass in the esports room.
Meanwhile, Hattie and Benson arrived at the villa’s entrance with the cake..
When the servant heard the doorbell and opened the door, they were stunned to see them.
“Mr. Benson, Miss Hattie, what brings you here?
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Hattie smiled warmly. “We baked a chiffon cake and thought we’d bring some for everyone to enjoy.”
The servants glanced at each other, surprised to see them showing up at their door.
“You’re too kind, especially since you brought this over in this bad weather.
I’ll go tell Mr. Niall.”
One servant hurried upstairs to let Niall know.
Since they were already there, it wouldn’t be right to leave them outside, so the servant opened the door and invited them into the living room.
The inside of the estate looked completely different from the small house they had stayed in before.
The small house was just a temporary spot on the island for fishing trips, but this vacation estate was really fancy.
It had a similar style to the small house, but it was much bigger.
When Niall heard about their visit, he came downstairs.
Seeing them sitting on the sofa, he frowned slightly. “What brings you here?”
Hattie and Benson turned to look at him when they heard his voice.
Niall was dressed casually in a white sweater and loose black pants that made him look tall and elegant. He had a handsome face and stood tall like a tree, making him quite a pleasing sight.
Hattie couldn’t take her eyes off Niall.
Benson spoke up first, saying, “Hello, Mr. White. To thank you for sending the yacht to rescue us, Hattie and I baked a chiffon cake and brought it for you to try.”
Hattie snapped out of her trance when she heard Benson’s voice and added, “Yes, Mr. White, we hope you’ll enjoy it
She offered him the cake.
Niall looked at the cake and said coldly. “Thank you.”
“It was no trouble,” Hattie said cheerfully. “My brother and I didn’t have much to do at the small house, so we decided to bake a cake.”
Niall wasn’t really into sweets, but he couldn’t refuse their gesture, seeing as they had come all the way.
He wasn’t a teenager; he was almost thirty and had to maintain good relations with the Ridge family.
So, Niall invited them to sit down…
“Please, have a seat. Can someone bring us some tea?”
A servant brought them tea and took the cake to the kitchen to cut it.
Niall then instructed, “Go upstairs and tell them to come down.”
“Of course, sir.”
Them?
Hattie figured Niall was talking about Violeta.
She kept her face calm but wondered about Violeta’s background.
She had a feeling Violeta might be related to the White family in a secret way, and today might be the day to confirm it.
A servant went upstairs to tell Violeta and the others.
They knocked on the esports room door and said politely, “Miss, the siblings from the Ridge family are here. Mr. White wants you all to come down and have some cake.”
“… What?”
Everyone in the esports room was surprised.
Hattie and Benson are here??
Violeta looked at the others, then got up from the sofa. “Let’s go. Since they’re here, we should see what’s happening.”
They left their things and followed the servant downstairs.
When they got there, Niall was waiting for them to join him for cake…
Hearing footsteps, Hattie turned to see Violeta and the others. She glanced at Violeta for a moment, feeling a bit uneasy before looking away.
“Hey, Bro.”
Violeta greeted Niall first.
Niall nodded and said, “There you are. Miss Hattie made a cake. You all should have some so it doesn’t go to waste.”
Hattie was surprised to hear Violeta call Niall ‘Bro. Then Zoren called out, “Hey, Bro.”
Since Niall was Zoren’s cousin, it made sense for him to address Niall as ‘Bro. And since Violeta was Zoren’s sister, it seemed normal/for her too.
Hattie’s suspicion that Violeta might be related to the White family grew stronger.
Originally, Hattie had made the cake for Niall, but now he wanted to share it with everyone. She wasn’t thrilled about it, but she didn’t show it.
When Benson saw Liam, he greeted him politely, though it seemed forced. “Liam, I didn’t know you were here.
Hattie followed Benson’s lead. “Hey, Liam.”
Liam gave them a cold look but didn’t respond.
As everyone sat down, the servants served the cake.
Jasper and the others didn’t like Benson, and he had often been their target at school. So they didn’t show much friendliness towards him now.
Zoren tried the cake and frowned.
“This cake tastes weird.”
“Yeah, it’s not very good. Who made it?”
Hattie hesitated before admitting, “I made it.”
Zoren spat out his bite.
Chapter 164
Jasper agreed. “Yeah, it’s such a waste of good ingredients.”
Hattie felt a bit embarrassed by their remarks. “It can’t be that terrible, can it?”
Zoren suggested, “Why not taste it yourself?”
Niall hadn’t tried the cake yet. After hearing their comments, he wasn’t keen on trying it anymore.
Hattie, acting a bit shy, took a small bite with her fork, and her expression changed right away.
“It’s so salty! I must’ve accidentally used salt instead of sugar. I’m really sorry, everyone… It was my mistake.”
Jasper remarked, “How could you mess up such a simple cake? Are you trying to make us sick with this salty mess?”
Hattie hurriedly waved her hands. “No. Mr. White, I really didn’t do it on purpose. Please don’t misunderstand.
“Don’t eat it. I’ll toss it away!”
Hattie stood up and threw the whole cake into the trash.
Violeta still had half a piece in her hand that she hadn’t started eating. Hattie took it from her and threw it away too.
After clearing up, Hattie said, “I didn’t do it on purpose. To show how sorry I am, I’ll make a new one, and this time, I won’t mess it up!
“Mr. White, can I use your kitchen? I’ll start over right away!”
With that, Hattie went to the kitchen with a servant.
Violeta leaned back in her chair, watching Hattie rush off. Something felt strange.
If she remembered correctly, in her previous life, Hattie had mentioned on a cooking show that she often cooked for herself since her mother was always busy.
Would someone with cooking experience really mix up salt with sugar?
Probably not.
Violeta sat on the sofa, lost in thought…
Boom-
Right then, lightning flashed outside, illuminating the sky.
Violeta smirked slightly. “It’s pouring rain and storming outside, yet you still risked getting struck by lightning to bring us cake. That’s some dedication.”
Benson said, “Actually, the weather wasn’t this bad when we were coming over.”
Violeta blinked, not responding.
Waiting in the living room while Hattie remade the cake was getting boring.
Violeta was the first to stand up and head upstairs. ‘Bro, I’m going up.”
“Okay.”
Hayden and the others followed her upstairs, leaving only Niall and Benson in the living room.
Niall relaxed on the sofa, his arm resting casually over the side.
After a moment of quiet, he realized he didn’t have much to chat about with Benson. But since he was the host, leaving his guest alone in the living room would be impolite.
So, he awkwardly shifted the conversation to academics.
“You study at Toland University too, right?”
Benson nodded. “Yeah, I do.”
“What’s your major?”
“Acting. But next semester, I’ll be studying overseas.”
“Studying abroad? That’s cool.”
Niall knew Benson was aiming for an advantage by studying overseas, but he didn’t let on.
Benson smiled politely. “Mr. White, I hope you can offer me some guidance when I come back.”
Niall replied, “Guidance might be a stretch, but we’ll see how things go.”
He worked in oil and gas, which was said to be the lifeblood of industry.
Although the Ridge family’s business was different from his own, Niall couldn’t dismiss them entirely.
He had to be polite.
Just then, a servant came to the rescue. “Sir, the phone upstairs is ringing.”
“Okay. Make yourself at home. I have to take a call.” A servant came to the rescue. “Sir, the phone upstairs is ringing.”
“Okay. Make yourself at home. I have to take a call.”
“Sure thing, Mr. White.”
Niall got up and headed upstairs,
Benson watched him leave, then went toward the kitchen.
Hattie had already put the cake batter in the oven.
Seeing Benson enter, she whispered, “Benson, is the rain getting heavier outside?”
“Yeah.”
Hattie smiled triumphantly. “Looks like my plan worked.”
When they came, the storm wasn’t that bad.
Hattie had bet that by the time they left, the wind and rain would pick up, with lightning and thunder making it too risky for them to go back to the small house.
Niall likely wouldn’t let them leave in such conditions out of respect for Carl.
This would give them a good reason to stay at the estate!
Even if it was just for one night, that night was crucial.
When the servants weren’t watching, Hattie discreetly took a small bottle from her sleeve.
The bottle was pink and had some suggestive words on it, clearly indicating it wasn’t something proper.
Benson’s expression changed slightly when he saw the bottle. “Hattie, where did you get that?”
Chapter 165
Hattie hurriedly hid the bottle back in her sleeve.
“I found it in the bathroom on the island.”
“What?” he asked.
Back in the day, Hannah used to throw wild parties on the island, where there were no rules.
They partied hard, and it seemed a servant missed this bottle during the cleanup, which Hattie had found.
Benson immediately got Hattie’s plan and objected. “Hattie, don’t do this.”
“Why not?”
“You want Niall to fall for you, but this isn’t the way. Using your body like this won’t earn his respect. No man will respect a woman who does this. As your brother, I can’t allow it.”
Hattie laughed, almost mocking Benson’s innocence.
“Benson, do you think I want some romantic relationship with him? This is just business. This opportunity is rare. I might never get this close to Niall again, so I can’t miss it.”
The entertainment industry was tough, and Hattie had accepted that.
To gain status and fame, some sacrifices were necessary.
Being timid wouldn’t get her anywhere.
Seeing Hattie’s determination, Benson felt conflicted. “Hattie, do you really have to do this? There are other options besides Niall.
“But Niall is the best option right now. You know how unappealing most of the men on those rich lists are. Niall is the best choice,” she argued.
It’s better to go for Niall than those other men!
Benson didn’t know what else to say.
“Hattie, I just hope you won’t regret this.”
“I won’t.”
“Okay,” he replied, hesitant.
Benson then sighed and left the kitchen.
Hattie knew she couldn’t put the drug into the cake. She would find another chance to get Niall to take it…
The weather outside was worsening
In the esports room, Violeta stood by the window, watching the storm rage outside.
Has Hattie set her sights on Niall?!!
Violeta frowned. She had always known that the island’s collapse wouldn’t harm Hattie and Benson
In her previous life, Hattie had successfully debuted and become a famous actress, which meant she and her brother must have been rescued before the island disaster.
However, Violeta hadn’t expected Niall to be their saviour.
Hattie’s eagerness to please seemed to have another motive, likely centered on Niall.
The idea of Hattie using sneaky methods to get close to Niall made Violeta feel sick.
She couldn’t let Hattie succeed!
Just then. Hayden strolled over to Violeta. “You’ve been staring outside since you got here. What’s so interesting out there?”
Violeta turned and leaned against the wall. “I wasn’t looking outside. I was thinking”
“About what Benson and Hattie are up to?”
Violeta glanced at him. “How did you know?”
Hayden smirked. “Did I guess right?”
“Kind of …
Hayden leaned against the window frame, copying her. “If I were them, I’d try to get as close to Niall as possible. He could be a powerful ally someday.
“Of course, if possible, making him fall for me would be ideal. If not, I’d at least try to get into bed with him. It’s too good an opportunity to miss.”
Violeta’s thoughts were based on her past life experiences, but Hayden had accurately guessed Hattie’s plan.
Niall was indeed their target!
Violeta was surprised but kept her face neutral as she looked at Hayden.
After a moment, Violeta teased, “You’ve got quite the calculating mind.”
In theory, Violeta had an advantage because of her past memories.
But Hayden didn’t have those memories. Besides, he had no prior conflicts with Hattie and didn’t know. her that well.
At least Hayden and Hattie had never gotten into a fight, and on the surface, Hattie and Benson hadn’t revealed their true intentions yet.
The fact that Hayden had drawn such a conclusion showed his impressive insight and ability to read people.
He had both good and bad sides.
“If you’re right, would you stop them?”
“Why should I” Hayden said calmly.
“Everyone has their own goals. Even in the closest relationships, people have their own agendas. As long as it doesn’t affect me, there’s no reason to interfere.”
“That’s true.”
Violeta nodded, fully agreeing.
But since their target was Niall, it was already affecting her.
Chapter 166
She definitely planned to intervene.
The new cake was finally ready.
However, Hattie didn’t call them down to eat it; she stayed downstairs silently.
It wasn’t until mealtime that they came down to eat.
A servant mentioned that the cake had been ready for a while.
Niall asked, “Why didn’t you bring it up earlier?”
Hattie said, “Mr. White, I told them not to. I saw you all were busy.”
Violeta, sitting at the dining table while eating her food, remarked, “Were you waiting because you saw my brother was busy, or because you wanted to stay here longer?”
Hattie’s little plan was exposed by Violeta, and she was furious inside.
“Violeta, what do you mean? It’s storming outside. Do you want me and my brother to go out and get struck by lightning?”
Violeta ate a small piece of steak, blinked, and said sarcastically, “Oh, then why did you come? Who invited you?”
Hattie gritted her teeth, wishing she could slap Violeta’s smug face.
Niall intervened, “Alright, Vio. That’s enough.”
Violeta knew Hattie still had more tricks up her sleeve, so she stayed quiet.
“The storm is pretty bad. You should stay here tonight.”
If they took the ferry back and something happened, Niall wouldn’t be able to explain it to Anton. After all, Carl had personally called Anton about this.
If Niall didn’t want to get involved, he shouldn’t have saved them.
Since he had helped them, he would stand to lose if anything happened to them on the island.
Hattie looked at Niall gratefully. “Thank you, Mr. White.”
Benson also thanked Niall. “Thank you, Mr. White.”
“It’s nothing. No need to thank them.
Niall signaled the servants to cut the cake and serve everyone.
This time. Hattie had made the cake properly. The chiffon cake was light and fluffy.
Midway through the meal, Niall asked Hattic, “You’re in the same class as Vio, right?”
Hattie paused for a moment. “Yes, Mr. White. My brother and I are in the same class as Violeta.”
Niall nodded, his tone friendly. “Vio hasn’t been back in Quinston for long. She can be a bit blunt sometimes, Please bear with her.”
“Of course, she replied.
Hearing that, Violeta asked while taking a sip of her orange juice, “Bro, are you implying that I’m not gentle at home?”
Niall smiled warmly. “Whatever you say.”
The more Hattie listened, the stranger it sounded.
Isn’t Violeta Zoren’s sister? Why is Niall so protective of her, as if she were his biological sister?
Both of them were illegitimate, but the difference in treatment between Violeta and her was stark.
Hattie couldn’t contain her curiosity and bravely asked, “Mr. White, is Violeta your…?”
“Sister, Niall finished.
“But what about Zoren…? Hattie asked again.
Zoren cut in, “What about it? Vio is my sister as well. Got a problem with that? To be clear, Vio found me first. I brought her back to the White family.
Zoren brought Violeta back to the White family. Hattie thought.
So Violeta is Zoren’s half-sister, confirming my suspicion.
It’s just a false alarm.
She was relieved that her guess was right as she blamed the misinformation on Zelena.
Hattie bowed her head, hiding her relief.
Violeta noticed Hattie’s eyes darting around and knew she was up to something.
After dinner, Violeta pretended to go upstairs to her room but kept an eye on Hattie from the second floor.
Hattie stayed composed, sitting quietly in the living room without making any suspicious moves.
Violeta watched her from the balcony, but then she heard a noise behind her.
“Squeak!”
Clang!
She hurried back to her room to catch Hera.
In those two minutes, a servant emerged from the study with a kettle, presumably to fill it up.
There’s my chance!
Hattie seized the opportunity and approached, claiming she also needed water.
The servant set the kettle down and made room for Hattie. “Go ahead, Miss Hattie.
“Thanks,” Hattie said.
Positioning herself to block the servant’s view, Hattie placed her cup under the dispenser and stealthily poured the colorless liquid from the small bottle into the kettle.
The liquid mixed in seamlessly.
Hattie then left with her cup, and the servant, unaware of the tampering, filled the kettle and brought it back upstairs to the study.
Hattie returned to the sofa with a satisfied expression, waiting for the drug to take effect.
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After finally catching Hera and securing her back in the cage, Violeta emerged from her room to find Hattie still sitting on the sofa.
She frowned, sensing something was off.
Her eyes narrowed as she noticed the water cup on the coffee table in front of Hattie. Just before she had gone into her room, Hattie’s cup had been empty.
Now it was filled with water. That’s suspicious.
As Violeta puzzled over this, the servant who had delivered the water to the study approached her. The servant respectfully greeted, “Good evening, Miss Violeta.”
Just as the servant was about to head downstairs, Violeta turned to her and asked, “Where did you just come from?”
“I just delivered water to the study, Miss Violeta,” the servant replied.
Delivered water?
Delivered water….
In a flash, everything clicked in Violeta’s mind. She bolted towards the study.
The servant stood there, bewildered as she watched Violeta rush away as if something major had happened.
Violeta burst into the study, calling out, “Bro!”
But upon entering, she found not only Niall but also Hayden inside, seemingly in the middle of a conversation.
Both men turned towards the door, surprised by the sudden intrusion.
“Vio, what’s wrong?” Niall asked.
Violeta’s eyes darted to the glass water jug on a side table. She quickly stepped forward and picked it up, then looked seriously at Niall.
“Bro, did you drink any water from this?”
“No, I haven’t. Why?” Niall responded.
Hearing that Niall hadn’t touched the water, Violeta sighed in relief.
She wasn’t sure if Hattie had tampered with the jug, so she couldn’t be certain the water was contaminated.
While she was fairly confident something was amiss, she couldn’t risk making baseless accusations and being accused of targeting Hattie.
After a moment’s thought, Violeta said, “It’s nothing. This water isn’t clean. I’ll dispose of it.”
Violeta took the jug and left the study, heading straight to an outside sink where she poured the water out.
Phew, crisis averted.
Violeta peeked over the second–floor railing and noticed that Hattie wasn’t in the living room anymore.
Hattie had only one chance to act, and Violeta had spoiled it. There wouldn’t be another opportunity for Hattie to get close to Niall.
Just to be safe, Violeta decided to keep an eye on Niall’s door tonight, in case Hattie tried something in the middle of the night.
With that plan in mind, Violeta rushed back to her room to take a shower.
She took less than half an hour.
When she came out, dressed in her robe, and returned to the study, she found that Niall wasn’t there anymore.
The hallway was quiet and empty.
Violeta tiptoed to Niall’s door and pressed her ear against it, listening carefully. If anyone saw her, they’d think she was eavesdropping.
“Bro? Bro…
No answer. Maybe Niall has gone to sleep?
She stepped back a bit.
Everything around her was silent. With nothing else to do, Violeta leaned against the wall and pulled out her phone. She logged onto the dark web, checking out the black market.
Her previous bounty challenge post had been pushed down.
Now, the top post, with the highest reward, was a dirt–digging investigative job.
The user’s ID was ‘Graplena and their IP address was hidden.
Curious, Violeta clicked on it. The post offered a starting reward of 1,000 dollars, with a chance for more if useful information was found.
Who would pay so much for digging up dirt?
An enemy?
A love rival?
Heh.
Intrigued, Violeta decided to say hi to the user, just to see what would happen.
Meanwhile, Zelena was in her room recording inquiries from hackers.
She was ready to spend big this time.
She needed to completely take down Violeta and make Jasper abandon her. Without support, Violeta would be powerless at school.
Zelena wanted to crush her completely.
Many hackers signed up, but Zelena wasn’t going to waste money on amateurs. Only the best would do.
Suddenly, a message from an ID called ‘Six‘ popped up.
Seeing the chat window, Zelena knew it was another potential applicant. She cut to the chase. “If you want the job, you need to pass a test.”
Six wrote back. What kind of test?”
Zelena replied, ‘Since you’re a hacker, you should be able to find my current IP address, right?”
When posting on the dark web, Zelena had paid to encrypt her IP address. If the hacker couldn’t break that, there was no point in working with them.
Zelena had long wanted a hacker ally to help her control online narratives effectively.
She had considered George before.
Chapter 168
To her dismay, Violeta had beaten her to the chase. Hence, she had to search the black market herself to find someone suitable.
When she received a message from the other side, Violeta sensed their boldness.
Having one’s IP encrypted on the black market meant that a hacker had to break through the black market’s protective barrier before uncovering their IP address.
This could lead to Violeta’s own location being revealed.
It wasn’t impossible to break through, but the danger was significant.
Taking such a risk, exposing her own IP, and taking on the black market’s firewall for just one deal, was something very few could do without getting caught. It was all danger and no benefit.
Most people with a good head on their shoulders wouldn’t attempt it. After all, protecting oneself was vital.
However…
Violeta happened to love excitement!
Your test is quite innovative, buddy, she replied.
From the amateurish test, Violeta deduced that the other person must be a newbie.
Only desperate hackers would resort to such risky tactics!
‘Before me, I bet nobody agreed to your test, right? she teased.
Zelena hesitated, wondering how the other person knew.
Many hackers had approached her before, but they all stopped replying after hearing about her test.
However, she maintained her arrogance, replying, ‘You’re wrong. Many have tried before, but all failed. My test is strict! If you can’t handle it, don’t bother wasting my time.
Hah.
Violeta found this amusing.
The user’s arrogant attitude reminded her of someone.
Plus, the ID ‘Graplena” made her wonder if it was Zelena.
Intensely curious, and unafraid of anyone on the black market, Violeta replied directly, ‘I accept your test. I’ll give you an answer in half an hour.
Then, she left the chat and started typing away on her keyboard.
Cracking the black market firewall was challenging, and she had to be careful not to expose herself.
After scanning through countless encrypted IPs, she found Graplena’s.
Following the search, she located the IP at 17-601, Fairwind Villas, in Arlowand, Hoiten.
Violeta stopped for a moment when she saw this IP.
This particular IP address.
It was one she knew very well.
It was from the place she was extremely familiar with….
It was where the Blake family’s residence was located.
So, the person behind ‘Graplena‘ was Zelena after all.
Violeta leaned back in her chair, a faint smile forming on her lips.
“Zelena, seems like our destinies are intertwined, huh?
“We’re bound to be lifelong enemies.”
Now that she knew Zelena’s identity, Violeta shared the IP address she found.
Zelena watched the time tick by, but there was no sign of Six. She thought this person might have ghosted her.
But suddenly, a chat box appeared, and she clicked on it.
Her own address was displayed. Zelena was amazed, surprised that Six had some skills after all!
Since the other person had found her IP, Zelena trusted their technical abilities.
She sent her contact information, saying, “You can add my number. I’ll text you when I need your services.
Zelena shared her WhatsApp number.
Violeta registered a new phone number and added her on WhatsApp.
After successfully adding her number, Violeta noticed a new payment in her account.
As soon as she closed her computer, she heard a noise outside.
Violeta’s bedroom was opposite Niall’s, and she always left her door open. So, she could hear any sounds from the corridor immediately.
She rushed out of her room and found the window at the end of the corridor had been blown open by the wind.
She closed it and was about to go back when she heard strange sounds from Niall’s room.
Violeta paused, then looked towards Niall’s room.
She heard running water and singing from inside.
After confirming the sound was from within, she knocked on the door, saying, “Hey, Bro, what are you doing?”
There was no response.
Feeling uneasy, she knocked again, saying, “I’m opening the door.”
There was still no answer, so Violeta reached for the handle and opened it.
Chapter 169
She entered the room and noticed that the wooden floor was wet. Following the trail of water stains, it led to the bathroom.
Violeta rushed to the bathroom door and knocked anxiously. “Bro? Bro, what’s going on?”
Didn’t he say didn’t drink that water? Could Hattie have played some other tricks??
Hayden, who was lying in the bathtub, heard Violeta’s voice and suddenly opened his eyes. He turned to face the bathroom door, cleared his throat, and said, “Niall’s not here.”
Huh?
Violeta was stunned to hear Hayden’s voice from the bathroom.
“Hayden? Why are you here? Isn’t this Niall’s room?”
No way…
Are Hayden and Niall.
Just as Violeta was trying to make sense of it all, Hayden’s voice came from inside again. “I swapped rooms with him today.
“Why?”
Hayden closed his eyes and leaned back on the bathtub pillow. “That water jug, weren’t you worried there was something wrong with it?”
Violeta frowned. “How did you know? You didn’t drink from that water jug, did you!?”
‘I did.”
Before the servant brought the water jug to the room, Hayden was discussing matters in Niall’s room, mainly conveying something about a project his dad was working on downtown. The servant brought the water jug in and poured a glass of water for Hayden first, and he drank it.
Later, Violeta hurried in and emptied the jug, so Hayden suspected there might be something wrong with the water.
But it was already too late.
So, he simply suggested sleeping in Niall’s room instead.
He made up a story about the mattress being too soft to sleep on. Niall didn’t think much about it and agreed.
Violeta was very surprised after hearing the whole story.
“So you drank that water. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? How do you feel now?”
“I’m fine.”
Violeta lowered her eyes, roughly guessing what Hattie might have added to the water.
After glancing at the water on the ground, Violeta turned around, found a towel in the nearby rounded cabinet, and threw it on the ground to soak up the water stains.
Then she walked to the bathroom and asked, “Should I call someone if you’re not feeling well?”
The medicine Hattie found on the island was similar to an aphrodisiac..
The medicinal properties weren’t very strong. As long as Hayden kept controlling his thoughts and lowered his body temperature, he would be fine. He hadn’t reached the point of losing control of his mind.
Hayden sighed and said. “No need. I’m fine. You can go back.”
Violeta left the room, closing the door behind her.
Hayden, thinking she had gone, relaxed in the bathtub, trying to calm himself down by closing his eyes.
But not long after, he heard the door open again.
“Why are you back?” Violeta had brought a chair and a phone charger.
“You’re lying in the bathtub. What if you fall asleep and drown? I’ll stay here watching movies just in case.”
If Hayden passed out in the tub, he could drown.
His expression fell as he said, “No need. I can manage.”
He wasn’t foolish. If the drug was too strong, he would have called a doctor already.
“Are you shy? I can get Zoren to stay with you. I can’t let you sit in a bathtub full of water. It’s not safe.”
Hayden fell silent.
Get Zoren?
That’s basically announcing to everyone what happened.
“Do what you want,” he uttered, left with no choice.
Then, neither of them spoke.
Violeta found the horror movie they planned to watch and started it, fully engaged.
She had the volume up, causing Hayden to be unable to sleep due to the scary sound effects coming through the door.
Meanwhile, Hattie, sensing the moment was right, sneaked out of her room, ready to go upstairs to Niall’s room.
But as she climbed the stairs, she saw a shadow dart past upstairs, startling her.
She nearly screamed.
Slowly turning her head, she saw an eagle perched on the railing of the second floor under the dim corridor lights, its eyes fixed on her, and unsettling.
Then, from the room ahead, came a faint shrick. It was the soundtrack of a horror movie.
This startled Hattie, causing her to lose her footing and tumble down the stairs.
Thud, thud, thud.
She fell hard.
A servant came with a flashlight to check and was startled when she saw Hattie under the light…
She had rolled down the stairs and lay curled up on the ground. She had hit her head on the pillar, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.
Chapter 170
The hair covering her face made her look like a ghost at first sight…
The servant saw her and asked, “M…–Miss Hattie? What are you doing here?”
Hattie slowly stood up, one hand on her waist and the other covering her head. I… I came out to use the bathroom.”
The servant was surprised. “Did you just roll down from upstairs? The bathroom is over here. Miss Hattie, are you okay?”
Squeak!”
Zeus, the eagle, stood on the second–floor railing, adjusting his feathers. His sharp eyes looked down at her.
Hattie looked at the eagle and replied, I’m fine. I thought the toilet was upstairs. Anyway, why is there an eagle here?”
The servant explained, “It belongs to Master Hayden.”
Hayden and Niall swapped rooms, and Zeus, picking up a familiar scent, darted out.
He didn’t enter the room but waited at the door, so Hattie, who was sneaking upstairs, bumped into him.
She got a big bump on her head and was utterly fuming.
Her plans for the night were ruined, and the noise attracted the servants, leaving her no chance to go back upstairs.
“I’ll just go back to my room, she mumbled.
The servants thought it was odd but didn’t say anything.
Violeta came out and, at some point, stood behind Zeus, glaring coldly at Hattie from upstairs.
Hattic, now bruised and limping, made her way back to her room.
It seemed Violeta had guessed her plan for the night.
Under a series of coincidences, Hattie’s plan failed.
If she hadn’t stopped Niall from drinking water or if Hayden hadn’t switched rooms with Niall, maybe her plan would have succeeded.
Around 3.00 AM, Hayden came out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe.
His hair was messy, water droplets still dripping down. He looked tall and strong, his muscles visible under the loose collar of his robe.
Violeta found the chair too hard, so she switched to lying on the bed and playing with her phone.
Hayden noticed Violeta sleeping oddly and covered her with a blanket before gazing out the window at the rain, his eyes swirling with thoughts.
“Hoot…
Zeus, who had been brought into the room by Violeta earlier, stood on the table’s metal rack.
Hayden lifted his arm, whereupon Zeus flew over and landed on his shoulder. The two of them then stared out the window at the rain.
When Violeta woke up, it was almost noon, and Hayden was gone.
She slept in because no one disturbed her after her late night.
Few knew about the events of the previous night, but everyone knew she had slept in Niall’s room.
Niall was puzzled. He had swapped rooms with Hayden, so why was Violeta in his room?
Where did Hayden sleep?
The servant explained, “Master Hayden stayed up reading downstairs last night.”
Niall sensed something was wrong, especially after hearing the servant’s report about Hattie’s fall down the stairs while ‘searching for the toilet.
Combining these events, Niall understood that something had gone awry the previous night.
Although he didn’t say it, his positive opinion of the Hattie siblings vanished. He arranged for them to leave the mansion when the rain eased.
Hattie blamed Violeta for her failure.
If it weren’t for her, I would’ve succeeded! Hattie thought, her hatred growing.
She felt the urgency to crush Violeta in the upcoming college competition.
Two days later, when the rain stopped and the sea calmed, Hannah’s yacht picked up Hattic and Benson. from the island.
On the second day after their departure, a collapse occurred on Hannah’s island, making headlines. The center of the house sank in as if there had been an earthquake.
The day after, Violeta and the others left the island on the Dawn.
After they got back to Quinston, Irene, and Anton hurriedly booked tickets home from Verdancia when they heard their children were back.
There were only a little over ten days left of summer vacation.
Irene bought many gifts for Violeta, including a bangle and an emerald bracelet.
Irene passed the gift box to Violeta eagerly.
Opening the exquisite wooden box, Violeta admired the jewelry’s beauty.
“They’re so pretty!”
“I’m glad you think so.”
Irene turned to Anton, pleased. “See? I knew she’d love them.”
Anton smiled. “As long as you both like them.”
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