Chapter 384
Master Xingyun fingered his prayer beads, unfazed by the unfolding scene.
"Master, we're running low on insect repellent," a female worshiper pleaded urgently. "I heard Miss Langley is still at the temple. My cousin needs medicine—she's unmarried and can't afford to have her face ruined."
"I shall summon Miss Langley at once."
The abbot hurried toward the main hall with his entourage.
"Miss Langley!"
Isabella Langley stood surrounded by admirers, her radiant smile faltering as the abbot's voice froze her in place.
Her cheerful expression shattered.
"Miss Langley?"
The abbot called again.
"Y-yes?" Her voice trembled.
"Could you prepare more insect repellent immediately?"
"Of course."
The weight of countless stares prickled her skin like needles. The adoration she'd basked in moments ago now felt like a noose.
Thankfully, none of the Roland family were present to expose her lies.
"Master, I'll need to gather herbs from the mountain woods."
Evelyn Roland observed every twitch of Isabella's body from the shadows. A smirk played on her lips.
How much longer can you keep up this act, dear sister?
The business tycoons remained oblivious that the woman they'd scorned now moved among them.
The abbot's exchange with Isabella revealed the truth—Mount Pilatus teemed with venomous insects, and this socialite knew how to brew antidotes.
Overnight, their gazes shifted from skepticism to reverence.
Isabella led the group up the mountain trail, followed by Alice Flores, Master Xingyun, Evelyn, and two curious entrepreneurs.
Her fists clenched, a storm of fury and terror churning in her chest.
Don't slip up yet, Evelyn silently taunted.
An eerie silence blanketed the woods.
"Cuckoo—"
"Rustle—"
Strange noises echoed around them. Cold sweat drenched Isabella's back.
"Ah!"
Her foot sank into something soft. She shrieked.
"Miss Langley?"
The abbot's suspicious glance burned into her.
The businessmen trembled too, though they bit back their screams.
"I'm just... unfamiliar with this area," Isabella stammered.
"You don't usually forage in the mountains?"
Evelyn's voice, disguised by the modulator, cut through the tension.
Isabella's smile turned brittle. "I do, just not here specifically."
"I see."
Evelyn dragged out the words, her skepticism blatant.
The pathetic excuse and pointed questioning sharpened the abbot's scrutiny.
A sudden downpour cut their expedition short.
Isabella huddled under the eaves, watching raindrops fall. Her gaze slid toward Alice and her "cousin," venom flashing in her eyes.
Alice knew too much.
She had to be silenced.