Chapter 158

"Even though Sophia liked to appear beautiful and showcase herself on camera, she didn't have to go this far," Odalys said.

Sophia's expression changed, her face paling slightly. "What do you mean by that?"

"You wanted men to revolve around you. You sought a love talisman, didn't you? Even if you're in trouble, it's all because of your actions," Odalys said, glancing at her casually.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat; her face drained of color. Odalys's insight felt unnerving. "How could Odalys know I sought a love talisman? Wait… trouble? Sophia's heart raced, her palms sweating. "Are you joking! Why would I need a love talisman?" she laughed coldly, her voice laced with nervousness. She tried to mask her awkwardness, but her inner panic was almost impossible to conceal. Odalys's words made her inexplicably nervous.

Back on the variety show, Sophia's popularity was low, so she'd secretly sought a love talisman—the Love Spell—to enhance her charm. She'd wanted men to adore her, but Odalys had ruined her plans by injuring Finnian's palin and destroying the expensive spell.

Sophia stared at Odalys, wanting to speak, but Odalys said, "I'm a little tired. I'm going to lie down for a bit. We can go out later this afternoon," and went to her room.

Sophia rushed forward, but Freya immediately blocked her. "Sophia, whatever's going on, it's better to take a hint. We just ate and are resting now. Please leave," Freya said coldly.

Freya had never liked Sophia, and her dislike had intensified. Sophia, stung by Freya's words, bit her lip and forced a smile. "Why are you so defensive? Yes, we're competitors, but you didn't have to go this far."

"As long as you don't cause trouble or pester us, we can all get along," Freya replied icily.

Selah stepped forward, grabbing Freya's arm and whispering, "Freya, Odalys just gave me a divination" Selah lowered her voice, backing toward the room. The door slammed shut. Sophia barely heard Selah's muffled words.

Feeling awkward, Selah turned to leave but froze when she saw Stellan standing with his arms crossed, staring coldly. Sophia approached him, hoping to engage him. Stellan was different; he had a powerful background.

"Ms. Bennett, why do you feel the need to explain to me? I don't think we're at a level where you should feel obligated to tell me this," Stellan replied dismissively.

Sophia's eyes welled with tears. She saw only cold indifference in his gaze. In the past, many wealthy young men had pursued Sophia, but now she was shunned. "Sorry to bother you," she said with a bitter smile, retreating to her room.

Sophia spotted Rafael nearby, offering her food. Remembering his previous behavior, she turned and went back to her room.

Lying on her bed, Sophia couldn't sleep. She felt lightheaded from hunger. She grabbed crackers from her purse and ate, feeling slightly better.

Chapter 158

"What am I supposed to do?" Sophia muttered. Her situation was dire. For a moment, she regretted her impulsive decision. "Why did I get the snake egg?" A dark look crossed her face. "What if it dies?" she whispered, a wicked thought forming.

She remembered Odalys using snake repellent spray on the deserted island. The village was surrounded by mountains and probably had repellent too. She thought of Rafael. "If Rafael has some, he'd probably give it to me, right?" Her mood improved. She lay back and drifted off to sleep.

Just as she was falling asleep, a chill wind blew, and she felt a shiver. She saw a giant python outside the window. "It must be a hallucination," she whispered, but cautiously approached the window. As she reached to open it, there was a loud crash; the glass shattered. The python was at the window, its head peering in.

Sophia stepped back, cut by flying glass. The python slithered through the broken window and charged at her, knocking her against the wall. Pain shot through her body as the python slithered toward her, exhaling hot breath onto her face. "What do you want? I gave you back the snake eggs!" Sophia screamed in terror. The python ignored her, and she felt its breath on her dress. It lunged, and she screamed in horror.

She cried out in pain and sat up, realizing her room was empty. Except for her heavy breathing, there was silence.

Chapter 158

"I must have been dreaming," Sophia muttered bitterly, a dry laugh escaping her lips. She glanced at the cold window, the vivid dream lingering in her mind. The panic had left her restless. She touched the damp bedspread. "How did this happen? Did the snake crush me in my dream, and that's why my bones are dislocated, and I wet the bed?" she whispered. The thought startled her. She'd felt something strange in the woods, and now the sheets were damp. She wiped them with a tissue, feeling worse.

A knock came. Sophia jumped. "Who is it?" she asked, irritated. She opened the door to find Atlas, holding cereal, offering it to her.