Chapter 313

Melody's eyes gleamed menacingly as she approached the child.

"Little boy, do you want some candy?"

"No!" The child replied instantly. "Tiffany said that eating too much sweet stuff will lead to tooth decay." The child had previously witnessed Tiffany refuse snacks offered by him and his friends, casually explaining this. In the eyes of these innocent children, Tiffany was a powerful elder sister, whose every word held immense weight.

Melody's face fell when the child mentioned Tiffany again. Why was it always Tiffany? It was bad enough she had the support of many adults, but now even children she'd known for only two days listened to her. How infuriating!

Despite her anger, Melody maintained a smile. "Then tell me, what did you see just now?" If this child had seen what she'd put in the salt bag, she might have to

"Nothing." The child shook his head, his face innocent. "I just came in. I was worried you couldn't find what you needed, so I asked. What's wrong?"

Melody smiled in relief. "Nothing's wrong. Run along now."

"Okay." The child scampered away.

After the child left, Melody placed the tampered salt near the cook and waited. Sure enough, the cook used the salt for the remaining dishes. This way, after the feast, the villagers would grow drowsy and fall asleep. Then she would trick Tiffany into going up the mountain.

This farm-to-table feast was a welcome event, so everyone attended. Considering the guests' dietary preferences, three tables were set aside for Tiffany's group, Kenneth's group, and the charity and school staff.

When Tiffany arrived, she smelled the aromatic food and a unique scent—the delayed-release knockout drug. Its effects wouldn't be immediate, taking hold only half an hour after consumption. The dosage was generous; it would likely knock anyone out until the next day.

Zoe was excited. "Wow, it smells so good! I haven't eaten such scrumptious food in years!" She immediately sat with the other charity staff. Being colleagues, they ate after brief pleasantries.

Chapter 318

Tiffany said nothing as she watched Zoe enjoy her meal. She didn't need anyone with her tonight. If Zoe were awake, she might interfere. It was better for her to sleep until morning.

Zoe praised the food. "Wow, this tastes so good! The cooks here certainly live up to their reputations! With such skills, you could all open a restaurant!" The cooks were delighted.

Both guests and villagers thoroughly enjoyed the feast. Tiffany ate her fill, as the drug wouldn't affect her. Even poison wouldn't deter her, let alone a knockout drug.

After the feast, Zoe burped and asked, "Tiffany, why didn't Mr. Hampton join you?"

"He's not feeling well." Tiffany knew he likely wouldn't have been interested, even if he were healthy.

Zoe murmured, "Grelle was looking around just now. I thought I might have to warn her again."

Tiffany didn't hear her. "Huh? What did you say?"

"Er, nothing…" Zoe clammed up.

On the way back, she yawned constantly. "Why am I so sleepy! I slept so soundly last night…"

At the village chief's house, Tiffany patted Zoe's shoulder. "Don't stay up. Go to bed."

"Good night then, Tiffany…" Zoe was struggling to stay awake. She collapsed onto her bed the moment she reached her room.

Tiffany said to someone behind her, "Take good care of her."

There was no answer, only a gust of wind.

Tiffany returned to her room and waited. After half an hour, most villagers were asleep. The bustling noise died down, and the village grew quiet. A bright full moon shone above the treetops. Croaking frogs filled the air.

Suddenly, Melody rushed in, panicked. "Something terrible has happened! Benny was playing in the mountains, but now he's gone!"

Tiffany had to hand it to Melody; she was a good actress. If Tiffany hadn't known it was a trap, she would have believed her.

No matter how Melody shouted, the drugged villagers couldn't be roused.

Tiffany stretched and left her room. Her playful smile was instantly replaced by worry and anxiety. "What did you say? Benny is missing?" Benny was the boy who'd climbed the tree for chestnuts earlier, and had brought her roasted chestnuts during the feast. He wasn't missing; he was sleeping soundly at home. Melody was creating a ruse. Tiffany had to admit, it was a good one. Everyone would worry if a child went missing.

Melody nodded upon seeing Tiffany. "That's right! After the feast, Benny said he wanted to go to the bamboo forest to catch sparrows for you. But he's been gone ages! I'll go look for him." Tiffany looked worried and prepared to go at once.

Before leaving, she reminded Melody, "Inform the village chief and wake the villagers. Then gather everyone to search for Benny."

"Kenny has already sent people. I'll go with you; I know where the bamboo forest is." Melody was apprehensive. She was worried Tiffany wouldn't agree because of their animosity. She tried to appear sincere.

Tiffany frowned; the suggestion was repulsive. However, it was an emergency, so she agreed. "Alright, lead the way."

Melody was delighted. She maintained her act and headed for the mountain with a flashlight, Tiffany in tow. Moonlight cast a hazy light over the mountain. In the darkness, the slightest movement sent chills down their spines.

Melody proceeded nervously, but the thought of what was to come filled her with excitement and anticipation. Soon, she'd be rid of Tiffany Kelley!

"How much longer?" Tiffany's voice was anxious, but her face was languid and nonchalant in the moonlight. Tiffany felt she could rival an Oscar-winning actress; she was quite good at acting.