The poison looked exactly like mushrooms, but it was something Selena had acquired at a high price. Each slice contained more than enough poison to kill, and there were seven or eight slices in the pot of soup. It was extremely toxic.

Regan carefully cooked the soup, and once the aroma was just right, she turned off the heat. The rich, savory smell filled the room. As she placed the soup on the table, Thalia sniffed and said, "Hmm? Clam chowder? I said I didn't want anything greasy these days."

"Ma'am, I added some mushrooms," Regan replied. "You've been having headaches, and this will help. It's good for your health; it boosts energy and helps you sleep well."

"Fine," Thalia said. "Just leave it there."

"Okay," Regan said.

Regan carefully placed the soup on the dining table and served several bowls to Charlie, Thalia, and Eric.

"Dinner time. Still busy?" Thalia asked.

Hearing Thalia, Charlie smiled and put down his work. "Alright, I'm done. I must listen to my wife. Whatever my wife says goes."

"You're so oily," Thalia playfully scolded, glaring at him.

The couple had been together for over twenty years, and their love was still enviable. Eric, used to their displays of affection, just rolled his eyes. The family of three continued their dinner happily.

Meanwhile, at school, Tiffany sneaked out during evening study hall. She hadn't been home in days and felt uneasy. Since the afternoon, she'd felt unwell, as if something bad was about to happen. This unease was inexplicable but undeniable.

Instead of heading to the main gate, Tiffany went to the basketball court to climb the fence. However, Sandra followed her and called out, "Tiffany, where are you going? The teacher came by and didn't see you. You better go explain, or they'll deduct points."

Tiffany glanced back, her eyes narrowing slightly. She had snuck out before, and Sandra had never shown this much concern. Something felt wrong.

Tiffany turned and stared at Sandra before replying indifferently, "It's stuffy inside. I'm just getting some air. Now, get lost." Her look clearly dismissed Sandra.

Sandra was momentarily stunned. Seeing Tiffany head toward the basketball court, not the main gate, Sandra sighed in relief and returned to the classroom. Little did she know, Tiffany swiftly scaled the fence.

On her way, Tiffany called home. The family had just finished dinner and were about to eat the still-warm clam chowder. Just as they lifted their bowls, Tiffany's call came through. Thalia and Charlie immediately set down their bowls, smiling as they answered. "Oh, sweetie, how's the food at school? Is the studying pressure too much lately?"

Eric rolled his eyes again. He'd always suspected he was adopted. The difference in how his father treated him and Tiffany was vast. However, Eric wasn't upset; in their family, girls were cherished.

Hearing their voices, Tiffany relaxed slightly but remained uneasy. She warned, "Dad, Mom, I'm on my way home. Don't eat anything or go anywhere."

"Why?" Charlie asked.

Charlie and Thalia were startled but concerned when they heard Tiffany panting. Their hearts tightened. "Tiffany, is something wrong? Should I come pick you up?" Charlie asked.

"No, I'll be there soon," Tiffany said, and hung up.

She ran from the school's back alley to the main street, hailed a cab, and immediately called Jeremy. Since Tiffany had saved him on Sanctuary Mountain, he'd worked at the company. Despite being a security guard, he was talented, often resolving conflicts and offering business suggestions. Caleb had praised him several times, saying he was underutilized. Although Caleb wanted to promote him, Jeremy preferred to remain inconspicuous.

Jeremy answered quickly. Tiffany said bluntly, "Go check around my house. If you see anyone pouring gasoline, kill them on the spot." The last four words were chilling.

The driver, startled, trembled. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw a sweet-looking lady, smiling innocently.

"I was talking about a game," Tiffany said.

"Oh, I see," the driver said.

At the villa, Tiffany paid the driver generously and rushed inside. Her family was at the dining table, as instructed. They hadn't eaten or left.

Seeing Tiffany, Charlie sighed in relief. "You scared us! We thought something happened. Are you alright, sweetheart? Did someone bully you?"

Tiffany's expression darkened as she detected a peculiar smell. James had taught her many skills, including poison mastery. She could identify and neutralize various poisons. She'd never imagined needing this skill, as she would never intentionally poison anyone. But someone had poisoned her family.

Tiffany had sensed something was wrong since leaving school. She'd vaguely guessed the cause of her unease. Since Charlie's near-fatal car accident, she knew that without intervention, a house fire would claim Thalia's life, and poison would render Eric mute and mentally impaired. She thought these events were years away, but they had arrived sooner than expected.

Seeing Tiffany's gloomy expression, Thalia asked, "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Tiffany asked, "Did you drink the soup?"

They all shook their heads.

Tiffany sighed in relief, then turned to Regan, who stood nervously in the corner. "Who made this soup?"

Regan's heart skipped a beat. Trembling, she stepped forward. "Miss Kelley, I made it."

"What did you put in it?" Tiffany asked.

"It's just clam chowder," Regan said, then added, "Oh, and some mushrooms for Ma'am's health."

"Tell the truth!" Tiffany said.

Tiffany shoved Regan against the dining table. "How much did you get from Stan and Selena?"

"What?" Regan said, terrified. "Miss Kelley, I didn't! I've worked for the Kelley family for years, always doing my duty. Please don't falsely accuse me."

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