Chapter 161

Nina’s face was ghostly pale. “Cynthia, be careful!” Her voice trembled, and everyone in the tent held their breath, including Abby, as they watched Cynthia slowly sit up.

Abby couldn't believe the snake had tracked them down. On one hand, there was lingering fear. On the other, a bit of relief. If she hadn't been so quick-thinking, that terrifying king cobra would have been at the foot of her bed, fangs bared.

Just then, the moon vanished behind the clouds, plunging the tent back into pitch-black darkness.

“Nina, get out!” Abby hissed, grabbing Nina’s arm and pulling her from the tent.

Nina hesitated. “But what about Cynthia?” Abby dragged Nina outside, saying, “She’s on her own! If we stay, we risk our lives too.”

Abby’s decision wasn't driven by compassion; she had her reasons. If she’d run alone and left Nina and Cynthia behind, any harm that befell them might raise suspicions—leading to serious repercussions, possibly even investigations by the Sullivans, or worse, Jonathan himself. Furthermore, though Nina had grown wary of her after the Heart Vote, Abby figured this rescue could reset their relationship. Saving Nina might even earn her Jonathan's favor—she imagined his gratitude. It was a win-win.

Meanwhile, the commotion drew the attention of the men, who rushed from their tent, led by Jonathan, concern etched on his face.

Jonathan reached Nina first. His voice was tense. “Nina, what happened?” Still shaken, Nina pointed toward the girls' tent, her voice trembling. “A snake… there’s a snake in there…”

Abby wasted no time claiming credit. “I don’t know how it happened, but a huge snake slithered into our tent. Thank goodness I reacted quickly and pulled Nina out; she was terrified.”

Preston suddenly realized Cynthia wasn’t with them. “Where’s Cynthia?” Nina’s voice choked. “She’s still inside! What should we do?”

Hearing this, Jonathan and Preston went pale. They rushed toward the tent almost simultaneously.

But as they reached the entrance, they stopped abruptly. Cynthia had already emerged.

Her face was calm and composed; she held a thick, lifeless cobra by its neck. The snake hung limply, its long, slender tail dragging on the ground.

Preston seemed stunned, while Jonathan quickly closed the distance, grabbing Cynthia’s wrist, his eyes filled with worry and dread. His voice was tense, a faint tremor betraying his fear. “Are you okay? Did it bite you?”

One bite from that type of snake could be fatal within half an hour, long before antivenom could arrive.

Jonathan’s grip was strong, his body tense. His gaze held a terror no one had seen before.

Cynthia’s voice, however, was steady. She tossed the snake to the ground. “I’m fine.”

Jonathan still held her firmly, relief washing over him as his pulse returned to normal. The terror released its hold, and his heartbeat steadied.

Just as Cynthia tried to pull free, Jonathan pulled her into a tight embrace. “You scared me to death,” Jonathan whispered, his voice breaking slightly. “Thank God you’re okay.”

Chapter 161

Preston stood there, shocked. He’d been terrified, still feeling the cold sweat on his back, but Jonathan’s reaction seemed out of character. He’d never seen Jonathan so nervous, almost losing control.

But Preston quickly dismissed it—right now, all he cared about was that Cynthia was safe.

Meanwhile, Cynthia, still in Jonathan’s embrace, frowned as everyone focused on them. She didn’t want to fuel any misunderstandings.

Cynthia firmly pushed Jonathan back, saying, “Jonathan, let’s get things straight—I’m not Nina.” She dismissed his odd reaction as a mistake, a moment of panic.

Abby walked over, seizing her chance. “Yeah, Jonathan, Nina’s right here, safe and sound—thanks to me for pulling her out of the tent.”

Jonathan’s expression shifted, cold and unreadable, as he regained his composure.

Preston immediately turned his attention back to Cynthia. “Cynthia, were you scared at all?” After all, who wouldn't be shaken after encountering a massive, deadly snake? He couldn’t shake the worry that Cynthia might be putting on a brave face.

Cynthia’s face remained calm. Abby, never missing an opportunity, chimed in. “Honestly, Preston, does she look scared to you? She grabbed that snake like it was nothing and killed it with her bare hands—more like a brute than a lady.”

The tension between Abby and Cynthia was no longer hidden. Abby dared to speak so openly because she knew the live stream cut off after ten minutes. No one was watching them now.

Preston shot Abby a piercing look, his usual warmth turning icy. “Abby, what Cynthia showed was bravery—a calm, fearless strength. How does that make her a brute? Maybe you need to read up a bit. If every girl had your attitude, I’m pretty sure men would lose interest in relationships altogether.”

Abby was seething. “Preston, what’s your deal?”

“What, still can’t understand plain English? I said you should read more,” Preston replied coolly.

Abby’s hand shook as she pointed at him. “Preston, who do you think you are, talking to me like that?”

Just as tension was about to boil over, Cynthia spoke up. “Preston, can you take care of that snake?”

Preston was pretty scared of snakes. Despite his discomfort, he squared his shoulders, determined not to show weakness in front of Cynthia. He bravely picked up the snake and walked away.

Watching him go, Abby muttered bitterly, “Simp too much, end up with nothing!”