Chapter 185

Kayla's gaze felt lethal. Olivia's heart pounded. Despite knowing Kayla's outwardly sweet but inwardly ruthless nature, the viciousness in her eyes terrified her. Could Kayla seriously consider killing someone?

Olivia distanced herself, realizing her earlier words might have been inflammatory. Though Arnold had stopped her, he hadn't explicitly forbidden anyone from harming Felicia. She'd exaggerated to provoke Kayla.

Nervously, Olivia attempted to smooth things over. "Kayla, don't be upset. Mr. Lawson still cares for you. You're childhood sweethearts, destined to be together. How could Felicia, a recent acquaintance, compete with you?"

But Kayla interpreted her words differently. Felicia's recent arrival had captivated Arnold. Matthew's insistence on their marriage underscored his wavering affections. Sooner or later, Arnold would fall for Felicia, leaving Kayla the city's laughingstock.

Kayla took a deep breath, suppressing her murderous rage. She found a sliver of hope in Matthew's stubborn insistence on the marriage; the more he forced it, the more Arnold would resist. No one understood Arnold better than she did; his complex nature meant even genuine feelings for Felicia wouldn't be readily admitted. Hope remained.

Looking up, Kayla saw Olivia had retreated, maintaining a safe distance. Fear remained etched on Olivia's face. Kayla's expression softened, her smile returning. "Olivia, why so far away? Let's go back and rest."

Olivia, marveling at the swift mood change, resolved to maintain distance from Kayla in the future. Yet, curiosity prevailed. "Would you really hurt Felicia?"

Kayla laughed lightly, teasingly. "What nonsense! Do you think I'm capable of such a thing? Besides, Felicia is my sister. Her well-being is of no concern to me."

Olivia, unconvinced but unable to press further, replied, "I suppose you're right. Let's go back then."

Unseen, a tall figure slipped away from a dark corner as they walked arm in arm.

The following days were unusually peaceful. The village was preoccupied with Macey's funeral. Andrew continued his work, leading students in village repairs, assisting the elderly, tutoring children, and distributing donated supplies.

After the funeral and Felicia's recovery, she returned to the training camp. One incident disrupted the calm: Shawn's escape from the hospital.

Charles, anticipating this, had assigned two villagers to watch Shawn. Initially, the rescued Shawn had been compliant, but after a few days, he vanished under the pretext of using the restroom.

Enraged, Charles immediately informed Felicia, who wasn't surprised.