Chapter 14

"Thallium poisoning doesn't leave the body naturally, and it's undetectable in standard tests. Audrey shouldn't have lasted this long. Are you sure you gave me the right dose?"

That voice—it was Heather!

Though her words were hushed, Audrey heard every syllable with crystal clarity.

Audrey froze, her mind reeling. After countless hospital visits and inconclusive tests, she never imagined Heather was behind her mysterious illness. What had she ever done to deserve this? Was Duncan really worth destroying another person's life?

"Look, I'm marrying Duncan today, and Audrey needs to be out of the picture. Permanently. I don't care how you do it—just make it happen!"

Heather angrily ended the call, only to turn and find Audrey standing right there.

"What did you hear?" Heather's face drained of color, panic flashing in her eyes.

Though weak, Audrey's voice was filled with fury. "Everything! It was you all along! You wormed your way into Quartet Enterprises just to poison me!"

"Fine, you know the truth. So what?" Heather sneered. "What do you have to offer Duncan? No family connections, no Ivy League degree—you're just a pretty face. Duncan's career is skyrocketing. He needs a partner who can help build an empire. The Leverton-Millington merger will create a business dynasty. What can you bring to the table?"

Heather's words dripped with contempt.

"You won't get away with this," Audrey warned. "If you'd do this to me, you'd do it to Duncan too. I won't let that happen!"

"Oh, really?" Heather scoffed. "Look at you—you're barely standing. I'm shocked you've lasted this long, let alone made it to our wedding day."

Taking advantage of Audrey's weakness, Heather grabbed her and dragged her toward the window. "What made you think you could compete with me? You're not even in the same league!"

Audrey struggled feebly as Heather yanked her hair. "You should've died in France! You survived and had the audacity to come back? Trust me, you won't live to see tomorrow."

As Heather forced Audrey's head out the window, Audrey suddenly began retching uncontrollably.

Heather froze, a horrifying realization dawning.

Her expression darkened, murder in her eyes. "You're pregnant. You're actually pregnant!"

Duncan had always kept Heather at arm's length, yet somehow, he'd been intimate with Audrey!

Heather's nails dug into her palms. She was supposed to be Duncan's wife!

Audrey had to die. Today.

Just as Heather prepared to act, footsteps echoed behind them. It could only be Duncan.

In a flash, Heather pulled Audrey back and switched their positions. "Audrey, stop! Please don't kill me!" she cried out, her voice quavering with mock terror. "Even if you kill me, Duncan will never marry you! Duncan, help! Save me!"