Right Person, Wrong Time

Meanwhile, Nicole set aside her thoughts as her sole focus now was to unravel the mystery of Colton's voodoo. She aimed to discover an effective cure for Colton and provide him with the relief he sought.

"You're here, Nicole," Evelyn greeted with a gentle smile, addressing the person seated across from her.

Nicole nodded, and her gaze fixed on the seemingly calm woman. However, a sense of unease began to creep over her—something felt off about Evelyn's unusual calmness. "Have you come to discuss Colton's voodoo with me?" she probed tentatively.

Evelyn shook her head slightly, dispelling the notion, and spoke deliberately, "My intention today is not just that. I wish to acknowledge your exceptional medical skills, and you are right about the voodoo in some aspects."

Nicole caught onto the initial words, but confusion clouded her understanding as the conversation unfolded. "What exactly do you mean?" She furrowed her brows, urging Evelyn to be direct. "Please be clear. There's no need to beat around the bush."

After hearing this, Evelyn shook her head, her silence speaking volumes. In the meantime, a waiter approached, carrying a glass of steaming milk, and carefully placed it on the table. Then, breaking the silence, Evelyn spoke, "I wasn't entirely sure about your preference, so I took the liberty of ordering you a hot milk."

Nicole glanced at the glass and then back at Evelyn, whose calm attitude seemed out of place. A sense of unease started to creep over her.

"What's the matter? Are you afraid that I spiked your drink? Whether it's spiked or not, can't you detect it? Take your time and inspect it thoroughly before you decide to drink. I don't mind waiting. After all, we're not that close," Evelyn said, a faint self-deprecation smile tugging at the corner of her lips before fading away.

Nicole leaned down and cautiously sniffed the milk. Sensing no unusual odor, she proceeded to scrutinize it intently. She understood that even if a poison devoid of color and smell were to be blended in, it might induce subtle alterations too delicate for the average person to detect. However, her meticulous inspection revealed no such traces, so she confidently confirmed that the milk appeared safe for consumption. "I hope you'll clarify Colton's situation." Despite the reassurance, she remained cautious, prompting Evelyn again before taking a sip.

Meanwhile, Evelyn hesitated momentarily before subtly nodding in agreement with Nicole's request.

After seeing her response, Nicole lifted the glass and finished the milk in one gulp. "Now, can you tell me now?"

Evelyn stared at her in disbelief. She had anticipated Nicole to inspect the milk more closely, yet all Nicole did was whiff and utter something before gulping it down. A question nagged at Evelyn—was this a genuine display of trust, or had Nicole's profound love for Colton driven her to this unwavering faith? The answer, she mused, undoubtedly leaned toward the latter.

Suddenly, a faint, bitter smile formed on her lips. She hadn't tainted the milk with poison. Instead, she had added a small dose of a sleeping pill, which was unlikely to cause any significant harm.

Nicole had intended to prompt her to explain Colton's situation. However, before she could utter a word, her vision blurred, her head spun, and in the next moment, she slumped onto the table.

"You may come out now. I've prepared the person for you." Evelyn's voice remained eerily calm as though addressing an unseen entity.

Rumble!