Chapter 3 Daphne, Did You Poison Her?

• His grip was so strong that it felt like he might crush Daphne's bones. "What exactly did you bring here? Natalie ate one piece, and now her whole body is burning up."
• The man's dark eyes were filled with icy rage. "Daphne, did you poison her?"
• "I didn't!" Daphne frowned, trying to pry his hand off her neck. "That box of pastries was something Mom prayed for at St. Peter's Cathedral. It's impossible for there to be a problem!"
• But Hudson's grip was too strong. Despite using all her strength, she couldn't loosen his hand even slightly.
• Breathing became harder, and her vision began to blur. She barely made out his cold, furious voice. "Daphne, is there a single word of truth that comes out of your mouth?"
• Looking into Hudson's enraged eyes, Daphne wanted to explain, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she stopped herself.
• Explanations were pointless. Hudson never believed a word she said. Just as he was convinced that three years ago, she was the one who killed Evelyn, he wouldn't believe her now if she denied poisoning Natalie.
• "Cough! Cough…" Gathering what little strength she had left, she managed a faint smile. "Your precious Natalie's been poisoned, and you're not doing anything about it?"
• Hudson's eyes froze momentarily.
• He released Daphne, strode back into the office, and scooped Natalie into his arms before heading out.
• "Sonny, I feel so terrible…" Lying weakly in Hudson's arms, Natalie clung to his shirt with flushed cheeks, turning to glance at Daphne.
• When their eyes met, Natalie smiled. Silently, she mouthed four words to Daphne. Loser of this game.
• Daphne clutched her sore throat, leaning against the wall as she watched Hudson carry Natalie away. A bitter smile spread across her face.
• She was a loser. She had lost to Evelyn and lost to Natalie. Because she loved Hudson, any woman by his side could trample on her dignity without mercy.
• "Mrs. Jackman."
• The secretary appeared with two security guards, her expression emotionless.
• The guards grabbed Daphne by each arm.
• "Mr. Jackman instructed me to have you taken to the hospital. If anything happens to Ms. Natalie, he'll make sure you pay with your life."
• When Daphne was brought to the hospital, Natalie was lying weakly in a hospital bed. "Sonny, don't worry about me. I'm fine now. I just didn't expect Daphne to resort to poisoning…"
• Tears streamed down her face as she held Hudson's hand. "It's a good thing I ate the pastries. If you had eaten them… I don't mind at all. I'm not upset. If it's for you, I'm happy to bear this…"
• Natalie's voice was feeble, her face covered in tears, as if she were truly fragile.
• But when she glanced at Daphne, a flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes.
• Daphne had been married to Hudson for three years, and Natalie had always been a thorn wedged between them.
• At first, Daphne would feel anger over Natalie's antics. She would defend herself, fight back.
• But over time, she had grown used to it.
• In Hudson's eyes, she was nothing but a lying, heartless, cold, and malicious woman incapable of honesty.
• "Mr. Jackman."
• Not long after, the doctor knocked and entered the room. "The test results on the pastries are back. They were laced with a large amount of aphrodisiac, primarily targeting men."
• The doctor's words caused the air in the room to turn frigid.
• Hudson dragged Daphne out into the hallway, his eyes sharp and cold as shards of winter ice.
• He glared at her and spat out each word slowly. "Daphne, do you even know what shame is?"
• Yesterday was Evelyn's death anniversary, and today she comes to the office to drug me? Even using my mom as an excuse? Is she really that desperate, that shameless?
• Daphne avoided looking at his eyes, which burned with anger. "Think whatever you want."
• She no longer cared. No matter what she said, he wouldn't believe her.
• Explanations were meaningless. All they did was give him more reasons to torment and humiliate her further.
• Daphne's indifferent demeanor, as though she were resigned to whatever he decided, only stoked Hudson's fury further.
• She had always been sharp-tongued, but now she didn't even bother to defend herself.
• Is that an admission of guilt?
• The thought disgusted him so much that he didn't want to look at her for another second.
• Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Natalie's parents rushed out.
• Smack!
• A harsh slap landed on Daphne's face, whipping her head to the side. Her mind buzzed, as though fireworks had exploded in her skull.
• Natalie's mom, Marilyn Trent, glared at her with fury. "You shameless wretch! It's bad enough that you're disgusting, but now you've dragged my daughter into this mess? My daughter is a treasure, and if anything happens to her, I'll make sure your entire family pays with their lives!"
• As she spoke, Marilyn raised her hand for another slap, but this time Daphne dodged.
• She already had a slight fever, and another slap would've surely knocked her out on the spot.
• Marilyn's hand swung through the air and hit nothing.
• "How dare you dodge?"
• Furious, she shouted at Hudson's bodyguards, "What are you standing there for? Pin this shameless woman down!"
• The bodyguards hesitated.
• After all, Daphne was Hudson's wife, and they had no reason to obey an outsider's command.
• "Do as Mrs. Parker says."
• Hudson's cold voice drifted over as he turned and walked back into the hospital room.