Chapter 13 The Gumbo
Hazel gave a subtle nod towards the simmering pot on the stove, her expression darkening.
Emilia was confused. “Who is this gumbo for?”
“For Minerva,” she replied coolly.
Emilia’s jaw dropped in shock. “What? Mom, did I hear you right?”
Finished.
Hazel simply smiled, unfazed. She reached for a small black bottle and carefully dropped a pill into the pot, stirring it.
Hazel gently soothed Emilia. “Calm down. I’ve slipped a sedative into the gumbo. Your uncle, my brother, showed some interest in Minerva at the wedding yesterday, but when he learned she was married to the mafia boss, he hesitated. So, I struck a deal with him. I’ll help him win her over, but in return, he’ll help me with our plan. All I need to do is spread the rumor that Minerva despises her husband for being a mafia boss and has been seducing men behind his back. I promise you, once that story spreads, the mafia boss won’t spare her, and neither will your father’s family.”
Emilia gave her mother a thumbs–up, impressed by the plan. “Mom, you’re brilliant! I’m heading to the cake shop to buy a cake. I’ll be back later to watch how this unfolds!”
Hazel carefully placed the gumbo on the table just as Minerva came down the stairs. Seizing the moment, Hazel quickly called out, “Minerva, I made this gumbo just for you, Come and try it while it’s hot.”
Minerva raised an eyebrow, wondering if it was even safe to eat.
With a smile, she confidently walked into the dining area, her gaze meeting Hazel’s as she took a spoonful of the gumbo. After tasting it, she gave a satisfied grin. “This is really delicious. Thank you”
“You’re welcome. If you like it, make sure to finish every last drop.” Hazel replied sweetly, though she muttered “idiot” under her breath, her smile never wavering
Moments later, Minerva’s vision blurred, darkness closing in fust, Panic laced her voice as she managed to ask, “Hazel… what did you… give me to eat?”
Before she could get an answer, Minerva slumped forward, collapsing onto the table.
Hazel’s warm expression twisted into a smirk. “Take her upstairs,” she instructed the men standing nearby w
hesitation, they lifted Minerva and carried her to an upstairs room.”
Not long after, Quincy Loxley, a handsome man, rushed eagerly into the mansion. His attractive features made him undeniably charming, but his reputation was far less appealing. Despite never lacking female company, Quincy had a sordid obsession with newlywed women. His shameless indulgences earned him disdain from respectable families, branding him as
a scoundrel
“Where is she? Did you get her?” Quincy asked.
Hazel crossed her arms, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. “Minerva is upstairs, The sedative should keep her out for a few
hours. You’ve got plenty of time to… enjoy yourself.” Her voice dripped with malice. “Just don’t forget our er
Quincy chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Of course, I won’t forget. Don’t worry. Once I’m done, I’ll spread the word that this vixen seduced me.”
As he turned to head toward the room, Hazel quickly grabbed his arm, her expression serious. “Quincy, listen to me. If this works, you’ll need to disappear for a while. Lay low in the countryside to hide from the mafia…”
Although the rumor would frame Minerva as the seductress, the mafia would never let the adulterer off the hook. Quincy would have to hide in the countryside afterward. But as long as they stuck to their story, insisting that Minerva had intentionally seduced him, everything would fall into place.
“Relax,” Quincy said with a smug grin, flashing an “OK” sign at his sister. “I’ve got experience. Even if it’s the mafia, I know how to handle it.”
With that, he turned and swiftly disappeared into the room.”
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11:37 PM 다.
Chapter 13 The Gumbo
“Beautiful, I’m here,” he whispered, his voice low and husky.
D
But just as he was about to draw closer, Minerva’s eyes snapped open.
Quincy froze. Wasn’t she drugged? She should’ve been out cold for at least two hours! Flow is she awake?
Finished
However, he quickly composed himself. After all, he prided himself on his charm. Any woman would be bewitched by his looks.
With a practiced, gentlemanly smile, he leaned in closer, his voice dripping with false warmth. “Oh, darling, you’re awake.”
Minerva blinked, momentarily taken aback by the man’s striking appearance. So, Hazel sent this man? Quite the handsome one. The faint resemblance to Hazel confirmed her suspicion–they must be related.
Her gaze swept over Quincy. Sending a man to seduce me? To charm me?
Amusement sparkled in Minerva’s eyes as she quipped, “If I hadn’t woken up, I would’ve missed the chance to meet such a dashing gentleman. What a shame that would’ve been”
“You…
Minerva casually reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vial of medicinal liquid. A faint, peculiar scent filled the air. Quincy instinctively took a step back, but it was too late. His body stiffened for a brief moment before his legs gave out, and he crumpled onto the carpet.
Quincy struggled in vain, his body completely paralyzed. His muscles refused to cooperate, leaving him sprawled helplessly on the floor, fear creeping into his wide eyes. All he could do was stare at Minerva, who stood over him with a sweet, almost innocent smile. “P–Pretty lady,” he stammered. “Whatever game you’re thinking of playing, why don’t you let me go first, and then we can… enjoy it properly?”
Minerva tilted her head, her finely arched eyebrows lifting in mock curiosity. Her demeanor was so gentle, so harmless- looking. “What do you think this is?” she asked softly, holding up a small bottle in her hand.
Quincy’s gaze darted to the bottle, panic flashing in his eyes. “What… what is that?”
