Chapter 16: Secrets in an Envelope
At Sterling Villa,
A rhythmic tap of polished shoes echoed through the hallway as Damien sauntered into the living hall, his movements deliberate and calculated.
His dark eyes flickered with something unreliable as Elias Hawthorne stepped inside the villa. Clearly, he had no plans to meet him so soon, but the situation and plans were changing.
"Director Ashford." Elias Hawthorne greeted Damien with a composed smile.
Elias Hawthorne held a calm, approachable demeanor, with brown eyes behind rectangular glasses. His dark brown hair was neatly combed. Dressed in a blazer over a simple shirt and trousers, he carried himself with his warm smile, making himself look instantly trustworthy.
Without acknowledging the greeting, Danien sat in an armchair. His voice, sharp and devoid of mercy, slicked through the quiet air, "I want her bedridden in a few days."
He preferred the next day, but didn't want to raise suspicions.
Elias's brows twitched slightly. There was no need for clarification. He knew exactly who 'her' was.
Elias introduced Damien to slow poisoning and supplied Damien with the toxin in the first place. However, he wasn't reckless.
"Director Ashford," His voice remained smooth, yet beneath it was an unmistakable warning, "I can adjust the dosage if I learn the plan, but if we increase it too abruptly, she may die within a week."
A sudden death would raise suspicions.