Marcus nced at the sausage, his brow furrowing momentarily before a smile tugged at his lips again.


    Rhea’s eyes danced a perilous waltz, osciting between Marcus’ form and Millie’s all-too-attentive


    countenance. Fury ignited within her, recognizing the brazen flirtation that was unfolding before her


    very eyes.


    Casting Darin to the shadows, she left in a defiant stride. Darin,pelled to follow, was arrested by a


    sudden realization.


    He understood that Rhea’s storm needed its time to abate.


    Arriving at the swimming pool’s edge, Rhea’s eyes caught the glimpse of a vine, alive with blossoms,


    which she regarded with a snarl.


    It was tripterygium wilfordii, a seductive nt whose allure hid a deadly secret. Every inch of it, from its


    tender sprouts to its vibrant pollen, concealed a toxic wrath. Even the slightest mistake in handling


    could unleash agonizing torment.


    With a resolve unshaken, Rhea plucked the blossoms, their innocence betrayed by her intentions, and


    wrapped them discreetly in her handkerchief .


    As she engaged in this dangerous harvest, thoughts swirled tempestuously in her mind. Millie’s


    happiness was a fire she yearned to extinguish, to eradicate that triumphant smile.


    “Ah, you’ve returned.” Darin’s voice exhaled a tremor of relief, as if a held breath finding release. “If this


    setting doesn’t quite harmonize with your spirit, we could always retrace our path and journey back,” he


    proposed, a soothing note woven into his words.


    Fear for Rhea’s safety loomed Large in his heart, a shadow he couldn’t quite dispel.


    “Extend your stay here a while longer, if you may. The allure of indulging in roasted oysters beckons to


    me.” Upon observing the vacant vessel that was Millie’s cup, Rhea answered.


    “Aware of your fondness for oysters, I’m preparing a roasting delight for you at this moment. They were


    procured by me with your delight in mind.”


    With a dutiful nod, Darin attended to the grill, the aroma of oysters wafting into the air.


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    Rhea’s face grew somber, her eyes falling upon the empty beverage table, a secret unnoticed by the


    oblivious crowd.


    Capitalizing on the chance, Rhea deftly maneuvered herself before Millie’s artisanal beverage, adeptly


    concealing any sight beyond her presence.


    With a masterful illusion, she mimicked the act of pouring a Libation for herself. Yet, beneath this


    facade, she deftly scattered the elusive tripterygium wilfordii pollen into the vessel, a gesture woven


    with hidden intent. Then, in an air of tranquilposure, she gracefully departed from the scene.


    Cognizant of the vacant state of Millie’s cup, Rhea foresaw her impending approach to quench her


    thirst.


    As foreseen, following a bout of indulgence in piquant fare, Millie’s yearning for revitalization surged.


    With eagerness propelling her, she made her way to the beverage station, deftly pouring herself a


    Libation.


    Uplifting her gaze, Millie Lifted the vessel to her lips, partaking in a session of measured sips that


    effectively quelled the Lingering fire of spiciness. Employing a delicate hand to sweep away the beads


    of perspiration adorning her brow, she unveiled a contented smile, a testament to her gratification.


    A chuckle, cold and precise, escaped Rhea’s lips.


    “The roasted oysters have emerged as a delectable sess. I invite you to savor their essence.” The


    invitation was extended with a touch of culinary anticipation.


    As Darin presented the grilled oysters to her, Rhea rose from her seat, gently pushing the tter aside


    with a subtle gesture.