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

Rhea’s eyes danced a perilous waltz, oscillating between Marcus’ form and Millie’s all-too-attentivecountenance. Fury ignited within her, recognizing the brazen flirtation that was unfolding before hervery eyes.

Casting Darin to the shadows, she left in a defiant stride. Darin, compelled to follow, was arrested by asudden 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 plant whose allure hid a deadly secret. Every inch of it, from itstender sprouts to its vibrant pollen, concealed a toxic wrath. Even the slightest mistake in handlingcould unleash agonizing torment.

With a resolve unshaken, Rhea plucked the blossoms, their innocence betrayed by her intentions, andwrapped them discreetly in her handkerchief .

As she engaged in this dangerous harvest, thoughts swirled tempestuously in her mind. Millie’shappiness 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 replaceing release. “If thissetting doesn’t quite harmonize with your spirit, we could always retrace our path and journey back,” heproposed, 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 tome.” 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 wereprocured by me with your delight in mind.”

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

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

Capitalizing on the chance, Rhea deftly maneuvered herself before Millie’s artisanal beverage, adeptlyconcealing any sight beyond her presence.

With a masterful illusion, she mimicked the act of pouring a Libation for herself. Yet, beneath thisfacade, she deftly scattered the elusive tripterygium wilfordii pollen into the vessel, a gesture wovenwith hidden intent. Then, in an air of tranquil composure, she gracefully departed from the scene.

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

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 aLibation.

Uplifting her gaze, Millie Lifted the vessel to her lips, partaking in a succession of measured sips thateffectively quelled the Lingering fire of spiciness. Employing a delicate hand to sweep away the beadsof 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 success. I invite you to savor their essence.” Theinvitation was extended with a touch of culinary anticipation.

As Darin presented the grilled oysters to her, Rhea rose from her seat, gently pushing the platter asidewith a subtle gesture.

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