Daphne practically spent two days sulking on her bed. Her emotions were laced with both anger and lingering feelings towards Hector.
She knew that he had other motives. But deep down, she still wanted to be with him despite everything. Iâm seriously going crazy, she thought.
She tried to rationalize that she was feeling this way out of spite. Itâs because I hate him! And because I want vengeance, I will make him fall in love with me intentionally and make him go through the same torture and betrayal Iâve felt.
But honestly, she knew her logic did not make sense. If she really hated him, she would have let things be a long time ago. All this rationalization was nothing but self-deceit.
The only truth that remained was that she still loved him.
She loved him so much that she had no qualms in taking drastic actions to eliminate her biggest rival, Nicole.
She called out loud, âCan somebody come?â
A servant appeared. âYes, Ms. Ankins?â
âGet Andy here.â
After a while, the man arrived. He was her trusted aide whom she entrusted him with the following orders â keep an eye out for Nicole at the hospital and find an opportune timing to take her life. If he could make Hector lose his memories, that would be even better.
This way, Hector would belong to no one else but her.
âI can pay you as much as you demand, so long as you execute your mission properly,â said Daphne.
âDonât worry, Ms. Ankins. I will do my best.â
Andy left Daphneâs room beaming, relishing in the idea that he would soon be a wealthy man. The joy was so overwhelming that he had a definite spring in his step.
That was when he bumped into Jeremy.
Jeremy did his research prior to arriving at the estate. He paid particular attention to Daphneâs room because Evanâs hit list included Daphne and Portia. That was why he was in the area.
Noticing Andyâs peculiar attitude, the astute Jeremy knew that something was up.
He wasted no time in digging out the manâs background information. Then, he proceeded to get the alcoholic drunk. With that, Jeremy managed to get to Andy to spill the beans in the end almost effortlessly.
Daphneâs plan dismayed him. What a terrible woman. I really should teach her a lesson.
That night, the skies were pitch black. The usual tranquility was destroyed by chilling gusts of wind.
A shocking affair had shaken the entire estate. Portia was almost assassinated. If not for the doctorâs efforts, she would have been gone.
What was even more surprising was that Andy was identified as the culprit, while Daphne was identified as the mastermind.
When they were called for questioning, Daphne was completely dumbfounded.
âUncle Stephen, Levant, please believe me. I-I didnât instruct him to kill Aunt Portia!â cried the lady.
âAndy, is that true?â
But Andy was so wasted at that point in time that he had no idea what exactly happened. He did not even remember how he ended up at the crime scene.
âBe honest, Andy. Is this your own idea, or are you acting upon Ms. Ankinsâ instructions? Be truthful if you wish to have your life spared.â
Weighing the pros and cons, Andy took the path of betrayal and shoved the responsibility to Daphne.
Daphne was taken aback. âNonsense! Why would I order you to hurt Aunt Portia?â
Believing Andyâs confession, Levantâs gaze turned menacingly cold. âDaphne, did Aunt Portia mistreat you in any way? She literally treats you like her own daughter. Does your conscience not hurt when you were plotting this?â
âN-No! Itâs not that. I didnât plot anything!â Daphne desperately defended herself.
âAndy went to your room this afternoon, so that means you did communicate something to him.â
At this point, Daphne decided that owning up to her original plan was far better than being accused of plotting her auntâs death.
And since Nicole was still safe and sound, this meant that her hands were still clean.
âI instructed Andy to go after Nicole! I never told him to hurt Aunt Portia. Uncle Stephen, Levant, you must believe me! I never intended to do anything to Aunt Portia!â
Stephenâs face blackened the moment he heard Nicoleâs name.
He could not believe that Daphne wanted to hurt his own daughter. This lady is going to pay for her actions.
Levant was equally surprised and exclaimed, âDaphne, I wouldnât marry you even if Nicole doesnât exist! Thereâs no point going after her!â