Lucinda wasted no time in following.
However, before she could catch up, Nala triggered a switch on the wall.
Instantly, a massive metal cage descended, trapping them both.
Lucinda, unfazed, inquired, âWhat are you planning this time?â
Nalaâs smile was innocent yet her intentions were far from it.
She tipped over an oil can, spilling its contents across the floor.
Facing Lucinda, her voice was cold.
âBeing taken back to the Simmons family by you is a fate worse than death.
Youâd never let me go.
So, dying together seems preferable, donât you think?â
Lucindaâs composure didnât waver.
âIf I donât step out within ten minutes, itâs not just me who is at risk.
Danilo, whoâs out there trying to save you, will never leave Cadiered if Nathan gets wind of this,â Lucinda stated.
Appearing nonchalant, Nala toyed with a lighter.
âDanilo never loved me.
If Nathan ends him, he has only his own greed to blame.
We were just using each other.
â
Lucinda eyed the spreading oil warily, stepping back to avoid it.
She then asked, âSo, was the truth about my motherâs death just an excuse to lure me in here?â
Shaking her head, Nala replied, âNo, that part was true.
Your mother was gravely ill.
What pushed her over the edge was discovering our fatherâs betrayal.
The man she adored, Atticus, was unfaithful.
â
She laughed as she recounted the past.
âI was young, but I remember.
Our father bought a small villa for my mother and me.
Your mother caught our father and my mother together, confronted him, and the shock triggered her decline.
â
She laughed even louder.
âMy mother felt guilty, so she took me to the hospital in secret to see your mother.
She wanted to ask for her forgiveness.
I took off your motherâs oxygen mask when the ward was empty.
I thought it would make my mother marry into the Simmons family, and then Iâd become the real daughter of the Simmons family.
Your father found out.
But I just cried and pretended I was innocent.
He used all his influence to cover it up.
Still, he chose to marry Florrie, who graduated from a prestigious university, over my mother, who had no education or background.
So, I remained the illegitimate daughter.
Quite ironic, isnât it? My mother had a kind heart.
She always carried the guilt of your motherâs death.
Thatâs why she saved Graham when he was in danger.
Graham has been helping me for years because he felt bad for me, losing my mother.
But he never knew.
He didnât know your mother was actually killed by me.
â
Lucinda stared at Nala in shock as her laughter twisted her face.
âHow old were you then? Your mother was such a kind person.
How did she end up raising someone as vile as you?â
It seemed some people were inherently evil, beyond any hope of change.
The truth, now laid bare, was something Lucinda had never anticipated.
With a look full of loathing, she said, âI really wish I could rip out your heart to see if itâs truly dark, Valerie.
â
Nala let out a sneer.
âTo achieve oneâs aims, a little sacrifice is needed.
My dear sister, this secret has weighed on my heart for years.
Now that you know everything, perhaps youâre ready to meet your end contentedly?â
Her wicked smile widened as she picked up a lighter, intent on setting ablaze the oil spilled on the floor.
âLucinda, we may not have been born on the same day, but isnât it fitting that youâre not alone as we meet our end together?â Nala laughed maniacally, slowly squatting down.
Lucinda narrowed her eyes.
As Nala squatted, Lucinda sprang into action, rushing towards her.
She lifted her leg and delivered a swift kick to Nalaâs wrist.
The lighter flew from Nalaâs grasp, clattering outside the cage.
In Nalaâs moment of confusion, Lucinda seized her by the neck and slammed her against the metal cage with a loud clang.
Nala winced, pain radiating from her back.
Lucinda, looking into her face, swung her hand and landed a fierce slap.
Her grip on Nalaâs neck tightened.
Nala gasped for air, coughing violently as her complexion grew pale.
With teeth clenched, Lucinda hissed, âYou have nothing but your looks.
Vermin like you deserve to be in hell!â