Chapter 4 - The Sabotage
Vanessa did not leave the estate.
She convinced Julian’s board of directors that she needed to stay and "evaluate the household environment" for the good of the company’s public image.
She spent the next three days observing Elena like a hawk, waiting for a mistake.
But Elena didn't make any.
She managed the twins perfectly, keeping them fed, happy, and stimulated alongside Toby.
Realizing that Elena wasn't going to fail on her own, Vanessa decided to give her a push.
It happened during lunchtime.
Elena had stepped into the adjoining bathroom to wash paint off Toby’s hands.
She left three identical bowls of pureed carrots on the nursery table.
Vanessa slipped into the room like a shadow.
She pulled a small vial of incredibly spicy hot sauce from her designer purse.
With a wicked smile, she poured a generous amount into one of the bowls meant for the twins.
She quickly stirred it in, turning the food into a hidden trap, and vanished down the hall.
A minute later, Elena returned with a clean Toby.
She strapped the three boys into their highchairs and began to feed them.
She scooped a spoonful of the spiked carrots and brought it to Leo’s mouth.
Leo happily took the bite.
A second later, his face turned bright red.
He let out a blood-curdling scream of pure agony, clawing at his tongue.
Elena panicked, dropping the spoon.
“Leo! Oh my god, what’s wrong?!” she cried, grabbing a cup of milk and trying to soothe him.
The screaming triggered Lucas, who immediately began to wail in solidarity.
The peaceful nursery devolved into absolute chaos in a matter of seconds.
Footsteps thundered down the hall.
Julian ran into the room, followed closely by a smirking Vanessa.
“What did you do to him?!” Vanessa yelled, pointing a manicured finger at Elena.
“I didn't do anything!” Elena cried, tears streaming down her face as she cradled a sobbing Leo.
“I was just feeding him carrots!”
Vanessa snatched the bowl and sniffed it dramatically.
“Julian, this smells like chili oil!” Vanessa gasped.
“She’s trying to torture your children!”
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Julian stared at Elena, his expression unreadable.
Elena felt her heart shatter; she knew she was about to lose everything.
