The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 5

Sylvie's gaze turned somber.

Except for the missing strands of hair, the entire room was exactly as she had left it.

Someone had broken in? Just to take her hair?

It sounded so absurd she almost wondered if her memory was playing tricks on her.

Naturally, her mind flashed to that sticky, invasive gaze that seemed to follow her every move.

How interesting.

She meticulously inspected every corner of the bedroom. Convinced nothing else had been touched, and finding no cameras or bugs, she relaxed.

Once she felt secure, she sprinkled a faint trace of invisible powder along the windowsill.

And fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

That night, Sylvie was likely the only person in the house who slept well.

Lawrence was a nervous wreck, bowing and apologizing endlessly over the phone until he finally threw the device away in frustration.

After his first wife passed away, the glory days had lasted barely a year before the Vance Group began a steady decline.

The only reason they still had a seat at the high-society table was because of the solid foundation his ex-wife's family had built.

Recently, a major investment had gone belly-up, leaving them with severe cash flow problems.

He had pulled a lot of strings to invite some heavy hitters tonight, hoping to secure enough goodwill to bail the company out.

But why did there have to be a snake?!

How the hell did a snake get in here?!

He wanted to tear his hair out.

Down the hall, Helena was consumed by paralyzing fear and anxiety.

The icy, slippery sensation still felt plastered to her leg.

For some reason, the snake had latched onto her with terrifying strength, nearly crushing her bones. They practically had to pry it off!

She summoned Lucas. "Your birthday party was ruined, and it's all because of that little bitch, Sylvie!"

Lucas was annoyed about the snake, but his mother's accusation sounded insane. "What does she have to do with it?"

Remembering Sylvie's mocking face and the venom in her words, Helena shook with rage.

"Are you blind? Can't you see how manipulative she is?"

"She acts pathetic in front of everyone, but curses me out behind closed doors."

"And the second she shows up, there's a snake! I bet she brought it in herself!"

Lucas, however, could only picture Sylvie's bright smile and soft voice.

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