Suddenly There Are Three (Bailey and Artemis) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Bailey stood at the entrance to the compound and stared intently at Beatrice. After a pause, she spoke through her clenched teeth and asked, “Did you start that fire?”

“Me?” Beatrice pointed to herself, then laugh hysterically and added, “Would you believe me if I said your mother was the one who started the fire?”

Bailey's stare became colder and more piercing as her eyes bore straight into Beatrice.

“I thought Madam Wenlock is an adult and would say something sensible,” she grunted.

Beatrice squinted her eyes and said, “Oh, you don't believe me? I totally understand how you feel. No one will want to believe something like that. Alas, the truth is that your mother started that fire herself! She wanted to commit suicide as that was the only way for her to take the secret to her grave! It was a shocking secret, and she died because she found out about it!”

Hearing that, Bailey became tense and nervous.

She started recalling the events that led to her mother's death, and she wasn't so certain of her earlier belief anymore.

If it was murder, there should be traces of evidence left behind by the murderer. However, despite all the efforts she put into the investigation for the past few years, she could not find a single clue. She couldn't help but wonder if what Beatrice said was true.

“What's the secret? What happened back then?” she demanded.

Beatrice smirked and mocked, “What's the secret? It was something shameful, of course! She was worried she would be condemned if others knew about the matter. She chose to end her own life as that was the only way she could be freed from that fear of being exposed!”

Bailey was about to take a step into the compound when she suddenly felt a gush of heat rising from within her.

This is...

She quickly overruled her own suspicion, relaxed her tensed muscles, and tried to take another step. Alas, the next hot flush was even more intense than the previous one.

Bailey was a full-grown woman with sexual experience, so she knew exactly what was happening.

What puzzled her was that she had not taken any food or drinks after she reached the Jefferson residence, so she had no idea how she was drugged.

She caught a whiff of the sweet floral scent, and suddenly, she realized what had happened.

“You mixed the aphrodisiac drug in the floral scent!” she exclaimed, her eyes cold and menacing.

“That's right! It is in gas form and odorless, so you can't possibly detect it in the air. Moreover, this place is full of beautifully scented blooms, so even that sensitive nose of yours will never detect it.” Beatrice laughed out loud as she gloated.

Bailey shook her head and forced herself to remain calm and alert.

“So what's next? What do you have up your sleeve?” she barked.

“What's next? My dear daughter, you must be desperate for a man now! As your stepmother, I'll have to do my part to help you! Enjoy yourself tonight! That's my welcome gift to you. Welcome back to Hallsbay... you trouble-seeker!” Beatrice mocked.

With that, she shouted for someone, and immediately, a few bodyguards dressed in black came strolling in and proceeded to surround Bailey.

As she was still alert, Bailey instinctively got into her battle mode.

“Still hoping to fight back? How ridiculous! All of you move in and get her!” Beatrice ordered.

“Yes, Madam!”

The few men moved in, and Bailey raised her arm and got ready to fight.

At that moment, out of the corner of her eye, she saw two figures sneaking past at the southeastern corner of the compound, and a small wicked smile appeared on her face.

The next moment, her legs jellied, and she collapsed face down onto the floor.

The bodyguards were stunned and froze for a few seconds. When they finally came around, they hurriedly went forward and restrained Bailey.