?<strong>Chapter 811:</strong>


    Just now, she had almost believed Kallie’s act.


    No exits were allowed from the vi, as if the outside world was closed off until Cody regained consciousness.


    Discontent was beginning to brew among some of the guests.


    Despite Cody’s apparent courtesy in extending invitations, he had set strict conditions while conscious.


    Any guest wishing to leave had to submit to a thorough search.


    His measures had been severe since it was confirmed that he had been drugged.


    The banquet was now surrounded by a cloud of suspicion, with everyone considered a possible suspect.


    Comints arose among many of the guests.


    However, after Cody’s bodyguards dealt forcefully with the most vocal protester, the murmurs quickly ceased.


    Originally, the gathering was for a banquet only, which meant that no one felt the need to bring bodyguards. Even those who did had bodyguards left their bodyguards outside the vige.


    The idea of contacting the police did not ur to anyone, as Cody had already lulled the guests with substantial benefits.


    Lining up against Cody was thest thing on anyone’s mind.


    They nned to leave after a short wait, but if Cody didn’t release them by the time the sun went down, then they would consider calling the police.


    Kallie found the constant murmuring unsettling.


    She chose to escape to the quiet of the garden, a ce free of other guests.


    As she walked down the quiet path, Kallie dialed her three children on a video call.


    They had just finished school and were now home.


    The three clustered in front of the camera, bombarding Kallie with questions, their voices a melodious mix of excitement for their return.


    Elma, who had recently grown closer to Kallie, seemed noticeably more cheerful.


    ‘Mom, when are youing home? I have an amazing story from school today. I miss you and I really want to have dinner with you tonight.’


    The sight of her children’s eager faces undid Kallie’s sadness.


    She nced at her watch.


    Barely an hour had passed.


    It wouldn’t be long, she thought, before the investigation came to an end.


    Smiling at the camera, she replied, ‘I’ll be home before you know it. If hungeres, don’t wait for me. Start dinner.’


    Elma’s face turned into a pout as she looked curiously at Kallie’s background,menting, ‘Wow, those flowers look stunning!’


    Kallie looked up, her eyes scanning thendscape.


    The garden disyed an explosion of colour, each flower more vivid and mesmerising than anything she had ever seen outside its confines.


    Yet amidst this splendid flora, many species were unknown to her.


    Lost in her contemtion of these exotic flowers, she was suddenly jolted by a nearbymotion, a child’s cry that tore through the tranquillity.


    The sound was desperate, tugging at her sensitive chords.


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