Nortia, Marblecliff International Airport.


    The private jet touched down, engines humming as it taxied to a stop. When the cabin door opened, a flight attendant carefully guided Briony Kensington down the steps.


    Briony''s eyes were sightless, taking in nothing of the bright, unfamiliar world


    around her. All she could feel was the thick, humid air pressing against her skin- a reminder that days in this tropical country were always oppressively warm.


    Waiting on the tarmac was Gifford, here on behalf of Ferdinand Ellsworth. He watched as the flight attendant helped Briony into the car, closing the door behind her with a soft click.


    Gifford slid behind the wheel. The drive began in silence-Briony was calm, her expression unreadable.


    Every so often, Gifford nced at her through the rearview mirror, half-expecting signs of distress or resistance. But Briony sat quietly, not a trace of fear or anger on her face. As Ferdinand''s most trusted aide, Gifford knew exactly what his employer had put Briony through. Herposure surprised him.


    The ride to Sanctonia Private Estate took nearly forty minutes. Briony, worn out and pale, gradually drifted off in the back seat, her head slumping gently against the upholstery.


    They finally arrived. The car rolled through the gates and into the manicured grounds. Gifford parked, stepped out, and opened the door.


    "We''re here, Ms. Kensington," he announced.


    Briony stirred, rubbing her temples as she woke. Her hands reached out, feeling for the edge of the door. She steadied herself and carefully stepped out, moving with the caution of someone who could no longer trust their own senses.


    Gifford hovered nearby, his hands raised protectively, careful not to touch her. If Ferdinand saw himy a hand on her, there would be hell to pay.


    As soon as Briony found her bnce, hurried footsteps approached from ahead.


    "Ms. Kensington, let me help you!" Belinda''s voice called out, warm but a little breathless.


    Briony nodded, her tone reserved. "Thank you."


    Belinda gently took her arm, guiding her inside the house.


    They had barely crossed into the living room when Mary came down the stairs, her eyes wide in surprise.


    "Briony!" she eximed, hurrying over to look her up and down. "What happened? Why are you back so soon?"


    Briony''s face was calm, almost numb. "I don''t want to end up a cripple."


    Mary froze at that. After a moment, she lowered her voice. "Isn''t there anyone else who can help you?"


    Briony shook her head, her


    expression empty. "No. I''ve lost both my sight and my sense of taste. The doctors say I was poisoned-and it was Ferdinand''s own concoction. Only he knows how to cure me."


    Mary''s breath caught in her throat.


    Just then, the rumble of a car sounded from outside.


    Ferdinand had returned.


    "Mr. Ellsworth," Belinda greeted politely as he stepped inside, then quietly withdrew.


    Mary watched him closely. From the moment he entered, Ferdinand''s eyes never left Briony. He didn''t spare Mary a single nce.


    A flicker of disappointment crossed Mary''s face, but she masked it with a carefree smile.


    "Look, Ferdinand, Briony''se back of her own ord," she said, sidling up to him and taking his arm with a yful pout. "You got your way after all, but poor Briony she''s suffered so much! She can''t see, she can''t taste, and it''s all your doing. How could you be so cruel?"


    Ferdinand pulled his arm free, his gaze cold. "This doesn''t concern you. Go upstairs and rest."


    Mary''s face clouded over. "Briony and I go way back. Why are you always so jealous?"


    Ferdinand fixed her with a look. "Be good. Don''t make me repeat myself, alright?"


    His tone was gentle, but there was an unmistakable chill in his eyes.


    With a huff, Mary turned and stomped up the stairs.


    Briony listened to the retreating footsteps, her hands curling tightly into fists. It seemed Ferdinand hadn''t made things difficult for Mary after she helped Briony escape or perhaps he was simply biding his time, mindful that Mary was carrying his child.


    Ferdinand stepped closer, studying Briony''s face.


    "Just as I expected," he said quietly. "You''ve lost your sense of taste now too,


    haven''t you?"


    Briony let out a bitterugh. "Congrattions, Mr. Ellsworth. Your little experiment worked."


    He didn''t respond. Instead, he reached for her wrist.


    Briony flinched, instinctively trying to pull away, but Ferdinand spoke softly, "Hold still. I''m checking your pulse."