"It''s a trifle."


    "This one is actually edible."


    "Thank god. Finally, something normal!"


    The guests were nearly moved to tears. After enduring those horrific dishes, no one had managed to keep a single bite down.


    They were starting to get hungry, and if they didn''t eat now, they would be starving until tomorrow afternoon. Who knew what the next meals would bring? What if they were simr dishes again? They had better not take the risk.


    That was what made this dessert feel divine.


    The maids ced individual portions in front of each guest. Each trifle was elegantlyyered in a ss bowl. The sponge cake, whipped cream, fruits, and jam were arranged symmetrically. The aroma of fresh cream mixed with ripe fruit wasforting.


    Vespera had always liked such desserts. Around her, the other guests had already started digging in.


    Vespera picked up her spoon and scooped a small portion before she hesitated. Why was dessert the only thing that seemed normal? Why did it feel too good to be true?


    Beside her, Dominic said, "Go ahead and eat.


    He sounded so certain that her nerves eased.


    Vespera took a bite. Just as she started to rx, Dominic added in a low voice, "You can''t go two days without food or water. Even if it''s poisoned, it probably won''t kill you."


    Vespera froze. What did he mean by it probably wouldn''t kill her?


    Vespera shot Dominic a look as if she wanted to beat him up, but he only chuckled and said, "I''m joking. Just eat."


    But the damage was done. Her appetite had already taken a hit.


    Rationally, Vespera knew there was no point in Belinda poisoning the food as it wouldn''t serve Belinda''s and the Lumena Order''s interests.


    However, there was a difference between poison and something else. After all, they were trapped on this ind. If someone wanted to hurt them, there were plenty of options. They couldn''t possibly not eat, drink, breathe, or sleep, right? At that thought, Vespera figured out what Dominic meant. They were already caught in the ss bowl like fish with no way out. Struggling was meaningless. All they could do was y along.


    After thinking it through, Vespera picked up her spoon again and ate the trifle. Across the table, Gerard was already halfway through his second trifle.


    Aside from Dominic, everyone else ate, including Belinda.


    A whileter, Belinda asked, "Mr. Reid, are you really not going to give it a try?"


    Since Dominic and Belinda were seated close, even the smallest expression didn''t go unnoticed.


    Dominic''s gaze shifted from her face to her throat, then to her arm. He replied, "I''m sorry, but foods that are high in sugar are strictly off-limits. They elerate skin aging."


    Belinda leaned in and responded, "You''re very health-conscious. You shoulde to my room tonight. I would love to discuss that in more detail."


    As Belinda reached to touch the back of Dominic''s hand, Vespera and Vance stiffened. However, Dominic moved naturally, lifting his ss of water to drink and sidestepping Belinda''s reach entirely.


    He said, "If you were to offer me special treatment, I''m afraid the other guests might feel neglected."


    Belinda chuckled and said, "Don''t worry, no one will be left idle tonight. The association wouldn''t have entrusted me with this important task if I couldn''t keep everyone entertained. Everyone will have their turn."


    Everyone looked over. Each guest processed Belinda''s words differently, but one thing was clear. Tonight was far from over.


    Some guests were intrigued, some were confused, while the others were visibly uneasy. An invisible line seemed to have split the dining area.


    Dominic responded, "That sounds rather exciting."


    He lifted the ss of water again and drank it before setting it back down. When he set it back down, it tipped over, and the water spilled on the back of Belinda''s hand. He quickly apologized and offered her a napkin.<fnb85e> Updates are released by f?ndnovel</fnb85e>