Chapter 116 A Fatal Enemy

Chapter 116 A Fatal Enemy
Kenna

The moment I stepped into the garden, I knew everything was going according to plan.

Soft golden lights hung from the trees, casting a warm glow across the sprawling outdoor space. Elegant tables and comfortable lounge areas were scattered across the garden, surrounded by carefully arranged flowers and lush greenery.

Women from the most powerful families in Bleeding Rose moved around the garden in expensive gowns and stylish dresses, their voices blending into a low hum of laughter and conversation.

Some sat beneath large white canopies, while others stood around the outdoor bar, talking quietly as servers moved through the crowd with trays of champagne and cocktails.

It looked less like a formal gathering and more like an exclusive outdoor club event.

“Kenna!” A familiar voice called behind me.

I turned with a bright smile. 

“Marissa! It’s so good to see you.” She pulled me into a quick hug. “You look beautiful.” 

“Thank you! So do you.” I replied immediately, forcing warmth into my voice.

No one could see the anger burning inside me.

But I could still feel it.

Without warning, a name flashed through my mind.

Ginnie.

My fingers tightened around my clutch.

That fucking bitch!

After slapping me in front of everyone, she stood there afterward as though she had done nothing wrong.

As though I were some insignificant woman she could put in her place.

I had promised her that revenge would come.

And tonight, it would.

My gaze drifted toward the entrance.

She wasn't here yet.

Good.

I still had time.

Without hesitation, I turned toward the catering area at the side of the garden. Earlier this morning, I had volunteered to help oversee the food and drinks.

Nobody had questioned it.

Why would they?

I was one of the women hosting the gathering.

I had spent five years making sure people saw me as a respectable wife, and a member of one of Bleeding Rose's most influential families.

Slowly, I walked toward the long table where the drinks had been arranged. A few servants moved around, checking the glasses and carrying trays.

“Everything looks good.” 

The servant offered a polite smile.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“You can go help in the main hall.”

She nodded and hurried away.

I watched until she disappeared among the guests. Then I turned back toward the table.

My gaze swept across the garden before I reached for my clutch and pulled out a small packet.

For a moment, I simply stared at it.

“You asked for this, Ginnie,” I whispered beneath my breath.

I quickly slipped the substance into the drink meant for Ginnie, keeping my movements small and controlled.

A few moments later, I finished and returned everything exactly where it had been.

The glass looked untouched.

I had barely turned when a woman suddenly approached me.

“Mrs. Draven?”

My head snapped toward the sound immediately.

“Yes?”

It was Mrs. Meyers, one of the elite women in Bleeding Rose.

“Are you coming?” She spoke quietly. “They're about to begin lunch.”

I forced a smile.

“Of course.”

She linked her arm through mine.

“You've done such a wonderful job with everything.”

“Thank you.”

As we walked back toward the ballroom, I forced myself to listen as she talked about some charity project, nodding at the appropriate moments.

But my mind wasn't with her.

My eyes kept drifting toward that single glass.

I had imagined this moment so many times.

Ginnie would walk into the room believing she was safe.

Unaware of what was waiting for her.

The thought alone made something dark and satisfying settle inside me.

My thoughts were still circling each other when a figure stepped into the garden.

Ginnie.

My smile vanished instantly.

Her floor-length black gown hugged her figure perfectly, the fabric shimmering beneath the golden garden lights.

Diamond earrings sparkled against her skin, while her sleek hair fell over one shoulder. There was something about the way she carried herself now that still irritated me.

My fingers curled around my clutch.

For a brief moment, something close to uncertainty passed through me.

What if she notices?

What if someone saw me slipping the substance into her drink?

What if something goes wrong?

I pushed the thoughts away immediately.

No.

I had been very careful.

Ginnie greeted several women the moment she walked in, completely unaware that my eyes were fixed on her across the garden.

Within seconds, women began flocking around her.

“Oh my goodness, Mrs. Veynas! You look stunning!”

“That dress is beautiful.”

“Your earrings are gorgeous.”

“I love your hair.”

Their voices blended as they surrounded her, laughing and showering her with compliments.

Ginnie smiled graciously, thanking each of them.

The sight made something ugly twist inside me.

Why did everyone always have to adore her?

Even now, after everything she had done to me, they looked at her as though she were some perfect woman who could do no wrong.

My jaw tightened.

Enjoy it while you can.

Because in a few minutes, those smiles wouldn’t matter anymore.

Before I realized what I was doing, I walked toward the refreshment table again. My eyes immediately found the glass.

I picked it up carefully before looking across the garden. Ginnie was still talking to another woman, her back turned toward me.

A strange thrill ran through me as I stared at the glass in my hand. I carefully placed the glass onto a passing tray.

Then I watched as a servant carried it toward Ginnie. My heart pounded harder with every step the servant took.

Finally, the servant reached her.

Ginnie turned with a polite smile and accepted the glass of wine. The moment her fingers closed around it, I slowly exhaled.

I stepped away from the table and accepted a glass of champagne from another passing servant. 

A cold smile slowly spread across my lips as my eyes remained fixed on Ginnie as she continued talking, completely unaware of what was about to happen.

I lifted my glass slightly, almost as though making a silent toast.

You should never have touched me, Ginnie.

You thought you could slap me in front of everyone and walk away without consequences.

I took a slow sip of my champagne.

Now you're going to learn exactly what happens when you cross Kenna Draven.