Chapter 36 Fragments of the Rare Herb
Lunch was ready.
As they sat down to eat, Michael dismissed Brad and the rest of the staff, leaving just him and Amelia alone in the vast dining room.
Surrounded by classic European decor, the table was loaded with an array of mouth-watering dishes.
The table was so long that Amelia doubted someone at one end could hear someone speaking from the other. Ignoring formal dining etiquette, she moved a chair to sit right next to Michael.
"It's too far over there. I want to be closer to you."
Her tone was casual and direct, yet very natural.
Michael probably wasn't used to someone talking to him like this. After a brief moment of surprise, he chuckled and pulled Amelia's chair even closer.
"Since I didn't know what you like, I had them prepare a variety of dishes."
Amelia had spent a long time in Novaria in her previous life but never got used to the food there. Being around Michael made her feel relaxed, and for once, she had a good appetite and mood, finishing two small bowls of rice.
However, Michael ate very little and barely spoke, mostly just watching her eat.
Amelia turned to Michael, frowning. "Why are you eating so little? Is this how you usually are?"
"I'm used to it, don't worry," Michael said in a low voice, using a napkin to wipe the corner of Amelia's mouth. "Are the Martinez family treating you poorly?"
He probably thought she was eating so much because she wasn't getting enough food at the Martinez household.
Amelia replied nonchalantly, "They feed me, but I just don't have much of an appetite."
Michael suddenly paused, his tone becoming serious. "Did you know someone in the Martinez family wants to kill you?"
Amelia also paused, her calm tone surprising Michael. "I know."
"The night I met you, someone pretending to pick me up at the station took me to a secluded alley and nearly strangled me."
"I played dead to fool the assassin. After he left, I got up and ran into you."
Her few words painted a dangerous picture of that night, making Michael involuntarily take a deep breath, his gaze turning cold and sharp.
"You've been with the Martinez family for a few days now. Do you know who wants to kill you?" Michael asked, his eyes narrowing. "Do you want me to handle it?"
"I know," Amelia met Michael's gaze, "but I don't need your help. I can handle it myself."
Although they hadn't known each other long, Michael had an inexplicable confidence in one thing. The Martinez family underestimated Amelia, but Michael knew she was far more formidable than they imagined.
Since she seemed to have everything under control and didn't need his help, she must have her own plans.
So, Michael changed the subject. "Do you have an engagement with Quentin from the Williams family?"
Hearing Michael suddenly bring this up, Amelia laughed. "I thought you wouldn't ask about that."
Michael paused, looking up. "Why did you think I wouldn't?"
"Because..." Amelia suddenly leaned closer, "the person I'm interested in is you. How could I be interested in someone like Quentin?"
"That engagement can be canceled anytime. Just pretend it doesn't exist."
With Amelia's face so close, her sweet scent lingering in the air, Michael couldn't help but take a deep breath. Amelia was quite adept at teasing him.
"After we finish eating, let's go to your bedroom, to the bed."
"What?"
Seeing Michael's stunned expression, Amelia's mood improved, her eyes curving into a smile. "I mean for acupuncture. Don't get any ideas."
"Okay."
It wasn't him getting ideas; it was her being unclear.
Amelia followed Michael to his bedroom.
Michael's bedroom was a spacious suite with a living area, walk-in closet, bathroom, and study, decorated in black and gray tones, much like his wardrobe.
Michael, who seemed to have a touch of OCD, said he needed to shower and change, leaving Amelia to wait outside.
Hearing the sound of water from the bathroom, Amelia leaned back on the sofa by the bed, but suddenly frowned.
There was a faint, strange smell in the air.
And it was somewhat familiar.
Amelia's previously relaxed expression instantly turned cold.
She stood up, carefully searching for the source of the smell, and stopped by Michael's bed, bending down by the pillow.
It was the scent of a rare herb.
Taking a deep breath, her expression turned serious. She flipped the pillow over and unzipped it to remove the pillow core.
The latex pillow core was from an expensive foreign brand, looking perfectly normal from the outside.
Frowning, Amelia tore the pillow core in half.
The bedroom door was open, and Eric came to find Michael, wanting to ask about his plans for the day.
Eric was stunned to see Amelia tearing a pillow core apart. "Miss Martinez, what are you doing?"
Amelia didn't look up, her hands still busy.
Eric, puzzled, walked over. When he saw the white pillow core torn in half with green powder falling out, he was shocked.
"What is this stuff?"
The powder had seeped into the core, turning the surrounding area green, and a particularly fragrant smell filled the air.
"Mr. Allen, where did this pillow come from?" Amelia immediately asked.
"All the household items are arranged by Brad, bought by specific people. I'd have to ask to find out exactly who bought it and from where."
Seeing Amelia's serious expression, Eric grew nervous. "What's wrong, Miss Martinez? Is there something wrong with the pillow? What is this powder?"
Taking a deep breath, Amelia looked at Eric. "Tell me, how long has Michael been using this pillow?"
"Well..." Eric, usually handling Michael's business affairs, wasn't sure about such details. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I think about a month?"
A month.
Fortunately, it hadn't been too long.
Amelia continued, "Has Michael been sleeping poorly and eating little lately?"
"Mr. Johnson's sleep has always been poor, and he has stomach issues, but now that you mention it..." Eric took a breath. "His sleep quality has indeed worsened recently, and he's been sleeping very little."
Hearing this, a sharp light flashed in Amelia's eyes, and she tightened her grip on the pillow core.
"The powder in this pillow core is from a rare herb."
"Rare herb is a medicinal plant, but it's toxic. Its scent is light and fragrant, but prolonged exposure can cause nervous system weakness, insomnia, vivid dreams, and loss of appetite."
"Long-term exposure can lead to various adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, nightmares, and, in severe cases, hallucinations and brain damage, making a person sluggish."
"And the damage to the brain's nervous system is irreversible."
"What?" Eric gasped as Amelia finished explaining.