Later, the assistant walked into the office carrying takeout as instructed by Deanna. She also brought in a package.
"Miss Jones, there was another package for you downstairs. I brought it up."
"Okay, thank you."
Deanna thanked her politely, then realized something was off. She hadn't bought anything recently, so why was there a package?
Shannon noticed Deanna's unease immediately and asked, "What's wrong, missus?"
"Nothing, I just remembered I haven't bought anything lately. It must be something a friend sent me."
Saying this, Deanna didn't rush to open the package but instead invited the sisters to eat first. Shannon and Leighton exchanged a glance, their eyes showing caution as they looked at the package. They didn't say anything and followed Deanna's lead to eat first.
After the meal, Deanna prepared to open the package. Just as she moved, Leighton grabbed her wrist.
Deanna looked puzzled, "What's wrong?"
"Don't move," Leighton said curtly.
Shannon quickly intervened, "Let go of the missus."
Turning to Deanna, she apologized, "Missus, my sister didn't mean to offend. We just thought there might be something wrong with the package and wanted to open it ourselves."
Understanding their concern, Deanna smiled, "If that's the case, then please go ahead."
Although she found it a bit exaggerated, she remembered her scratched car from last night and decided to be cautious.
Leighton released her hand, and Shannon carefully placed the package on the coffee table in the center of the office. She leaned in to listen for any sounds from inside but was met with a foul smell that made her frown.
Deanna's heart began to race as she watched Shannon's cautious movements. "Shannon, did you find something?"
"I smell something foul. There's no sound inside; it should be safe to open."
Shannon fetched a pair of scissors and opened the cardboard box to reveal a white foam container. As she cut through the tape on the foam box, the stench grew stronger.
Deanna also smelled it and gagged, "What is that smell?"
Before she could react, Shannon screamed. Leighton kicked the package away from Shannon and shielded her sister. The foam box hit the floor with a thud, revealing its contents-a dead cat.
The cat's body was in a gruesome state, its fur matted with blood and its limbs twisted unnaturally. Its black eyes seemed to stare directly at Deanna.
"Ah-"
Deanna screamed in horror. Shannon and Leighton relaxed their guard but frowned deeply.
"Leighton , go get someone to clean this up," Shannon instructed.
"Okay," Leighton replied and left the room.
Shannon helped the terrified Deanna to the lounge and poured her a glass of water. "Missus, have you offended anyone recently?"
After drinking some hot water, Deanna calmed down a bit. She thought for a moment, "I've been busy with work and haven't offended anyone... If I did offend someone, it would be my father. You know about my past."
"Yes, Mr. Nelson gave us some basic information about you," Shannon confirmed.
"Do you think your father could have done this?" Shannon asked.
"No, he wouldn't dare do this to me," Deanna shook her head, dismissing the idea that Garrett was behind it.
Shannon nodded, "I understand. Leighton and I will investigate the package's origin. We should also inform Mr. Lance."
"I'll tell Lance myself. Please investigate this quickly," Deanna urged, wanting to find out who was targeting her.
She had a feeling that the dead cat was sent intentionally because she kept two cats. A suspicion formed in her mind.