Chapter 2

I clenched the hem of my clothes, my palms slick with sweat. Just as my mind was racing and trying to figure out a way to get out of this predicament, a hand with its nails painted a garish shade of red suddenly reached over and snatched the glass of wine.

"This wine is so expensive! It'd be a total waste to let her drink it!" Rachel glared at me viciously, the jealousy in her eyes practically spilling over.

She acted as if what I was taking from her wasn't a glass of poisoned wine, but her most prized possession.

At that moment, I nearly laughed out loud.

Carter had it all worked out, but he hadn't accounted for just how possessive his devoted little follower could be.

Rachel clutched the glass protectively to her chest. Then, she turned to glare at me.

"Stella, come out with me. I need to talk to you," she ordered.

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the private room.

The moment the door closed, her expression changed.

Her nails dug hard into my flesh as she lowered her voice in warning. "Do you want to die again? Didn't I already warn you not to ruin my plans?"

I pretended not to understand by staring back at her with a clueless expression. "Rachel, what are you talking about? How could I ruin your plans? I genuinely hope you and Carter can be together."

"Drop the act!" Rachel shoved me hard, sending me crashing against the hallway wall. "If you dare to pull anything again, I'll make your life a living hell!"

I couldn't help but find it ridiculous. Even after being reborn, this love-obsessed fool was as hopeless as ever. She still had no idea that Carter wanted her dead.

I lowered my head and put on a frightened act.

In a trembling voice, I promised, "Rachel, I really don't know what you mean. But I promise I won't interfere with your date with Carter. When we go back in, I'll help you persuade him to drink a few more glasses, okay?"

Rachel looked me up and down suspiciously.

Seeing how pale I looked, she finally let out a cold snort and said, "At least you know what's good for you. Later, find a chance to get lost. Don't stick around and be an eyesore!"

"Okay, I get it," I replied meekly.

When we returned to the private room, Rachel planted herself firmly in the seat beside Carter.

"A toast to you, Carter!" She raised the glass and downed its contents in one go.

Carter's fingers tightened around his own glass, his knuckles turning slightly white from his grip. His gaze passed over Rachel and locked onto me, as if he was wondering why I hadn't stopped her from drinking that glass of wine.

I sat quietly in the corner and flashed him an innocent, harmless smile.

Carter's expression darkened visibly.

"Why aren't you drinking?" Rachel, who was completely oblivious, excitedly poured herself another glass. "This wine is so good. You should drink, too!"

The disgust in Carter's eyes was nearly impossible to hide. He avoided the hand she reached out to him. His tone was somewhat stiff as he said, "Don't drink so much."

Hearing that, Rachel took it as concern coming from her crush and was instantly overjoyed. She said breathlessly, "Carter, do you care about me? I'm so happy! Tonight, we won't leave until we've drunk ourselves silly!"

To prove how good she was at drinking, she took another big gulp. Even after several glasses, Rachel didn't seem unwell at all aside from having a flushed face.

In fact, she shouted at me tipsily, "Stella, why are you still sitting there? Don't you see Carter and I are having a great time? You're such a third wheel. Get lost already!"