Chapter 18 - THE POISONED GIFT
Six months passed, bringing the vibrant green beauty of early summer to the Sterling Estate in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Nora hosted a private charity event on the manicured lawns, raising funds for maternal healthcare clinics across the state.
High-society figures, local police chiefs, and state senators attended, praising Nora for her bravery and philanthropic vision.
As Nora walked near the grand rose garden holding baby Mia, a hotel catering worker approached her carrying a tray of iced tea.
"A cold beverage for the hostess, ma'am," the worker said politely, bowing his head slightly.
James, who was scanning the crowd from twenty feet away, noticed the worker's hands trembling unnaturally.
He moved quickly, stepping into the worker's path just as Nora reached for the glass.
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"Hold on," James said sternly, taking the glass from the tray and inspecting the liquid.
A faint, strange residue floated near the ice cubes, prompting James to instantly tackle the catering worker to the grass.
