She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 497

Cassie quickly averted her eyes, violently turning back to her cooking.

Loyce casually pointed toward the house next door. "So, is the woman over there the actual victim?"

"Stop spouting nonsense," Cassie snapped. "Get out of my kitchen. The food is almost ready."

A spread of rustic, home-cooked dishes was soon placed on the table. Cassie dragged a small stool to the corner of the room, completely excluded from the main table. She watched with burning resentment as the flawless, delicate Loyce sat in the seat of honor, surrounded by the men who practically tripped over themselves to toast her. Cassie viciously stabbed at her bowl with her silverware.

She couldn't stop the venomous thoughts from spiraling. *What is this city bitch so smug about? Does she really think she's some savior coming to rescue the downtrodden? Hah. What an absolute idiot. She doesn't even know she's already a dead woman walking.*

Outside, the storm intensified into a deafening roar. In the distance, the terrifying, low rumble of a mudslide echoed through the mountains.

Wade didn't even flinch. "It happens all the time when it rains heavy up here. The mountains give way. It's no big deal, the police know this area is prone to it, so they'll send the fire department out tomorrow to clear the roads. But there's no way you're heading back down tonight. It's too dangerous. I've got two spare rooms. They're not luxury hotel suites, but they'll keep you dry."

"I'm afraid you'll just have to make do, Ms. Lonsdale," Wyatt added, flashing the exact same mask of rustic innocence as his brother.

Loyce had come specifically to see exactly what kind of trap they were setting, so she naturally played right into their hands. "Alright then. I suppose we'll impose on you for the night. Thank you."

"Since we're all stuck here, you should relax too, Mr. Bodyguard! We're just simple country folks, nobody is going to hurt the lady." Wade raised his glass to Lucian. "Come on, drink up!"

Lucian glanced at Loyce. "That depends on what Ms. Lonsdale wants."

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