Chapter 43  Chapter 43  +26 BONUS  Andrew noticed Michael’s obvious relief, and their eyes met silently across the room. Andrew flashed Michael with a knowing smile, while Michael’s gaze was mocking.  To him, even if Andrew had figured out some of his secrets, he was convinced Andrew did not know the identity of the actual poisoner. As long as that person remainetl unknown, Michael believed he was safe. Lauren might suspect him, but suspicion without evidence was meaningless.  “I imagine everyone must be thirsty,” Lauren suddenly announced. “There’s water in front of each of you to quench your thirst.”  Michael frowned and said, “Lauren, catching the culprit is more important. Being thirsty isn’t a priority right now.”  Paul chimed in, “Mr. Rhodes is right. Even if we die of thirst, we won’t leave until we find the person who tried to harm you, Ms. Rhodes.”  Lauren smiled gracefully and declared, “I’ll be honest with everyone–one of these glasses bas been poisoned by me. Everyone must drink their water now. Those with clear consciences will be fine, but as for the culprit… well, good luck.”  All the executives were immediately alarmed.  “Ms. Rhodes, which glass did you poison?”  “This isn’t right, Ms. Rhodes. What if you hurt the wrong person?”  “All these glasses look identical. How can we tell which one is poisoned? This seems reckless!”  They were all sweating, staring at the glasses of water with fear.  “I’ve already said that only one glass is poisoned.” Lauren stated calmly. “The water in front of innocent people is perfectly safe.”  Then, she picked up her glass and drank it all. However, Michael’s face showed uncertainty as he shot Andrew a fierce glare, convinced that such a devious plan must have come from this pretty boy he despised.  Andrew returned his glare with a bright smile and warned the executives, “Everyone should be careful before drinking. The poison used is arsenic–it’s lethal and acts fast. Once it takes effect, not even the fastest ambulance in the city can save you!”  This terrified the executives even more, with several of them trembling visibly  Michael finally lost his composure and shouted angrily, “Lauren, and you, pretty boy–aren’t you afraid of karma for being so vicious?”  Lauren fixed a cold stare on Michael and retorted “If you’re not the culprit, then your water isn’t poisoned. Why are you so nervous? Unless you have something to hide?”  12  +25 BONUS  Chapter 43  Michael faltered, his eyes darting around nervously. At that mome glass and drank it all.  Eunice picked up her  The other executives followed suit, one by one, showing their loyalty to Lauren. After all, only the culprit’s glass was poisoned, so this was their chance to prove their innocence.  Gulp after gulp, the glasses were emptied quickly Only Michael and Paul remained.  Paul’s face turned pale as he looked at Lauren and said, “Ms. Rhodes, arsenic isn’t something to joke about. Are you sure…”  Lauren cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Mr. Clarke, drink the water first. If you’re not the culprit, I guarantee you’ll be safe and sound.”