Plot - Chapter 27

Belle – POV

"Our deal was to keep my mother alive," I said, filled with grief as I drove to Venica Manor after my mother's funeral service. Venica looked at me, sharing in the grief.

"I had nothing to do with Shirley's death," Venica said.

"The person who agreed to help also said she didn't poison Shirley. It was Flora who did," Venica added. "I had given a teleportation vial to Shirley and another vial with a potion to break the handcuffs."

"Then how did she die? I buried her and came straight to you," I snapped. "I trained for the mission, but now I have no reason to follow through."

"You trust Flora over me? The woman you've only known for six months? You took her in and gave her food, shelter, and a job because your mom, Shirley, asked you to. And you did it out of respect for Shirley's wishes," Venica said, looking at me furiously. "You've known me for a decade, and yet you trust Flora over me?"

"Tell me, do you think Flora is innocent? Do you trust her?" Venica asked.

"She