Chapter 391 Poisoning
Abigail's mind was often haunted by the grim anniversary of her father's death, a memory seared into her consciousness like a brand.
It had occurred at Lancelot Park, where her cousin Blair had audaciously desecrated her father's grave with trash and paint. Blair had even dared to threaten Abigail and her mother, a despicable act that was thwarted by Abella's timely intervention.
In the aftermath of this harrowing event, Abella had shown them kindness. She had gently tended to her mother's injuries and had offered them a place to stay at a considerably reduced rent.
Abella had claimed the house belonged to a friend and was merely helping to alleviate their burdens.Abigail's trials didn't end at home; they followed her to her workplace.
Benjamin, the director of the firm, had frequently accused her of absenteeism and plagiarism.
However, Abella had been her champion, standing up for her and exposing the truth, thereby restoring Abigail's tarnished reputation.It was Abella who had encouraged Abigail to participate in the National Fashion Design Competition. She had acted as Abigail's assistant, providing unwavering support through each grueling round.
Without Abella, Abigail couldn't fathom where she might be. She could still be sketching in some obscure corner, a struggling and unrecognized artist.
"Really, thank you," Abigail said with solemn gratitude, "It's been wonderful knowing you."
The audience was oblivious to the fact that her heartfelt thanks were directed towards the enigmatic judge QY, assuming she was merely thanking a good friend.Abella's gaze softened even further.
"There's no need for thanks," she thought to herself.Once Abigail finished her acknowledgments, the other two contestants shared their thoughts.
Shortly after, the third round of the competition commenced.Six models strutted onto the stage, each adorned in identical dresses. The challenge for the six contestants advancing to the third round was to transform these dresses into their most stunning versions on the spot, without removing them from the models.
For Abigail, this task was a breeze. Her mind was a whirlwind of designs, and she swiftly set to work with nimble hands.Steven handed Abella some cookies provided by the organizer.
Noticing her disinterest, he slyly slipped her some snacks that he knew she loved. He even managed to procure a coffee for her.
"Try this coffee. I brought the beans myself. See if you like it."Abella hadn't expected her brother to bring his own coffee beans. She took a sip, the rich aroma pleasing her palate. She nodded in approval, "Tastes good."
"I've got more in my car. I'll bring some for you to take home later," Steven offered, his gaze never leaving the stage.
"Mhm," Abella responded, her attention also fixed on the stage. She noticed that Abigail's movements were slowing, as if she was wrestling with some issue.
"Something's off with Abi," Steven observed, noticing that Abigail, though facing away from the audience and engrossed in adjusting the garments on the model, was frequently pausing.
The model in front of Abigail, sensing her discomfort, whispered, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Abigail replied, though she was unsure what was wrong. Her stomach was in knots, and she hadn't eaten or drunk anything backstage.
'Perhaps my breakfast didn't sit well?' she wondered.
"You're pale," the model pointed out.Not just pale. Her lips were gradually losing color.
"Maybe you should tell the host?" the model suggested.
"No need," Abigail was adamant about pushing through the third round.
'If I quit midway, all my prior efforts would be wasted. It's not just about me. I'm representing my country. The two other American contestants have already been eliminated. I'm the last standing representative for America,' she thought.
The model, seeing Abigail's determination despite her discomfort, felt a pang of compassion.Abella, noticing the model's expression, could tell that Abi was in discomfort, yet still stubbornly pressing on.
"Should I have someone go check on her?" Steven quietly asked his sister."No, let her be. She knows what she's doing."
It was her competition. Whether to stop, when to stop, and if she could continue was her decision to make.
Abigail's movements slowed even further, sweat beaded on her forehead, and just as she was in the final phase, her vision darkened, and she collapsed on the stage.
A collective gasp echoed through the audience, some even rising to their feet, their eyes wide in disbelief as they stared at the figure of Abigail.
She was sprawled motionless on the stage, and a fellow model beside her cried out in alarm, "She's been feeling ill for a while..."Staff members surged towards the stage in a flurry of panic, but none were as swift as Abella.Abella was the first to reach Abigail, her fingers quickly finding Abigail's pulse.
In a mere second, her expression hardened into a steely mask."Get her to a hospital," she commanded.Earlier in the morning, in her rush to leave, Abella had forgotten her first aid kit.
She was unable to administer immediate aid to Abigail, but she swiftly pressed on a few pressure points to mitigate the effects of the drug coursing through Abigail's system.
The staff promptly whisked Abigail off the stage, leaving a buzzing crowd of onlookers in their wake.
Whispers of 'underlying conditions' and 'sudden collapse' filled the air, the audience speculating about the cause of Abigail's abrupt fall.Abella straightened, her gaze sweeping across the room as her cold, resolute voice echoed from the collar microphone, reaching every corner of the venue.
"Lock down the venue. Someone has poisoned her."Her chilling declaration sent shockwaves through the crowd. The audacity of such an act at an international competition was unthinkable.
The prime suspects were likely among the contestants themselves, leaving the crowd to wonder who among them could have had the gall to harm Abigail.
Suspicion-filled eyes darted around the stage, eventually landing on Isabella, who blurted out in defense, "Why is everyone looking at me? It wasn't me. I'd never do something like this."
Doubts started to surface among the crowd. 'How could Abella be so certain of poisoning? Could it have been a mere health issue or a bad reaction?'
"Call the cops," Abella instructed the nearby host.The host was taken aback. The thought of involving the police in such a prestigious event was daunting.
The potential damage to the industry's reputation and the implications for future competitions were overwhelming.
"If we don't call the police, do we investigate on our own? Who would believe us? Harbouring such venom in the industry, that's what truly tarnishes our name," Abella countered.
The host sought confirmation from the event organizers. Upon receiving a nod from one of them, he finally mustered the courage to dial the authorities.
"Nobody leaves, whether you're from the audience or backstage. Stay put," Abella ordered, her voice filling the room.A hand timidly rose in the crowd, signaling a need for the restroom.
Abella curtly replied, "Hold it."The room fell silent under Abella's overpowering presence. Her chilling aura was palpable, and crossing her seemed to promise dire consequences.
Thus, everyone remained hushed.Steven, a member of the judges' panel, indicated to Abella that he understood her concerns. He knew she wanted to investigate, but couldn't bear to leave Abigail alone. He signaled his intention to accompany Abigail to the hospital, to which Abella nodded in approval.
It wasn't long before the police arrived. The focus shifted to Abella, the one who had raised the alarm. The officers approached her, questioning her certainty about the poisoning."Because she's been poisoned with HN2C, a new, odorless, and tasteless poison that's recently hit the market," she declared.
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