Chapter 6

Priscilla couldn't swim, and in that moment of falling, she instinctively grabbed the person beside her.

As fate would have it, she clutched onto Pearl—the very person who had just pushed her into the pool.

Both women plunged into the water together.

"Help!"

The pool water wasn't particularly cold, but fear engulfed Priscilla first.

Her clothes now acted like ropes constraining her body, making each desperate movement increasingly difficult.

The air in her lungs grew scarcer by the second, her cries for help swallowed by the water. Through blurred vision, she vaguely saw the others who had just mocked her standing fearlessly at the edge of the pool.

As the water quickly rose above her head, Priscilla's heart filled with bitter regret.

Was this how she would die?

What about Kieran? Would Chase be heartbroken?

Just as Priscilla was about to lose consciousness, a splash broke through the surface.

A dark figure dove into the water, and in her hazy state, Priscilla felt herself being supported by large, strong hands.

Algernon, who had jumped in, looked at Priscilla in his arms and experienced a moment of déjà vu.

This feeling was all too familiar.

With no time to dwell on it, he quickly lifted her to the surface.

The moment they broke through, Priscilla gasped desperately for air.

Fresh oxygen rushed into her lungs, bringing with it a stinging sensation that made her cough several times.

Algernon placed her securely on a nearby lounge chair, grabbing a towel and draping it over her shoulders.

Though it was summer, the wet clothes clinging to her body still created an uncomfortable sensation.

Priscilla instinctively wrapped the towel tighter around herself.

Seeing that someone had nearly died, Pearl—who had somehow managed to climb out of the pool—stood trembling at a distance, too frightened to approach.

"Priscilla!" Quinlan's shrill voice carried from nearby.

She rushed forward, pushing Algernon back a step, creating space between the two.

Quinlan had been watching from a distance when Priscilla fell in. Though aware that Priscilla couldn't swim, she hadn't considered helping.

She had thought that if Priscilla died, it would be convenient—and if Chase asked questions, Pearl would take the blame.

To her dismay, Priscilla hadn't died! And worse, Algernon had saved her.

"I knew you were trouble. It's one thing to seduce men all the time, but now you're trying to seduce Mr. Visconti too!"

"Have you no shame?"

Having just escaped death, Priscilla raised her head with a cold gaze toward Quinlan.

"I seduced him? Quinlan, why don't you tell everyone who pushed me into the pool?" She asked icily, her gaze sweeping around. "There should have been a lifeguard by the pool—where are they?"

Quinlan stepped back, her eyes reddening as she looked at Algernon.

"If someone hadn't deliberately arranged it, why would the lifeguard be absent?" Priscilla pressed.

Quinlan frowned with feigned hurt, "The lifeguard wasn't here just now. I sent someone to get them."

"Priscilla, I'm only trying to help. Why are you misunderstanding me?" Quinlan covered her mouth in mock surprise. "Could it be that you're angry because I didn't keep your secret recently?"

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault, but Mr. Smith already came to the house, so even if I wanted to keep your secret, what good would it do?"

Quinlan spoke with a choked voice, putting on an extremely wronged expression while simultaneously pinning unfounded accusations squarely on Priscilla.

Although Algernon couldn't fully understand, he began to piece together what was happening from their exchange.

"What are you talking about?" Algernon questioned.

Quinlan's expression tensed. "Mr. Visconti, please don't be angry with Priscilla. She only tried to seduce Mr. Smith because she craves attention."

"Which Mr. Smith?" Algernon frowned.

He glanced back at Priscilla, who sat wrapped in the towel, wet hair plastered to her temples, looking utterly disheveled.

In his business dealings, he had encountered many two-faced people. Could she be one of them?

Instinctively, Algernon didn't want to believe it.

Seeing Algernon's hesitation, Priscilla gave a self-mocking smile.

So even Algernon would instinctively believe Quinlan's words.

How ridiculous.

"Indeed, Mr. Visconti. If you don't believe me, I have many photos right here!" Quinlan said, pulling out her phone.

Priscilla looked at her in shock. Chase had ordered all those photos destroyed that very day and forbidden anyone in the household from mentioning the incident.

How could Quinlan still have them?

Though somewhat confused, Algernon instinctively glanced at Quinlan's phone.

After a brief look, he turned away in disgust from the scandalous images.

"So these are the photos you're referring to."

Seeing that Algernon was almost convinced, Priscilla stood up and calmly walked to their side.

"I kept a few of these photos and sent them for authentication. We'll know soon enough whether they're real or fake. Quinlan, do you realize that defaming someone's reputation can land you in jail?" Priscilla countered.

The consequence of jail time was somewhat exaggerated, making Quinlan instinctively nervous.

"Dad and Mom would never let me go to jail!" She declared, lifting her chin proudly.

"Since when can our parents' wishes override the law?" Priscilla asked mockingly.

Watching Quinlan's retreating demeanor, Algernon had formed his own suspicions and looked curiously at Priscilla.

Priscilla gave the pair a cool glance before walking away without looking back.

Outside, the driver Chase had arranged was waiting at the entrance.

Seeing Priscilla completely soaked, he was startled, "Ms. Medici, what happened to you?"

Priscilla adjusted the towel around her shoulders, "I accidentally fell into the pool. Let's go home."

She didn't want to worry Chase, so she didn't tell the truth, but the driver was perceptive enough to see through it.

He glanced at the downcast Priscilla in the rearview mirror but said nothing, silently starting the car.

After Priscilla left, Quinlan tried to sidle up to Algernon.

But he subtly avoided her.

While he hadn't fully believed Priscilla's words, he now harbored doubts about Quinlan.

Moreover, Algernon had always disliked people getting too close to him.

Seeing her advances rebuffed, a flash of resentment crossed Quinlan's eyes.

"I have matters to attend to. I'm leaving," Algernon said, giving Quinlan a look.

His clothes were soaking wet and uncomfortable.

Not to mention, someone hadn't even thanked him for saving her life.

Quinlan wanted to say more, but Algernon had already left.

In the car, Algernon impatiently removed his uncomfortable, wet suit jacket.

"Mr. Visconti, let me take you to a nearby hotel to change clothes," the perceptive driver suggested.

Algernon gave a muffled acknowledgment.

He had received an invitation early this morning but hadn't planned to attend.

By coincidence, there was a business dinner nearby tonight, and he happened to see Priscilla as he was passing by.

Priscilla?

Algernon looked down at his wet sleeve in confusion, that familiar feeling from the water washing over him again.

It was because of Priscilla again!

This was the second time he had been drawn to her.