A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 75

"How should I put it? I can determine which are edible by their scent," Demi explained.

To be precise, it was through their aura, but that sounded too fantastical.

Nigel and Wendy grew even more puzzled.

To determine edibility based solely on scent? Perhaps Demi had a rare talent. After all, she also knew about herbs, so identifying mushrooms should be easy for her.

"I still have some uncooked mushrooms left. Can you take a look and tell me which ones are toxic and which aren't? I plan to take the non-toxic ones home," Wendy said.

"Sure," Demi agreed.

…

Meanwhile, news of Thomas' poisoning quickly trended on social media. After all, Thomas was a celebrity.

The trending title read, "Thomas was poisoned on show while Demi stood by and watched."

Underneath were endless hate comments aimed at Demi.

Thomas and Ana's fans hurled insults, and some viewers felt Demi was overly cruel. Few spoke up for her.

"No wonder she's called the 'vicious gal.' She deserved the title!"

"She knew the mushrooms were poisonous and still didn't stop it. Was she trying to kill someone?"

"She even studied medicine! Who would dare let her treat them in the future?"

"Demi warned Ana, but Ana didn't believe her. What else was Demi supposed to do? Beg her?"

"Take it up with the production team! Demi is just a guest. She's not responsible for the other guests."

"Demi is just a 16-year-old girl. Maybe she couldn't confirm whether the mushrooms Ana picked were poisonous."

"Birds of a feather flock together! Demi's so cruel, yet some people still support her!"

Overall, the hate comments far outweighed any defense of Demi. Those who spoke up for her were also quickly targeted by others.

After hearing Sean's request, Felix immediately agreed.

"Mr. Harrington, I know you're investigating that girl. Do you know what grudge she holds against the Pitt siblings?" Sean asked curiously.

"I haven't uncovered any grudges yet. Demi worked as the Pitt family's housekeeper and later became Ana's assistant. My men didn't find any evidence of Ana mistreating Demi.

"However, all the roles Ana introduced to Demi were of villains. There were a few times the directors wanted Demi to play a more positive role, but Ana secretly rejected them. Ana is indeed making things hard for Demi. I'm sure Demi might have sensed it by now."

Sean nodded in realization. He turned around and relayed the news to Benedict.

"I knew it! Although Ana appears gentle and sweet, she is very calculating. She avoided eating the mushrooms because she was afraid they might be poisonous, and she let her brother eat them instead.

"What a scary girl. Demi, on the other hand, comes across as cold and distant but is actually kind-hearted. At my age, I am a good judge of people," Benedict declared.

Sean nodded in agreement.

Having lived almost 90 years, Benedict had been through everything life had to offer. So, he had a sharp sense of reading people.