Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 685

"You could've just said that earlier. Instead, you dragged it out with all that posturing, wasting everyone's time," Felicia replied, quickly followed by a much softer, "Moron."

Felicia had never been able to stomach Pete, and after everything that had unfolded today—with one calamity after another—her patience was at an all-time low. So, she didn't hold back in delivering her trademark sharp-edged sarcasm.

Those present, with sharp ears and quicker reflexes, clearly caught the unsavory insult that followed her words.

Pete, the target of the insult, showed no signs of anger. If anything, he looked slightly resigned. His usual smirk was intact, and there was a faint air of indulgence around him as though he was letting it slide.

But perhaps stung by her words, Pete didn't beat about the bush this time. He got straight to the point.

"Felicia, you're a sharp one. I'm sure you've realized by now that you've been infected with a venomous creature. Once it's activated, it'll control your mind, turning you into nothing more than a tool at my disposal. However…"

He trailed off deliberately, his gaze sliding meaningfully toward the unconscious Maurice before he continued, "I never expected someone to sacrifice themselves like this for you, to take the hit in your place."

"Get to the point," Felicia snapped, her patience thinning rapidly.

"Fine. Here's the deal. Would you like to remove the venomous creature inside you? Would you like to save him too?" Pete asked while pointing at Maurice.

"What's the catch?" Felicia asked.

"It's simple. I need you to accompany me somewhere. That's all. You won't have to do anything else. Just show up. How's that? Simple, isn't it?"

Pete smiled, his tone was casual. It was almost condescending as though he was granting her a generous favor.

"In return, we'll put the venomous creature in a dormant state during the journey, ensuring you're completely safe. And once we reach our destination, we'll remove it entirely for you. No more risk, no more harm," he added.

It sounded like a fair deal.

They had run out of cards to play, yet Pete dared to blatantly lie to her face, offering her some nonsense of a deal.

If Felicia had fallen for that, Pete would have held her hostage using that sorry excuse. Once his goals were completed, he could easily betray her.

All that talk about a deal and conditions was nothing but hot air.

Pete let out a sigh, lamenting, "Alas, you saw through me so quickly. I thought I could string you along for a bit longer."

Then, as if trying to salvage the situation, his gaze shifted again to Maurice. He gestured to the unconscious man with his chin, his smile returning.

"But Felicia… Don't you want to save him? The Heart Eater works as a pair. If one side is destroyed, the other will relentlessly attack its host—just like what's happening to him now. Maurice took your place, enduring the pain for you. If you stand by and do nothing, he'll die."