Chapter 111
Chapter 111: Cat meat”¦ At those words, Belinda collapsed completely. Her mind shattered in an instant. With a wild look in her eyes, she lunged at Cathy, her hands clawing at Cathy’s throat. “Explain yourself! What are you cooking in that pot? Tell me! Is it my Fluffy? If you’ve got a beef with me, take it out on me! Why take it out on a defenseless cat?”’ Cathy had only meant to provoke Belinda with her words, but the ferocity of her reaction left her genuinely shocked. Her face drained of color, and she grappled desperately with Belinda’s hands, seeking help. She turned her pleading eyes toward Kristopher, gasping, “Kristopher”¦”’ With swift strides, Kristopher was at their side, pulling Belinda’s hands away. “Let her go, Belinda!”’ Belinda glared at him, her voice tinged with anger. “But she killed my Fluffy!”’ “Cathy was just kidding around. She’s not capable of that!”’ Kristopher’s expression was stern as he responded, “Cathy’s a gentle soul, hardly able to grip a knife properly. How could she possibly harm Fluffy? Just calm down.”’ Her initial fury subsiding, Belinda paused, struck by his words. She had been foolish. Even if Cathy had harbored any ill will towards Fluffy, she certainly wouldn’t have carried out such an act herself”¦ let alone cook the evidence. The fire in Belinda’s eyes slowly faded, and the grip she had on Cathy’s neck eased. Regret started to seep into her tone. Explore new chapters Before she could utter the words “I’m sorry,”’ a glint of spite flashed in Cathy’s eyes. In a swift movement, Cathy shoved Belinda forcefully. They were at the top of the staircase on the second floor, and Belinda was precariously positioned with her back to the steps. Losing her footing from the shove, Belinda tumbled backwards down the stairs. “Belinda!”’ Kristopher, seeing her peril, instinctively reached out to catch her, but he was too late. Belinda’s slender frame cascaded down the staircase, coming to a harsh stop at the bottom. “Belinda!”’ Witnessing the fall, a chill ran through Kristopher’s eyes. He hurried down the stairs. “Kristopher”¦”’ He had barely descended two steps when a cry halted him. Cathy clutched her neck and crumpled to the floor with a heavy thud. Her voice quivered as she gasped, “My stomach hurts so much. I can’t breathe”¦ It feels like I’m dying”¦”’ Kristopher’s expression turned icy, his gaze involuntarily drawn downstairs. Belinda was slowly rising from the floor. Whereas Cathy lay sprawled, her complexion ghostly pale, looking as though she might lose consciousness at any moment. After a moment’s hesitation, Kristopher’s brow furrowed and he turned back upstairs. He gently lifted Cathy from the floor and asked, “Are you okay, Cathy?”’ Meanwhile, downstairs, Belinda felt as though every organ in her body had shifted, her head spinning as if bludgeoned by a heavy club. She clung to the handrail, fighting to stand. Gazing up at the scene above, a sneer curled her lips. It was Cathy who had shoved her down the stairs, yet there Kristopher stood, cradling Cathy with such concern that one might think Cathy was the victim. “Kristopher”¦”’ Cathy’s voice, frail and breathless as she lay in his arms, barely carried downstairs. “Leave me”¦ please look after Miss Nelson”¦ She looks seriously hurt”¦”’ Observing Belinda, who had stood up and was now rubbing her knees at the bottom of the stairs, Kristopher furrowed his brow and said, “Leave her be. She’s all right.”’ Belinda’s hand, which had been soothing her knees, paused momentarily. It was a miracle she hadn’t broken her legs tumbling from such a height! Yet Kristopher dismissed it lightly, claiming she was fine? “I’m glad to hear she’s unharmed”¦”’ Cathy went on weakly. “Kristopher, I swear I didn’t mean to shove Miss Nelson”¦ She was choking me, tightening her grip. I couldn’t catch my breath”¦ That’s why I instinctively pushed her”¦”’ Tears overwhelmed the woman as she pleaded, “Will Miss Nelson hold this against me?”’ “No, she won’t.”’ Cathy bit her lip and said in a pleading tone, “Your words aren’t enough. I need Miss Nelson to say it to me directly”¦”’ With a sigh, Kristopher glanced at the woman below and called out, “Belinda, come up here and reassure Cathy.”’…