Chapter 4

As Isabel stepped into the house, the laughter and chatter of the four people inside came to an abrupt halt. They looked at her like she was a despised thief. She didn't say anything as she turned to head upstairs, her footsteps heavy and her body freezing. Suddenly, Winifred cried, "Wait, why has my necklace gone missing? Did it fall into the pool earlier?" Isabel sensed this was another attack aimed at her and sped up, wanting to be out of everyone's way. However, Gordon didn't let her off the hook. "Stop right there, Isabel! Did you throw Winnie's necklace into the pool?" She turned around and said weakly, "I didn't. I didn't try to push her, nor did I throw any necklaces." She'd only just recovered from a high fever before being kicked into the pool. Her head spun, and she swayed on her feet, feeling like she was on the brink of passing out. "I saw you grabbing Winnie's arm and trying to shove her into the pool! How dare you lie about that!" Linda shrieked, her voice echoing in the large villa. Winifred leaned on Kendall's shoulder and wiped her tears pitifully. "I can let this slide if it's any other necklace, but Mom and Dad gave that one to me. It was the only thing that kept me going after being kidnapped. I could only pray that I would be lucky enough to be reunited with my family." Linda was reminded of the suffering Winifred had been through over the years. She threw her arms around the latter and started weeping. Meanwhile, Gordon was furious. He stormed forward and yanked Isabel down the stairs. "How can you be so jealous of someone? I won't let you off the hook if you don't get back in that pool and find Winnie's necklace, Isabel!" He dragged her out of the house while roaring angrily. She didn't have the strength to break free of his hold and could only shoot a pleading look at Kendall. However, his gaze was frosty. His eyes were devoid of warmth as he looked at her. He handed her a diving mask. "Put this on and look in the pool for Winnie's necklace." His tone turned harsh when she shook her head. "You owe her this!" In the end, Kendall forcefully put the diving mask on Isabel. Then, Gordon pushed her into the pool without hesitation. The four of them stood by the pool and chatted happily, occasionally warning Isabel not to slack off. When she hesitated or slowed down, Gordon would grab a pole and smack her in the water. She didn't dare surface anymore, having no choice but to remain submerged in the water as she searched every inch of the pool. The sky gradually darkened, and her vision became impaired. Her movements slowed. When she poked her head out of the water to take a breath, she heard Kendall say, "Winnie won't be able to rest easy without that necklace, so don't think of dragging things out. You're not getting out of the water if you don't find the necklace!" Isabel submerged again as despair crashed over her. After five grueling hours of searching, she finally found the necklace caught in one of the drain covers. She retrieved it and climbed out of the pool with difficulty, collapsing on the ground. She was drained of all strength. The four surrounded her and took the necklace from her, looking scornful when they saw how disheveled she was. Winifred linked arms with Gordon and Linda, leaving without another look back. Meanwhile, Kendall warned coldly, "You'd better watch yourself." Then, he turned and hurried after Winifred. He didn't spare Isabel another glance. Isabel lay beside the pool, shuddering from the cold. She listened as their laughter and chatter faded into the distance. Then, she blacked out.