In Raven's eyes, all of this was nothing more than Caitlin putting on a dramatic show for attention.

What was so special about a Ridge Viper?

It was just a snake!

If snakes were really that terrifying, then humans wouldn't be the ones ruling the planet-snakes would.

And yet-

Here was a group of highly educated people, hanging on the words of a country

girl like Caitlin. Not only did they toss out the snake eggs, but they even swallowed those sketchy pills she handed out without a second thought.

It was laughable, really.

Caitlin's intentions were obvious, at least to Raven.

She wanted to make herself out as everyone's savior.

Caitlin had deliberately stirred up panic, filling everyone with fear about the snake eggs. She'd played the expert, scared them into giving back the eggs, then handed out those so-called Fresh-Scent Pods for everyone to eat. Finally, she'd tell them that the only reason they were safe, unbothered by any vengeful Ridge Viper, was because she'd given them those pods.

Raven could see right through that little scheme.

But these people? Totally blind to it.

Which was exactly why Raven was determined to take the snake egg home herself to show Caitlin up, expose the trick, and prove her wrong with action.

As soon as Raven voiced her opinion, Cassidy stepped forward, anxious. "Raven, don't be reckless! Give back the snake egg! What if the Ridge Viper really does come looking for you at your house?"

A Ridge Viper wasn't some common garden snake. If it bit you, things could get bad-fast.

Cassidy was the cautious type, always listening to reason. If a simple action could avoid a world of trouble, why make a mountain out of a molehill?

Raven turned to her, eyebrows raised. "Seriously, Cassidy? You've got a master's degree from a top university, and you believe this nonsense? What snake is smart enough to chase someone across mountains?"

She used to think Cassidy was sharp.

Now? Cassidy just seemed pitifully naive.

If she weren't so gullible, would she really buy into Caitlin's tale?

"Better safe than sorry," Cassidy replied, frowning, as she picked up a Fresh- Scent Pod and pressed it into Raven's hand. "Don't be stubborn, Raven. Just take the pod-no need to stir up trouble for nothing."

Raven took the pod from Cassidy, and for a moment, Cassidy relaxed, thinking maybe her words had finally gotten through.

But the next second, Cassidy froze.

Raven tossed the Fresh-Scent Pod to the floor and ground it under her heel, crushing it deliberately.

"I want to see for myself," Raven said coldly. "If I don't take this pod, and I keep

this snake egg, will the Ridge Viper really come hunting me down?"

Cassidy rushed to stop her. "Raven, you're being ridiculous! Go apologize to

Freya and ask for another pod before it's too late."

After that display, if Raven wanted another pod from Caitlin, she'd have to swallow her pride and apologize.

But Caitlin Spoke up first. "Cassidy,

sometimes you have to respect

other people's choices and let go of your need to save them. Miss

Cartwright I

thas already made her v decision. We should let her live with it." swñovels

If Raven was set on tempting fate, no one could stop her.

Trying to interfere with someone else's choices could only drag you down with them.

Cassidy wanted to protest, but Caitlin's words made her swallow whatever she was about to say.

She was right.

Respect people's choices. Let go of the urge to intervene.

Raven had chosen her own path. Whatever happened next, she would have to face the consequences herself.

Raven folded her arms and looked at Caitlin, chin raised in challenge. "So, Miss Gonzales, what you're saying is: if I don't return the snake egg and refuse to take your Fresh-Scent Pod, this Ridge Viper is going to chase me for a hundred kilometers just to get revenge?" Content bétongs to FindNovel.net

"That's right." Caitlin nodded calmly. "At the Ridge Viper's pace, it'll track down the Cartwright family in less than three days."

"Three days? Perfect. How about a wager?" Raven's eyes sparkled with

provocation.

Caitlin wasn't one to back down from a challenge. She met Raven's gaze. "What

do you have in mind, Miss Cartwright?"

"We'll bet on whether the Ridge Viper comes after me within three days. If it doesn't, then you have to put on a striptease for the whole group. How about it?”

A striptease.

It was obvious what Raven was after: Caitlin's humiliation.

If Gordon found out his girlfriend had danced half-naked in front of everyone,

would he still want to date her? No way.

Besides, Caitlin was the legitimate heiress of the Gonzales family. If word got out,

it would ruin the family's reputation-two birds with one stone.

The rest of the table stared at Raven in shock.

No one had realized just how much Raven despised Caitlin.

Surely Caitlin wouldn't agree. This was a striptease her family's reputation was

at stake.

But then Caitlin spoke: "All right. I accept. But if I win, what do I get?"

Raven didn't hesitate. "If you win, you name the terms."

Caitlin smiled. “I hear Miss

Cartwright holds one percent of the Cartwright Group's shares. If you lose, donate that one percent to

schools and childremin

underprivileged areas. Deal?"

That one percent was the foundation of Raven's status in the Capital's social

circles.

"Fine by me," Raven said coolly, narrowing her eyes. “But let's put it in writing. I don't want any misunderstandings later."