Chapter 388

Oliver Valrose's body writhed under a crawling mass of poisonous insects. Angry red welts rose across his skin as he collapsed to his knees, his trousers soaked through. "Isabella, help me!" His voice cracked with terror.

Isabella Langley clenched her fists so tightly her nails drew blood from her palms.

"Isabella!" Oliver screamed again.

Four pairs of eyes from the Roland family locked onto her.

"I..."

Her lips parted, but no sound emerged.

The business tycoons were dropping like flies—some already convulsing on the ground. A man fumbled for his phone, only to find no signal in the mountain wilderness.

"Miss Langley!" Master Xingyun's forehead gleamed with sweat. "Mercy is the greatest virtue!"

At the crowd's edge, Evelyn Roland adjusted her hat brim. A flick of her wrist sent powder cascading silently near Isabella's feet.

"Ahhh!" Isabella shrieked, slapping frantically at her skirt.

Every head turned.

"Because she never knew how to repel insects." A cool voice cut through the chaos.

Evelyn stepped forward, removing her face mask.

"Evelyn?" Sophia Roland gasped.

Edward Roland rushed toward his daughter. "Evelyn, how did you—"

"Later, Father." Evelyn unslung her backpack of medicinal herbs. "I'm curious—when did you become such a philanthropist, Isabella?"

Master Xingyun's eyes bulged.

Isabella staggered backward, only to find herself cornered by skittering insects. Her pleading gaze met her parents' faces—and found only crushing disappointment.

"This should suffice." Evelyn handed a satchel to the nearest monk before surveying the writhing businessmen. "Any longer, and some may suffer permanent damage."

With a heavy sigh, Edward began distributing the antidote. Sophia embraced her eldest daughter, eyes glistening.

Isabella crumpled to the ground, venomous creatures scaling her arms. "Sister...please..."

Evelyn knelt, sprinkling the final powder in a protective circle. The swarm scattered instantly.

"Remember this lesson." Her whisper carried the weight of judgment.