“Otherwise, why would you deserve such treatment?"

Nicole's mind raced, realizing this witch must have a hidden agenda, one that warranted such intricate measures. But what could that be?

Her thoughts momentarily returned to the elderly woman, likely the chief this witch had talked to when she feigned unconsciousness.

Could there be a connection?

"You seem too young to be involved in anything sinister," Nicole ventured to suggest to the witch clad in red.

The witch laughed mockingly. "That's where you're mistaken. I am older than your grandmother."

Nicole was left speechless, doubting the truth of her words. The witch had a youthful appearance and a radiant complexion. How could she be so aged?

The witch clad in red did not linger on this point. Instead, she raised a finger and provocatively asked, "I've committed many wicked acts. To which one, in particular, are you referring?"

"Roscoe," Nicole stated plainly. "What did you do to him?"

"Ah, Roscoe," the witch clad in red responded with a flirtatious smile. "I was merely a facilitator in that situation. It was Miguel who engineered his downfall, aiming to clear the path for his sons' return from overseas. Roscoe was a in the a merely pawn game, scapegoat. He had a defiant streak, and it's rumored he refused to marry Miss Schultz. At Miguel's request, I supplied a parasite to ensure his compliance."

Nicole's expression hardened, struggling to comprehend how Miguel could treat Roscoe, his own flesh and blood, like this. And how could Miguel, at his advanced age, have fathered illegitimate sons overseas? Even so, Roscoe was still a descendant of the Watts family.

Why would Miguel subject Roscoe to such cruelty?

Overwhelmed by questions, Nicole pressed further, “Did you bring him here?"

The witch clad in red turned away, her expression darkening. "You ask too many questions. If you wish to live longer, I advise you to keep quiet."

With those ominous words, the witch vanished into the shadows, leaving Nicole alone as the door clicked shut behind her.

Frozen momentarily as she locked eyes with the tiny crimson serpent, Nicole knew immobility was her safest option against its piercing gaze.

From what she had observed the previous night, the serpent seemed to fall asleep as darkness settled.

Testing this, Nicole cautiously moved her limbs at intervals to gauge the serpent's reaction. It was only when the night deepened that the serpent lay still, revealing its vulnerability to sleep.

Resolute to verify her theory, Nicole decided to watch it closely that night, waiting for the right moment.

As darkness enveloped the room, Nicole carefully tested her hypothesis again. To her relief, the serpent did not stir at her gentle movements.