The wall sconces flickered and came back on, casting a dim, amber glow over the antique furniture.

Vivian was on her knees near the armchair, her hands covering her face.

Her expensive silk dress was wrinkled, dragging in the dust of the hearth.

“Explain it to me, Vivian,” Alexander said, turning his back on Celeste for a brief second.

“I didn’t know what it was,” Vivian sobbed, her shoulders shaking violently.

“You knew enough to put it in my wife’s tea,” Alexander said.

He stepped toward Vivian, his black leather shoes clicking on the hardwood.

“Celeste gave it to me,” Vivian shrieked, pointing a trembling, manicured finger at her rival.

“She told me they were imported dietary supplements.”

“She said they were natural herbs to help Eleanor sleep.”

Celeste let out a short, dry laugh.

“You are pathetic, Vivian,” Celeste said.

“You will say anything to save yourself from a prison cell.”

“It’s the truth!” Vivian screamed, looking up at Alexander with tear-stained cheeks.

“She brought them to my apartment in the city.”

“They were in small, amber glass vials with no labels.”