Chapter 64

While sipping the soup, Xyla glanced around the table and wondered why no one had shown any sign of nitrite poisoning yet. "Mm, this soup is wonderful. If only you had added the salt sooner to balance out the sweetness from the pumpkin. Keep that in mind the next time you attempt this soup again, Wendy," Sandra commented after taking a few sips of the soup with a smile. Wendy wanted to retort, but she couldn't do so without coming off as rude to Sandra. The obnoxious woman had disguised her criticism as friendly advice. "Perhaps you've come to prefer a stronger flavor profile in your old age, Mrs. Fairchild. The soup tastes fine to me," Sean interjected as he ate a piece of pumpkin, his tone even but steely. Embarrassment flickered across Sandra's features. She had not expected Sean to come to Wendy's defense, and it didn't sit well with her. Sensing the escalating tension, Alexandra quickly scooped some soup into her bowl so she could judge the taste for herself. Just then, Yvon