Penelope gasped, utterly shocked that Ashton had found out. She froze, unable to move. She lowered her head and began to sob softly.

"I'm sorry," Penelope whispered.

Ashton held back his emotions, then fixed his sharp gaze on her. "It's true, isn't it? You put something in Hannah's food?"

"I'm sorry," Penelope repeated.

"What is your problem?" Terry looked stunned. "Penelope, what did you do?"

"I just..." Penelope was at a loss for words.

Terry grabbed Penelope's arm and dragged her into the center of the village hall. Without hesitation, she began interrogating her in front of everyone. Penelope looked distraught as she finally admitted everything.

Ashton had never imagined...