Chapter 10: Chapter 10

521 words

<html><head></head><body>The presidential suite was pitch black, with only slivers of moonlight slipping through the curtains. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. Evelyn Roland curled up beside the sofa, her cheeks burning, her breathing ragged. She fought desperately against the drug coursing through her veins, but it was a losing battle. If this continued, it might damage her meridians. A sudden pounding erupted at the door, accompanied by crude shouts. Soon, the security guards' angry voices cut through the noise. "Get the hell out! You dare cause trouble on Mr. Merouin's turf?" "My buddy's resting in there. You got a death wish?" The booming voice belonged to Zachary Merouin, the bar owner. Evelyn remembered Dylan Orlando mentioning him. She fumbled for her phone to call for help, only to realize it was gone. "Damn it." The drug's effects intensified, scorching her rationality like wildfire. Staggering, she headed for the bathroom, hoping cold water would ease the symptoms. Outside the bar, three thugs were thrown out by security. "Fuck! The prey got away," the leader spat. In the shadows, Isabella Langley's face darkened with fury.  "Useless! You can't even handle a drugged woman?" The thugs kept their heads down, not daring to speak. Isabella suppressed her rage and pulled out a wad of cash. "Take the money. But remember—" Her eyes turned icy. "If a single word leaks out..." "Don't worry!" The thugs hurriedly assured her. "We know how to keep our mouths shut!" "Wait," one thug suddenly recalled. "There was a man in that room too. Probably..." Isabella's eyes lit up. "Really?" "Swear to God! Mr. Merouin said it himself." A cold smirk curled her lips as she dialed a tabloid reporter's number. Inside the suite.  Evelyn stumbled into the bathroom, her foot slipping. Her hand instinctively grabbed something— Warm, firm muscle met her touch. "Who's there?" A deep, restrained voice laced with anger. That voice... the disabled man? Evelyn realized he was drugged too. Sebastian Valdemar shoved her away. "Get out!" The drug's effects grew unbearable. Evelyn bit her lip—she was doomed either way. Might as well... She lunged at him.  Cold water cascaded over their feverish bodies. From the bathroom to the bedroom, the moonlight bore witness to their madness. At dawn, Evelyn woke first. Her body ached as if run over by a truck. Beside her, the man still slept, his striking profile softened by the morning light. Footsteps and the sound of camera adjustments echoed outside the door. "Heh..." Evelyn smirked, dressing swiftly. Before leaving, she left a note and a few coins on the bedside table. "Worthless service. This is all you get." She climbed out the window and shimmied down the drainpipe.  Three floors were nothing to her. Let that bastard face the media alone! The door burst open. Camera flashes flooded the room. In the café across the street, Isabella clenched her fists in excitement. "They're coming out!" But when the figure in the doorway became clear, the reporters froze— It was a man! Sebastian's icy gaze swept over them, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Three seconds. Disappear." The hallway fell deathly silent.  </body></html>