Chapter 603

The moment Alexander swallowed the wine, Evelyn felt a thrill of anticipation shoot through her.

Her pulse quickened as she pretended nonchalance, refilling her own glass and draining it in one gulp.

"This vintage is quite exceptional. Care for another?" Evelyn asked with practiced ease.

The wine had been specially prepared with Vanessa's assistance. Though inexperienced in such matters, Evelyn reasoned the more they drank, the better her chances would be.

"No thank you!" Alexander waved dismissively, setting down his glass with deliberate care before turning toward the exit.

His thoughts raced. "Claire went to Willowbrook Apartments ages ago. What could possibly be taking so long?" He needed to find her immediately.

Noticing his departure, Evelyn swiftly moved to follow him.

After several paces, Alexander spun around, irritation flashing in his steel-gray eyes. "Why are you shadowing me?"

Evelyn lowered her lashes, perfecting an innocent expression. "I...I told you, I don't know anyone here. You're my only familiar face. If I'm not with you, who else should I accompany?"

Alexander's brow furrowed as he considered this.

The Morgan family had fallen from grace years ago, making invitations to such elite gatherings rare for Isabella.

She'd only received entry because Lucas Bennett was throwing this extravagant banquet for Claire Dawson, distributing invitations like confetti to anyone who crossed his path.

"Since you're clearly uncomfortable, I'll have Simon arrange your ride home," Alexander stated firmly, reaching for his phone.

Just as his fingers brushed the device, a wave of dizziness crashed over him. The grand ballroom seemed to tilt dangerously as he staggered.

"Alexander! Are you alright?" Evelyn's voice held just the right mix of concern and alarm.

This was the moment she'd been waiting for.

She immediately steadied him, slipping her arm through his. "Too much champagne? Let me help you to the lounge."

With her cheeks flushed becomingly and lips slightly parted, she made a tempting picture - one most men would find difficult to resist.

Alexander's instincts screamed warning. Since taking over Titan Capital Group, he'd faced countless schemes, but this sensation was different.

Within seconds, he recognized the truth - this wasn't mere intoxication.

Something primal stirred within him - a ravenous hunger demanding immediate satisfaction.

His expression darkened with dawning comprehension.

With sudden violence, he shoved her away. "Did you drug me?"

Evelyn's breath hitched. "Alexander! What a horrible accusation! Drug you with what?"

Yet even as she spoke, she felt it too.

A burning heat pooled low in her abdomen, her knees weakening dangerously.

Playing the victim perfectly, she swayed toward him, voice trembling. "Alexander...I don't feel well at all."

Internally, she applauded Vanessa's handiwork. "The little minx outdid herself. I only had a sip, but I'm burning up. Alexander drank a full glass - he must be suffering far worse."

Alexander studied Evelyn's feverish expression, torn between suspicion and reluctant concern.

"She seems genuinely affected...but the timing is too convenient to be coincidence."

As Evelyn's breathing grew more labored, Alexander found himself gripping her arm tighter than intended, half-dragging her toward the nearest private room to call for medical assistance.

But then Evelyn made her bold move - throwing her arms around his neck and pressing her body flush against his.

Alexander froze, his entire frame going rigid.

At that precise moment, Vanessa and Ethan Caldwell turned the corner.

Ethan's face darkened instantly at the intimate scene.

"First he steals the woman I love, now he can't even remain faithful?" he thought bitterly.

Vanessa gasped dramatically, "Alexander! You two—"

Ethan clamped a hand over her mouth, hissing, "Not another word!"

Desperation clawed at him. He wanted Evelyn for himself, but the thought of Claire discovering her husband's infidelity turned his stomach. Claire was five months pregnant - the last thing she needed was this kind of stress.

"Keep your mouth shut!" Ethan repeated through gritted teeth.

Vanessa nodded obediently, and Ethan released her.

He shot Alexander one last glare before dragging Vanessa away. Alexander, fighting the drug's effects, barely registered their departure.

His focus narrowed to Evelyn, who was now rubbing against him like a cat in heat. "Alexander, I feel so strange...help me..." she murmured, fingers plucking at her neckline.

In truth, Evelyn remained relatively clear-headed - the wine giving her only a pleasant buzz. Her performance was pure theater. But Alexander was genuinely struggling.

The drug hit him with unexpected force, muddling his thoughts. He dug his nails into his palm, using the pain to maintain focus.

"Isabella, listen carefully. You need to wait in the lounge while I call an ambulance," he ground out.

But Evelyn clung tighter, widening her eyes. "An ambulance? Whatever for? I just feel...warm. Don't you feel it too, Alexander?" Her gaze dropped meaningfully. "There's no need for doctors when we could help each other..."

"Enough!" Alexander roared, shoving her away violently.

The pieces were falling into place with terrible clarity.

He stared at her, disgust warring with disappointment. "This is beyond unacceptable!"

Alexander had always shown Isabella leniency out of respect for Andrew, but this crossed every line.

If he lost control now, how could he ever face Claire again?

"Isabella, you're Andrew's sister. I've tolerated much out of respect for his memory, but using that against me? Have you no shame?"

His voice turned icy. "Homewrecking isn't a virtue. You're young, beautiful, an accomplished violinist - must you fixate on another woman's husband?"

Evelyn's cheeks burned with humiliation.

Tears welled in her eyes as she protested, "Alexander! How can you say such things? I would never—"

She clung stubbornly to her facade of innocence even as the drug's effects made her movements increasingly erratic.

Just as she reached for him again, a sharp crack echoed through the hallway.

Claire stood there, her palm stinging from the force of her slap.