Chapter 35
Reina hesitated, contemplating how to convey her refusal. “Mrs. Reynolds, Janice isn’t feeling well today. Could we possibly discuss this with her
another time?”
Josephine frowned, a note of worry evident in her voice. “Is she feeling unwell? Is it something serious? Would you like me to call a doctor to come and examine her?”
“No! It’s not necessary.” Reina quickly rejected her, panicking at the thought that calling the doctor would reveal her lie.
She quickly came up with an excuse. “Janice is just a bit tired and needs some rest.”
Josephine gazed intently at Reina as if she could read her thoughts but chose not to reveal anything. Instead, she simply smiled and replied, “In that case, I’ll pay Ms. Janice another visit once she’s feeling better.”
Reina felt relieved, quickly nodding her head in agreement.
Henry, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, sensed that something was amiss. His keen gaze fixed intently on Reina for a moment.
“Ahem.” Henry cleared his throat,
Josephine before she could speak again
He turned to Malcolm. “The party is about to begin. Mr. Gomez, please escort Ms. Ludwig to the front hall. Josephine and I need to attend to a few matters first.
Malcolm gave a subtle nod, signaling his agreement.
When they arrived at the banquet hall, Reina eagerly reached for Malcolm’s arm, brushing against it continuously. However, Malcolm instinctively withdrew his arm, maintaining a cool and distant expression, seemingly unaware of her affectionate gesture.
The two settled in the center of the hall. Reina admired Malcolm’s flawless profile, yet her heart raced with anxiety. Even though he had shielded her during the incident, she had also revealed her darker side. She worried he might hate her for it.
With this thought in mind, Reina resolved to act on her plan. She discreetly retrieved a pill from her handbag and swiftly dropped it into Malcolm’s glass while his attention was elsewhere.
The red liquid swirled gently, instantly dissolving the pill. A determined smile tugged at the corners of Reina’s mouth as she gazed at Malcolm.
Midway through the party, Malcolm’s mouth was suddenly parched, and an unrelenting heat coursed through his body. He quickly downed a glass of wine, hoping for relief. However, the burning sensation intensified, leaving him feeling more uncomfortable than ever.
“Malcolm, what’s wrong?” Reina noticed something off about him and felt a subtle sense of pride.
“I’m fine,” he replied hoarsely, struggling to hide his discomfort.
“You don’t seem well. Would you like to go upstairs and rest for a bit?” Reina asked, lacing her tone with a hint of concern while offering to help
Malcolm.
Malcolm felt a little disoriented and could only rely on Reina’s support as he staggered up the stairs.
“Malcolm, just hold on for a moment. I’ll take you to the room immediately,” Reina said, her voice soothing yet brimming with excitement and anticipation.
She carefully supported Malcolm into the room and locked the door, her eyes filled with determination. Her fingers trembled with anticipation as she carefully unbuttoned his shirt one button at a time, revealing his broad chest beneath.
“Malcolm…” she whispered, her voice seductive and alluring
Malcolm’s breathing quickened, and the last of his restraint began to fade. He shut his eyes, allowing Reina’s fingers to trace his chest, like a thirsty man in the desert yearning for water.
Reina nimbly unbuttoned the last button, revealing his muscular chest. She leaned down and pressed her cheek against his warm chest, feeling his heartbeat.
“Malcolm, I love you….” she murmured, her voice trembling with uncontainable emotion
A face suddenly invaded Malcolm’s thoughts. A face filled with sarcasm and disdain, and every expression was palpable contempt for him. “Malcolm!”
