Chapter 177
“Such a rare occasion for all of us to gather tonight,” she said with a bright smile, raising her glass, “Since we’re here, let’s unwind and raise a toas
together!”
Skylar swirled the wine glass thoughtfully, making no move to drink.
“Ms. Lambert, why aren’t you drinking?” Joanna demanded, her gaze locked on Skylar.
Her words instantly drew all eyes to Skylar.
Skylar curved her lips slightly. “Sure, why not?”
‘Wouldn’t want to waste the ‘special treat‘ she put in my wine, now would I?‘ she thought sardonically.
Skylar raised the glass to her lips and took a cautious sip.
“Not satisfied, Ms. Lambert? Why only take such a small sip?” Joanna tipped her empty glass upside down for emphasis. “Look, I’ve already finished
mine.”
Skylar chuckled softly, swirling her wine glass. “Of course, fine wine should be savored slowly. What’s the fun in just gulping it all down at once?”
Victor frowned, suspicion rising in his chest. “Why are you staring so intently at Sapphire? What business is it of yours whether she drinks or not?”
He thought, ‘Why is Joanna staring so intently at Skylar while she drinks? Did she spike her wine and is just waiting for her to finish so she can make her move? I need to stay alert.‘
Joanna, afraid of being caught, didn’t press Skylar any further. With a forced smile, she said, “Everyone’s finished their drinks except her. Isn’t that a bit… improper?”
Victor pressed on relentlessly, “What kind of rule says you have to finish every drop in your glass?”
“Caden, what’s your problem? It’s just a drink, do you have to be like this?” Joanna couldn’t stand how protective Victor was of Skylar. Her blood was boiling with jealousy.
Victor said, “Of course I’ll protect her. She’s my favorite author and my girlfriend.”
Victor said quietly, his voice just loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.
The director froze. He thought, ‘Maybe I should switch tables.’
This table was serving way too much drama. He just couldn’t handle it.
Skylar took a few token sips just for show, then began to feign drunkenness. Her eyes glazed over as she propped up her woozy head, looking like she might slump onto the table at any moment.
Noticing Skylar’s apparent drunkenness, Yosef moved to steady her.
Joanna, practically vibrating with excitement, brushed Yosef’s hand aside. “I’ve already booked a room here, I’ll take her upstairs.”
She added with feigned concern, “Besides, we’re both girls. It’ll be much easier for me to look after her.”
Yosef frowned and snapped, “Stay out of this.”
Skylar gave Victor a look. Victor caught her meaning, got up, and pulled Yosef back. “Stay out of this,” he said, “Just e
Victor pressed firmly on Yosef’s shoulder, attempting to push him back into his seat.
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Chapter 177
Yosef didn’t budge. Victor gritted his teeth and hissed, “Just play along and don’t mess this up.”
Victor shoved Yosef back into his seat.
Yosef could only watch as Joanna helped Skylar upstairs, a sense of unease gnawing at him.
Joanna led Skylar to the pre–arranged hotel room. Without wasting a second, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
Joanna said urgently into the phone, “She’s out cold. Get over here, now!
“Got it, you won’t lose out. Sure, she’s been around, but she’s still decent–looking. Stop wasting time and get your ass over here.”
After hanging up, Joanna leaned down and gave Skylar’s cheek a mocking pat. “Enjoy your little treat. That smile will be wiped off your face soon enough.”
The moment Joanna turned around, Skylar’s eyes snapped open. She sprang up from the bed, a silver needle glinting between her fingers, and jabbed it into Joanna with practiced precision.
Joanna’s eyes widened in shock before she crumpled limply to the floor.
Skylar laid her on the bed, then slipped out.
No sooner had Skylar left than a man crept into the room. Eyeing the woman on the bed, he muttered to himself, “At least the bitch isn’t bad–looking. Would’ve been a total waste otherwise.”
The figure crept closer to the bed, then suddenly lunged onto it.
AD
