Chapter 189

Julian Roscente gave a slight nod, finding the gathering utterly dull.

"Fine." He had no particular issue with Cassandra Valentine and couldn't be bothered to engage.

But Adrian Valentine was different—his disdain for the Valentine siblings ran deep.

No one knew the exact reason.

His low voice carried a husky edge, unsettlingly alluring.

Cassandra's face brightened with a radiant smile.

She turned to Vincent Ashcroft. "Vincent, I'm sorry about last time. I brought you a gift."

She handed him a limited-edition wristwatch.

Vincent accepted it eagerly, eyes gleaming. "Cass, you're too thoughtful."

After the exchange, the servers began bringing out the dishes. Julian always drank soup before meals.

Cassandra stood to ladle him a bowl of chicken broth.

As she placed the spoon, a transparent pill slipped into the liquid, dissolving instantly.

"Julian, try the soup first. It's very nourishing," she murmured, her voice soft as silk.

Unaware, Julian lowered his head and drank.

Vincent frowned at the sight, but before he could speak, Cassandra had already passed him another bowl. "This one's for you, Vincent."

His expression immediately brightened. "You always know what I like."

Isabella Langley caught the affection in Vincent's gaze and began calculating how to exploit this love triangle.

Glasses clinked throughout the meal, the atmosphere deceptively warm.

Midway through, Julian suddenly winced, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Vincent, I don't feel well. I need to get some medicine."

Vincent set down his chopsticks irritably. "Why is everyone leaving? Are we not close anymore?"

Adrian's early departure had already put him in a foul mood.

Julian's face had gone pale. His health had always been impeccable—this sudden, splitting headache was unbearable.

Vincent noticed his distress and frowned.

"You look terrible. I'll take you to the hospital." He stood.

Julian swayed slightly, waving him off. "We'll reschedule."

His vision darkened, his body burning with feverish discomfort.

Seeing her chance, Isabella nudged Cassandra discreetly.

Cassandra immediately followed. "Julian, let me take you."

Julian was already too disoriented to hear.

Vincent moved to chase after them, but Isabella quickly blocked his path.

Just then, a server entered. "Excuse me, this ginseng chicken soup was specially ordered by the lady at the next table for your party."

With that, the server left.

Isabella's face paled. "Vincent, Julian only got sick after drinking the soup. What if she's targeting Adrian next?"

Her voice trembled, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Vincent stared at Julian's half-finished bowl, suddenly recalling he'd only taken a few sips himself.

"That bitch," he hissed through gritted teeth. "How dare she pull this stunt!"