Chapter 197

Harrison moved first. His reflexes were lightning fast as he spun on his heel and dashed toward the staircase.

Evelyn sat at the bar counter, idly swiping through her phone when a server approached with a silver tray.

"Compliments of the house, ma'am. Our signature cocktail for VIP guests tonight." The waiter didn't wait for her response before setting the drink down.

She lifted the crystal glass, but before it touched her lips, Harrison's urgent voice cut through the noise. "Evie!"

His footsteps were rapid against the marble floor. In three long strides, he reached her and snatched the glass from her fingers.

Evelyn blinked up at him in confusion as their gazes locked.

Harrison pulled her into what appeared to be an intimate embrace. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, "It's drugged."

Understanding flashed in her eyes instantly.

"Harrison! Where did you disappear to?" She forced a playful pout. "I've been waiting forever."

He chuckled warmly. "Just catching up with an old friend. Sebastian owns this place - want to meet him?"

With a conspiratorial smile, Evelyn let Harrison guide her away from the bar, the suspicious drink still in his grasp.

Upstairs in a private lounge, the trembling waiter knelt before Sebastian Montgomery. "Sir, I swear I didn't know—"

Sebastian's face darkened like a gathering storm. Someone dared to poison guests in his establishment? This was beyond audacious.

"Who paid you?" His voice was deadly calm. "And how much was my reputation worth?"

The waiter immediately produced a wad of cash from his pocket. "The woman told me to find a male escort and deliver the target to Suite 888 at the Grand Marquis after she passed out."

Glass shattered as Sebastian smashed his tumbler against the table. "You absolute fool! Do you comprehend what you've done?"

"Please, Mr. Montgomery! I'll never—"

Sebastian cut him off with a sharp gesture. "Security footage. Now." When the screens lit up, he demanded, "Point her out."

The waiter's finger landed unerringly on Victoria Sinclair's face just as Evelyn entered.

Sebastian's eyebrows shot up when he recognized Nathan Sterling's ex-wife. "Ms. Carter, my deepest apologies. Rest assured, this matter will be handled with extreme prejudice."

At his signal, two broad-shouldered security personnel dragged the weeping waiter away. Given Sebastian's reputation, the man wouldn't be seeing daylight anytime soon.

Evelyn's attention remained fixed on the frozen image of Victoria. "I know her," she said quietly, her voice laced with icy recognition.