Chapter 115

Dahlia watched the car disappear into the distance, a slight smile playing on her lips.
—-
“Mr. Brooks, I’m sorry. This blind date wasn’t really my idea, and I feel bad for taking up your time. You can just drop me off at the subway station,” Evelyn said to Michael, her voice full of regret.
“Funny enough, my family put me up to this, too. How about we grab dinner anyway, just to keep the folks happy?” Michael chuckled.
“Alright,” Evelyn agreed, feeling more at ease with his response.
Michael drove them to the restaurant. They walked in together, keeping a comfortable distance between them, and headed to a private room that had been booked in advance. Ever the gentleman, Michael pulled out a chair for Evelyn. “Ms. Evelyn, can I get you some wine?” Michael asked politely.
“Thanks, but I don’t drink,” Evelyn replied with a smile, knowing her limits.
Michael ordered himself a bottle of red wine and thoughtfully got Evelyn a hot drink.
“Thanks,” Evelyn said, appreciating his consideration. Michael seemed well-mannered, and since Rosa had specifically picked him out, Evelyn didn’t worry too much.
Dinner was served soon after. As they ate, Michael noticed Evelyn hadn’t touched her drink. He raised his wine glass slightly. “Ms. Evelyn, it’s a pleasure meeting you.” His gaze was warm as he watched her.
Evelyn picked up her hot drink and gently clinked it against his wine glass. “Likewise.”
She took a polite sip. Michael watched her, and his smile grew even wider.
The dinner was going smoothly until Evelyn suddenly felt off. She hadn’t touched any alcohol, yet a wave of dizziness hit her. Trying to shake it off, she inadvertently caused her knife and fork to slip from her hands and clatter onto the plate.
Michael was quick to react. He got up, and leaned over the table. “Ms. Evelyn, are you okay?”
His eyes darkened as he stared at her. He was now much closer than usual social norms would allow.
Feeling faint, Evelyn instinctively stood up to move away but felt unsteady and had to grip the table to keep herself from falling. Despite not drinking, she felt drunk.
Evelyn’s breathing became labored; something was definitely wrong with that drink. She realized she’d been drugged! “Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you home,” Michael said, moving closer and wrapping an arm around her waist. His facade slipped, eyes revealing a predatory glint. He ogled her shamelessly, drawn in by her beauty.
From the moment Sena had sent him Evelyn’s photo, he’d been smitten. Her face, her figure-were irresistible.
“Get off me!” Evelyn’s eyes burned
with anger. She didn’t care why Rosa had picked such a creep. Her only thought was to escape. If she stayed in his clutches while drugged, the consequences could be dire
Without thinking, Evelyn grabbed a knife from
Mich the table and slashed at
arm. Blood oozed from the
cut, and he yelped in pain, letting go of her.
Evelyn seized the moment to back away, her blurry vision catching sight of the door.
She bit down on her lip hard enough to draw blood, the pain cutting through the haze and helping her focus. She had to leave now.
As she stumbled towards the door, she called out, “Help…”