Chapter 785

When Jaxon found out the plan had failed, he panicked. But Sue wasn’t a normal person. Her first reaction wasn’t fear, but pure, unadulterated rage. “How could this happen? I saw the bodyguard get Seth in there myself! I saw Noreen drink that spiked beverage with my own eyes! Why was no one in the room?!” “Where did Seth Harcourt go?!” Jaxon was just as confused. “Do you think he climbed out the window?” Sue immediately dismissed the idea. “Impossible! It’s the seventh floor! The only way out the window is down!” That was true. But the bodyguard had confirmed it: the reporters hadn’t seen anyone else, and he had searched the room himself. Seth was gone. “Is Seth even a man?” Sue fumed. “I served her up to him on a silver platter, and instead of taking what was his, he runs away! He ruined everything!” The drug she had used was a special blend, popular among the high- stakes players on the cruise ship circuit. It was rumored to be incredibly potent, capable of turning the most virtuous woman into a nymphomaniac. And with Seth still carrying a torch for Noreen, he shouldn’t have been able to resist. Jaxon’s thoughts were more long-term. “Are you sure the bodyguard you hired is reliable?” “Don’t worry, he’s completely loyal. He won’t sell us out,” Sue guaranteed. “Good,” Jaxon said. Then, as if nothing had happened, the two of them returned to the party, mingling and making small talk with the remaining guests. Sue, still fuming over the failed plan, threw back several glasses of wine, cursing under her breath. “It’s all that useless man’s fault! Ruining my perfect plan!” “Ah-choo!” Seth let out a series of sneezes. Jude Wilder looked over with concern. “Did you catch a cold from being out in the wind earlier?” “I’m fine.” Seth rubbed his temples, a deep weariness etched on his face. Jude was dying of curiosity. Why had Seth been clinging to the outside of a seventh-floor window, sending him a desperate text to get a crane over there immediately? But Seth was clearly in a foul mood. He looked like a man who was deeply, profoundly frustrated. Jude knew better than to ask. You don’t poke a sleeping bear. The atmosphere in the car was heavy. After a moment, Seth’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID before answering. His eyes, which had been closed, snapped open, a cold, sharp light glinting within them. Even without speaking, the pressure he exuded was immense. As the person on the other end relayed the situation with Noreen, his expression finally softened, just slightly. He spoke in a chillingly dark tone, “It seems Miss Caldwell is quite fond of that particular drug. In that case, give her some more. Let her enjoy it to her heart’s content.” *** Claire finally let out a long sigh of relief after confirming that Noreen was okay. She was in the middle of blaming herself when there was a knock at the door, followed by a voice she despised. It was Felix. “Claire,” he said, “we need to talk.” Talk about what? If he loved talking so much, he should have become a professional negotiator. Wilbur noticed the look of disgust on her face and stood up. “I’ll handle this.” Claire nodded. When Felix didn’t get a response, he was about to open the door himself. But suddenly, the door swung open, only to be shut again just as quickly. He caught only a fleeting glimpse of Claire’s back. She hadn’t even bothered to turn and look at him. Wilbur stepped out, forcing Felix to take a step back. Felix frowned. “Mr. Prescott, what is the meaning of this?” “Mr. Quigley, it’s quite late,” Wilbur said, his dark eyes lazily sizing him up. “Can’t this wait until tomorrow?” Though the two men were of similar height, Wilbur somehow seemed to have the upper hand.