Chapter 25

Victor's lips curled into a smirk as he nodded approvingly. "Exactly right. When I heard Miss Vanderbilt had rejoined Viana Jewelry, I immediately saw an opportunity to collaborate with you personally."

Vivian barely concealed her contempt. At forty-nine, Victor Baldwin was practically fifty, yet his illegitimate son with his ex-wife had just turned eighteen. The man was notorious for his wandering eye and countless affairs, which ultimately drove his wife to file for divorce.

She remembered how Victor had first laid eyes on Evelyn at Richard's birthday gala years ago. Since that night, he'd been obsessed, frequently asking Vivian about her stepsister. That's why Vivian had drugged Evelyn last time - to give the lecherous businessman his chance. Pity he'd wasted it.

"Because of me?" Evelyn let out a melodic laugh. "Mr. Baldwin, I'm truly flattered."

"Zoe, Mr. Baldwin greatly admires your talent," Vivian interjected smoothly, pouring the older man a generous glass of wine. "As Viana's director, I'd like to toast your generous advertising platform and investment in our company."

"Now that's what I call a proper toast!" Victor grinned, downing the entire glass in one gulp.

Vivian turned to Evelyn with feigned concern. "Zoe, I know you don't drink, so I ordered juice for you." She held up two glasses, deliberately offering the one in her right hand.

Victor had prepared the drinks himself, instructing Vivian that the left glass was "clean." Evelyn accepted the offered glass, raising it to her lips. Just as the liquid was about to touch her mouth, she suddenly gagged violently.

Both Victor and Vivian froze at her unexpected reaction.

Evelyn patted her chest, lowering the glass with an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, I haven't eaten all day. My stomach's protesting. Could we order some appetizers first?"

Victor blinked before nodding understandingly. "Of course. Vivian, call the waiter."

Biting back irritation at being ordered around, Vivian obediently went to summon service.

Evelyn turned her dazzling smile on Victor. "Mr. Baldwin, would you pick a song for me? How about 'Sweet Dreams'?"

"Your wish is my command," he chuckled.

After all, the little lamb had already walked into the lion's den. Where could she possibly run? As Victor moved toward the karaoke machine, Evelyn swiftly switched her glass with Vivian's.

Vivian returned just as Evelyn finished the switch.

Seeing Evelyn sip the juice, Vivian's eyes gleamed with triumph.

"Zoe, I've ordered food. Maybe save the juice for after you eat? Cold drinks on an empty stomach aren't good for you." Evelyn smiled sweetly and set her glass down. "Of course."

Thirty minutes later, their glasses stood empty amidst half-finished plates.

Suddenly, Evelyn's phone rang. She stood gracefully. "Excuse me, I need to take this outside. I'll be right back."

As Evelyn exited, Vivian moved to follow, but Victor yanked her back down.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"We can't let her escape!"

Victor's grip tightened. "She drank the juice. Where could she go? And even if she does leave..." His eyes raked over Vivian's body with a predatory grin. "I'll still have you, won't I?"

Vivian paled as the realization hit her. "What... what do you mean?"

"You think I'm stupid?" Victor sneered. "I spiked both drinks. If she gets away, you'll make an excellent consolation prize." He dragged her onto his lap.

Vivian struggled violently. "Have you lost your mind? I'm with Nathan Goldmann!"

Victor laughed cruelly. "Goldmann would never marry a bastard like you. Besides..." His hands wandered familiarly. "This isn't our first time, is it? When you came begging for money last year, you were quite... accommodating."