Chapter 553
Chapter 553:
But when he finally turned his attention back to Maia, something made his breath catch. She was swaying slightly, her cheeks flushed an unhealthy red. That was no ordinary drunkenness. Something was wrong.
Claudius stepped forward, a growing urgency in his stride. But just as he was about to push through the throng, a hand caught his wrist. Mariana spun into his path, her laughter sugary-sweet as she leaned close. “Claudius, have another drink with me p>
Her grip tightened, nails brushing his skin like claws wrapped in silk. From the start of the evening, she had been clinging to him like ivy, pulling him aside every chance she got. Claudius’ patience was wearing thin, but somehow, he couldn’t seem to shrug her off without making a scene.
“Fine,” he said, his tone clipped. “You win. This is the last one.” He raised his glass mechanically and tapped it against hers. But his eyes? They were still searching the crowd.
And in the split second it took for him to lower his head and sip his wine, Maia disappeared.
Claudius froze. Without another word, he broke from Mariana’s hold and began weaving his way through the party, scanning every face.
Meanwhile, tucked away from the crowd, Maia was being half-carried, half-dragged into the villa’s east wing. Rosanna was guiding her toward the inner corridor. Maia could barely keep upright — her steps staggered, her weight heavy, her breath short and uneven.
“Rosanna…” Her voice was a slurry murmur. “Where… are we going p>
“You need rest, Maia,” Rosanna cooed sweetly, her tone dripping with concern. “You’ve had way too much.” She gave a soft laugh and adjusted Maia’s arm over her shoulder. But behind the pleasant mask, Rosanna’s thoughts twisted with triumph. Maia looked completely drained — more than drunk. Her head lolled, her words barely formed.
She was right on schedule.
𝕸𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖚𝖕𝖉𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘 𝖎𝖓
The plan was unfolding flawlessly.
Mariana’s little gift had been potent — strong enough to leave Maia nearly paralyzed for at least two hours. To be certain, the waitstaff had followed instructions precisely: coat the rim of a glass with the sedative, which would make the liquid in it less than in the other glasses. The comparison wouldn’t be evident, but one could still notice it if carefully observing.
So, all Rosanna needed to do was choose the one with slightly more champagne from the two glasses. The other glass was certainly the drugged one.
It was meticulous. It was seamless. And now, it was working. Rosanna’s heart pounded with exhilaration. The more she thought about it, the more delicious it felt. Soon, Maia — the polished, perfect Maia — would be reduced to nothing but a spectacle, a joke!
She pushed open the door to a guest room and guided Maia inside. “Enjoy yourself,” Rosanna whispered, her voice almost reverent as she eased Maia down onto the bed. She reached out and pulled at Maia’s collar, letting it slip just enough to expose the gentle dip of her collarbones.
“When you wake up… it will all be over,” she murmured. Her fingers tapped lightly against Maia’s cheek. No reaction. Only a slurred protest that never formed into coherent words. Rosanna’s lips curled into a slow, venomous smile. “So beautiful. So capable. And soon… so utterly ruined p>
Just then, a portly, greasy-looking middle-aged man, whose lecherous demeanor made him all the more repulsive, hurried to the doorway, nearly tripping in his eagerness.
His eyes narrowed into delighted slits as a grin crept across his face. Rubbing his palms together, he gave the door three light taps. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Miss Morgan… how did it go? Is it done p>
The door creaked open just a sliver. Rosanna’s head peeked through the gap, her eyes darting up and down the hallway before locking onto the man’s gleaming expression. Her lips curled into a sly smile. “Mr. Nelson, you are in for quite the treat tonight,” she murmured. “Be sure to savor every second p>