The room fell silent, with all eyes on Bianca and Zoey.
“I’ve been reflecting on things lately. I realize I’ve made some mistakes that may have hurt you. I want to apologize,” Zoey extended a glass of champagne to Bianca.
Bianca raised her eyebrows, wary of Zoey’s intentions.
“I want to make a promise right here. If you win our bet, I’ll step down from my position as director, and I mean it,” Zoey continued, pausing to look directly at Bianca. “I hope we can move forward and work together smoothly. This drink is my way of saying sorry.”
Zoey finished her own drink and extended the glass she had offered to Bianca.
As Bianca hesitated, others in the room began to speak up.
“Bianca, Miss Carter has apologized sincerely. It wouldn’t be fair to ignore that,” someone said.
“Right, we’re all part of the same company. Let’s keep things open and civil,” another added.
Josh looked slightly displeased as he said, “Bianca, remember that Zoey is your superior. Show her some respect.”
Feeling the pressure from everyone around her, Bianca reluctantly took the glass from Zoey. With Josh and other department heads watching, she didn’t want to cause a scene, so she drank the champagne.
The crowd applauded approvingly. “That’s the spirit. Unity and sincerity are key at Phoenix Entertainment.”
Bianca placed the empty glass upside down on the table, keeping her gaze fixed on Zoey. “Miss Carter, I’ve accepted your drink. Remember what you promised.”
“Of course,” Zoey replied, raising her eyebrows slightly before turning to toast with others.
Bianca sat back in her corner. Soon, she started feeling dizzy and warm. Could she really be getting tipsy from just one glass of champagne?
Blake appeared to be dealing with similar discomfort.
Seeing Bianca and Blake unconscious on the couch, Zoey’s expression twisted into a cruel smirk, revealing her true nature.
Turning to the crowd, Zoey announced, “The company has spent a fortune on fireworks for Natalie’s birthday tonight. Let’s go enjoy them.”
Excitement filled the room as everyone followed Zoey out of the private room. Bianca and Blake remained on the sofa. Assuming they were drunk, the others left them to rest.
As Zoey exited, she glanced back at Bianca and Blake lying there. A wicked gleam flickered in her eyes.
She was confident that after tonight, Bianca wouldn’t stand a chance against her.
Waking up feeling disoriented, Bianca surveyed the now empty room, wondering what had happened.
Had everyone left after the celebration? Why hadn’t she noticed?
Feeling unusually warm and uncomfortable, Bianca recognized these symptoms from past experiences and suspected something was wrong with the champagne she had drunk.
She suspected Zoey was behind it.
‘What was Zoey up to?’
Bianca wondered why everyone had vanished from the room, leaving her alone.
Quickly, she pulled out a small bottle of medicine from her bag. Knowing that drinking was common at these events and that she didn’t handle alcohol well, she had brought a potent hangover cure.
Bianca hoped the medicine would help her feel better.
She took the medicine, focusing on calming her breathing and relaxing.
Gradually, her dizziness lessened, and the intense warmth she felt started to fade away.
“That’s a relief. This medicine really works.”
Just as Bianca was preparing to leave, she heard retching sounds and a man’s pained moans coming from the bathroom of the private room.
It sounded like Blake.
Hastily, Bianca went over and knocked on the bathroom door. “Blake, is that you in there?”
“Bianca… Please, just go. Leave me alone.”
“Blake, are you feeling drunk? Come out here. I’ve got something in my bag for hangovers. Let me help.”
Bianca reached for the hangover remedy on the sofa. But when she turned back, strong hands grabbed her suddenly. Blake’s tall frame pushed her down onto the sofa.
His face was flushed red, his eyes showing strong desire.
He placed his hand next to Bianca on the sofa. The veins on his hand stood out, and the smell of alcohol surrounded her. “I told you to leave. Why didn’t you?”
Bianca realized Blake was drugged just like her.
“Blake, try to stay calm. Here, take this medicine. It’ll help you feel better,” Bianca said, putting her hand on his chest and offering him the medicine.
He angrily knocked the medicine away, causing it to roll to the floor.
“It’s no use. I’ve tried everything, but nothing helps.”
Blake had consumed more alcohol than Bianca, and both of them were affected by a powerful aphrodisiac unique to the club. The more they drank, the more potent its effects became.
This particular drink was a closely guarded secret in exclusive clubs, known only to a few regulars and used in special transactions. It tasted like champagne, making it difficult to distinguish it from regular drinks.
Blake locked himself in the bathroom to prevent Bianca from hurting, splashing cold water on his face. Yet, his inner struggle persisted.
He leaned over the toilet, forcing himself to vomit to control his strong feelings. The physical discomfort briefly eased his desire, but hearing Bianca’s voice from outside weakened his determination.
One thought repeated in his mind.
She was the only cure for him.
“Blake, stay calm,” Bianca urged, trying to keep him away. But it didn’t seem to work. His eyes were fixed on her, filled with longing.
“Bianca, I’m so sorry… I’ll take responsibility.”
The fireworks lit up the night sky with a stunning show, their brilliance fading after twenty minutes.
Zoey checked her watch, knowing it was time for the main event. She smirked, expecting something impressive.
After Josh left following Natalie’s birthday bash, Zoey smoothly guided the remaining guests to the club’s private room.
Among the guests were not just Natalie’s coworkers but also famous stars from the entertainment world who were close friends with Natalie. The potential scandal involving Bianca and Blake could become big news, especially considering Blake’s ties to Vincent.
In this situation, Bianca, not Zoey, would likely grab the headlines, possibly rising to fame through controversial means.
Zoey felt her luck was about to change for the better.
Natalie, the star of the evening as the birthday girl, approached the club surrounded by admirers. As she neared the entrance, she spotted a familiar, tall figure.
Her heart raced. It was the man who had assisted her at the racecourse before.
He wore a light blue shirt, a black tie, and a black windbreaker, radiating maturity and strength.
Exceptionally tall and handsome, his presence was captivating.
However, a troubling thought crossed Natalie’s mind: ‘Was he here for Bianca?’
Assuming Bianca was still with Blake in the private room, Natalie flashed a flirtatious smile and politely excused herself from the other guests. She positioned herself to intercept Dave.
“Sir, what a surprise to see you again. Such a coincidence,” Natalie greeted him.