Chapter 242

The ballroom buzzed with elegantly dressed guests clinking glasses.

Victoria Roscente held her wineglass, her gaze fixed on Vivian Laurent across the room.

She took a sip of red wine, a cold smirk playing on her lips.

"The drug should take effect soon," she calculated silently.

Vivian suddenly pressed a hand to her forehead. "Victoria, I'm not feeling well."

Victoria's heart leaped with joy as she rushed to support her. "You must have had too much to drink. Let me help you rest."

A strange warmth spread through her own body, but she dismissed it as alcohol.

"The first guest room upstairs is vacant. I'll take you there."

As Victoria turned to leave after opening the door, Vivian grabbed her wrist.

"Don't rush off," Vivian said, her voice suddenly clear. "We should talk."

Victoria fought against her growing discomfort. "About what?"

"About how Sophia Evans used you as her pawn." Vivian chuckled. "The great Victoria Roscente, reduced to being someone else's attack dog."

Victoria's face darkened. "How dare you!"

"You personally drugged the wine, didn't you?" Vivian stood up gracefully. "Pity you drank the wrong glass."

Victoria's legs weakened as realization dawned. "You... switched our glasses?"

Vivian smoothed her dress. "Better late than never. Oh, and those men in the bathroom? Your own handpicked selections."

She paused at the doorway with a radiant smile. "Good luck."

The door clicked shut just as the bathroom door burst open.