Chapter 378:
Elyse, oblivious, her thumbs flying across her phone screen, didn't register the staff member's hesitant approach or the alarm flickering in his eyes. "Thanks," she muttered absentmindedly.
The staff member hesitated, a warning catching in his throat. But the specter of Kaelyn's wrath loomed large, and losing his job over a whim was a risk he wasn't willing to take. With a heavy sigh, he retreated, leaving Elyse alone with the water.
Parched, Elyse instinctively reached for the glass, downing the water in a single gulp. Soon, a strange sensation bloomed in her body. Her breath hitched, and a burning ember ignited in her lower abdomen, radiating outward in waves of heat.
Panic clawed at Elyse's throat. The water was drugged; there was no other explanation. The man wouldn't have dared. Who else at the TV station harbored such malice? A single face flashed in her mind: Kaelyn. Her motive was clear.
Yet, even with suspicion gnawing at her, confrontation was a luxury Elyse couldn't afford. A feverish heat pulsed through her veins; her body yearned for comfort. With trembling fingers, she fumbled for her phone, managing to send a desperate plea—"help me"—to Jayden before it slipped from her grasp.
Vulnerability gnawed at her. She stumbled to her feet, her vision blurring, and secured the lock on the lounge door. Every movement felt like wading through mud. Exhaustion claimed her, and she crumpled to the floor, utterly depleted.
Images of her passionate encounter with Jayden flooded her mind. A feverish yearning for him consumed her. In this state, she craved his touch, his presence. No protest would escape her lips, not even if he demanded intimacy in his car under the harsh glare of midday.
Tears streamed down her flushed cheeks as she parted her lips, her breath ragged. Her body, a vessel of longing, craved what she imagined was Jayden's embrace.
On the first-floor hall, Kaelyn listened to the staff member's report, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. Confirmation of the task's completion was met with a swift transfer of fifty thousand dollars—a reward for a job well done.
"You've done an exceptional job. That's your bonus," Kaelyn praised.
The guilt that had gnawed at the staff member earlier vanished in the face of the hefty sum. Tears welled in his eyes—not of remorse, but of pure joy and anticipation. "I'll work my fingers to the bone to make sure everyone knows your name," he pledged fervently.
Kaelyn offered a lazy smile. In truth, she had little interest in her entertainment career; it was merely a means to comply with her boss's orders. With a nonchalant sip of her coffee, she promised, "If the fame follows as predicted, I'll ensure a raise and a share in the spoils."
The staff member practically vibrated with excitement, eager to bask in Kaelyn's favor. Her control over him was a source of twisted amusement, a testament to her power.
But her moment of triumph was shattered by the sight of Theo entering the building. Unaware of Kaelyn's presence, he made a quick phone call, his expression grim.
A knot of unease tightened in Kaelyn's stomach. Why was Theo here? Was he after her? The staff member, familiar with both Kaelyn and Theo, blurted out, "Isn't that Mr. Ward? Looks like he's here to see you."
Kaelyn cursed under her breath, a pit forming in her gut. Had she revealed too much? After a tense moment, she squared her shoulders and asked, "Is there anything else I need to do here today?"
The staff member shook his head. "Everything's squared away. Your new gig starts in another city the day after tomorrow, so you're free to relax tomorrow."
Kaelyn made a snap decision. "I'm leaving tonight."
The staff member's eyes widened. "Tonight?"
Before he could respond, he caught sight of the steely glint in Kaelyn's eyes. Fear choked his voice, and he stammered, "O-okay. I'll get your tickets sorted."
A cruel smile played on Kaelyn's lips. The aphrodisiac wasn't a mere love potion; it was a silent killer, a time bomb ticking away in Elyse's body.
Even if Elyse wasn't violated, she would still die. During the autopsy, the drug wouldn't be detected, and her death would appear natural.
A glance at her watch confirmed her morbid anticipation. Ten minutes. Ten minutes until she witnessed Elyse's demise.