Chapter 568

Alexander raised his head, drank the wine, and then held up the empty glass. "Okay?"

"Yes," she replied, her voice trembling slightly. Her heart pounded even faster after he'd finished the wine; she felt far from relieved. He really had drunk it! Everything was proceeding according to her plan. Soon, the most critical step would arrive, and she could only hope for the desired outcome.

By 9 p.m., the dinner was in full swing, the hall buzzing with activity. Some guests had retired to their rooms for a rest. Brittany had been intently watching Alexander's movements. Fifteen minutes prior, he'd excused himself for a break.

She already possessed the key to room 1808. The medication should be taking effect now. She winked at Arianna and quietly slipped towards the elevator.

Watching her go, Arianna pursed her lips, stepped onto the balcony, and made a phone call. "Let's do it." After hanging up, Nathaniel immediately followed instructions, releasing an announcement to the paparazzi: "Breaking news at Room 1808." Though vague, the paparazzi understood enough to pursue the story.

Whether true or not, a tip was always worthwhile. Nathaniel, in fact, had no idea what was happening, but he followed Arianna's orders. His past failures, he now realized, stemmed from overestimating himself and the situation. He'd believed he could win Lily over, but she had her own plans; stagnant, yet capable of explosive action when the time was right.

For days, his thinking had been crystal clear. MN Inc. was insignificant. His vision extended far beyond; acquiring the entire Oakley family would give him the strength to challenge Alexander. Working hard from the start? Foolish.

Looking up at room 1808, then at the key card in her hand, Brittany took a deep breath and inserted the card into the lock. A soft "click," and the door swung open.

The room was dark, and she hesitated to turn on the lights; Alexander might awaken. In the dimness, she discerned a figure seated beside the bed, a man.

Suppressing her excitement, she moved slowly towards him. Something felt amiss. If the medication was working, why did he remain so calm and still?

Doubt flickered, but her anticipation still dominated.

"Alex…" She started to call out, but fear of exposure stopped her. She approached him, bent down, and tentatively reached out to touch his face. Her fingers brushed his cheek, her heart leaping. She moved her fingers slowly towards his neck, but her hand was abruptly grasped.

If the medication had worked, he would be exhibiting desire. Instead, he was not only calm, but entirely unresponsive.

Just as she wondered why, the bedside lamp flickered on, illuminating the room.