Chapter 572

"You still dare mention him?!" Brandon's finger jabbed at his sister. "This isn't over yet. Don't blame me for not reminding you—you'll bear the consequences of your actions!" Brittany remained silent, lips pursed, shoulders shrugging.

Things would have been fine if her plan had succeeded. But why had Alexander gone along with it, knowing her intentions? Why hadn't he confronted her? And why had she watched him drink that wine?

Arianna closed the door, dusting her hands. She opened the bathroom door, pulling back the shower curtain. A shirtless man lay awkwardly in the tub, head tilted. He'd obviously fainted.

She regarded him coldly before turning to the sink, carefully washing her hands and studying her reflection. Her soft hair was messy, one cheek slightly reddened—an injury from his surprise attack. She lightly touched the reddened skin, then slowly squatted before the tub and slapped both sides of the man's cheeks. The force caused his cheek to swell instantly. He grunted softly but remained asleep, seemingly oblivious.

Arianna, seemingly satisfied, straightened and left the bathroom. She retrieved her jacket, donned it, and composed herself.

Brandon had picked up his sister, meaning Alexander wasn't in Brittany's room. Arianna's plan—Colton, the playboy, in Brittany's room (1808), and the supposedly drugged Alexander in Arianna's—had gone awry. Brittany was unharmed, escorted home by Brandon, while Arianna had nearly been assaulted by Colton. What went wrong?

Arianna suspected the missing man. She wondered if Alexander had known all along. He was not as straightforward as she'd believed.

She switched off the light and left the room. Cold moonlight illuminated half her face, casting a gloomy pallor. She retrieved her phone. "Get someone to clean up room 1806."

The following day, an unusual item appeared in Insider Gossip Magazine, a publication usually dedicated to frivolous gossip. Colton Zetter, president of the Zetter Group and the family's second son—Sapphine's infamous playboy—was found naked and bruised on the street. Despite the newsworthiness, no one pursued the matter. His reputation for womanizing and incompetence had engendered such widespread antipathy that even his family seemed unconcerned.

Alexander, meanwhile, was en route to Kingsland. He showed little interest in the aftermath.

"Mr. Russell," Edward reported, arriving with news. "What is it?" Alexander asked, eyes closed in repose.

"I've relayed your message to Brandon Oakley. He'll send his sister abroad, ensuring she never appears before you or Madam again." Edward noted Brandon's gritted-teeth promise, unconcerned; Alexander had given him considerable leeway. Had their past not been what it was, Brittany would have been killed many times over for her actions.

Edward lamented the situation. He couldn't comprehend how the typically delicate Brittany had found the courage to drug Mr. Russell.