Chapter 709

Blake's voice cracked with alarm. "Alicia!" he shouted. "Alicia, what's happened?" Panic filled his voice; his hands trembled as he reached for her.

Alicia's thoughts were foggy. She dug her fingernails into her palm to regain her focus. The camera had been a trap. They'd anticipated her finding it, setting it up to catch her. Why had she been so reckless? She berated herself, remembering Caden's message. She should have called him to confirm the details before leaving. Caden was always cautious, always instructing her on precautions; yet, she'd stumbled at this crucial moment.

Guilt gnawed at her for her carelessness. More urgently, she worried about her unborn child. Could the baby withstand this? As her vision blurred and her thoughts grew heavy, she could no longer contemplate her fears. Her body felt heavy; the world seemed to slip away. Alicia lay motionless on the floor, her eyes slowly closing.

Blake's face contorted with panic as he grasped the gravity of the situation, fearing the worst. He quickly freed himself from the restraints and stumbled to her side. "Alicia…" His voice cracked with urgency. He gently held her, the drug coursing through his system pushing him toward reckless actions. His breath was shallow and erratic, the pain overwhelming his mind, leaving him in a haze. "Alicia…" he whispered, his trembling hands cupping her face, his body shaking uncontrollably. The torment inside him deepened as he fought to clear his mind. "I'm sorry," he murmured desperately. "I'm so sorry…"

On the other side, Yolanda watched the scene on the security camera, a cunning, victorious smile spreading across her face. She was confident in the drug's effect; it was irresistible, and her plan was sure to succeed. Satisfied, she left the surveillance room, finding Corey waiting outside.

"Did it work?" Corey asked, his voice calm but detached.

Yolanda flicked her hair back, her face glowing with satisfaction. "Absolutely. Are the reporters ready? I want Alicia's scandalous video all over the internet by tomorrow morning."

Corey responded with a hint of boredom. "Do you really need to remind me of such simple tasks?" He seemed unimpressed by the video going viral. "It would be more exciting to have someone influential see it firsthand," he suggested, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Yolanda.

Yolanda shrugged. "Whatever suits you."