The moment Ava gulped down the drugged wine, I knew the night was about to take a delicious turn.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she lowered the empty glass. Her breathing hitched. It was starting.
I watched as her pupils dilated, her body swaying just a little.
Good.
In my past life, I had been the one trembling, dizzy, humiliated, unable to control my body. But this time? Ava was the one falling apart.
Damon's sharp gaze flickered between us, taking everything in.
And then—
"THUD!"
Ava stumbled.
She caught herself, but it was too late. The room was watching now.
Whispers began.
"What's wrong with Miss Chun?"
"She looks… unwell."
"Did she drink too much?"
And then, right on cue—Zhang Gary appeared.
The moment he saw Ava, his face twisted in alarm. He pushed through the crowd, straight toward her.
"Ava!" He grabbed her by the shoulders, concern written all over his face. "Are you okay?"
She tried to speak, but her lips quivered. Her body was betraying her.
I smiled.
She had set this trap for me. Now, she was the one caught in it.
Gary turned toward me, his eyes blazing. "What did you do to her?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Me?"
"Don't play innocent, Lisa!" he snapped, his usual gentle mask slipping. "What the hell did you give Ava?"
I let out a soft, amused laugh. Oh, he was mad.
I tilted my head. "Funny. She was the one who brought me the drink."
His jaw clenched. He looked at the empty glass in Ava's trembling hand, then back at me. "You're lying."
I sighed dramatically. "Think about it, Gary. Why would I drug my own drink?"
He hesitated.
Good. Let that doubt fester.
Ava suddenly let out a soft, breathy whimper. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed into Gary's arms.
His eyes widened in panic. "Ava?! Stay with me!"
I watched, amused, as he held her protectively—just like he used to hold me.
But I wasn't that foolish girl anymore.
Damon suddenly stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the chaos.
"I think," he said smoothly, "you should take Miss Chun home. She seems… unwell."
It wasn't a suggestion. It was an order.
Gary froze. His lips parted slightly—like he just realized who had spoken.
Damon Carven Zichen.
The most powerful man in the room.
And I? I was standing beside him—completely untouched, completely calm.
I saw it in Gary's eyes.
For the first time in years, he looked at me differently.
Like he was finally seeing me.
Too late.
Way too late.
His grip tightened around Ava. He gave me one last glare before storming out, carrying her away.
I watched them go, a satisfied smirk curling my lips.
That's right, Gary. Run after her. Hold onto your little snake.
Because soon…
I'm going to take everything from you both.
As the crowd murmured and turned their attention elsewhere, Damon let out a low chuckle.
"That was quite the performance," he said.
I turned to him, my smirk not fading. "Did you enjoy it?"
He studied me for a moment, then offered his arm.
"Come," he said smoothly. "We still have a deal to discuss."
I placed my hand in his as we walked to a more private environment
As we stepped into a private room, Damon leaned casually against the table, his sharp gaze fixed on me.
"Miss Jing," he said smoothly, "I'm listening. What's this deal you wanted to discuss?"
I stood before him, confident, poised, unshaken.
"Marry me for two years."
His expression didn't change immediately. But then—
"Hahaha."
A soft chuckle escaped his lips, low and rich.
For a second—just a second—my heart skipped a beat.
Damon Zichen, the most dangerous and powerful man in X City, was standing right in front of me, laughing.
At me? Or with me?
He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.
"If you say so, Miss Jing," he murmured, stepping closer. "We'll sign the contract tomorrow. I'll call you when my lawyer is ready."
Then, without another word, he turned his back and walked away.
That's it?
The deal was sealed—just like that?
I took a slow breath, a mix of relief and triumph washing over me.
"Mission accomplished."
A small smile played on my lips as I turned and left the party.