Alicia was hesitant to accept this reality, yet she was more apprehensive about contemplating further.

Could it really be... that all this was orchestrated by Caden himself?

Had he turned against her too?

Alicia vehemently shook her head, dispelling such unreliable thoughts.

Another text from Caden pinged. He said, “Lucky, why aren't you responding?"

Her pulse quickened as her fingers fumbled to type, saying, “Who is this?"

Caden replied immediately, "I'm your fiancé, Lucky."

This reply heightened Alicia's terror.

That response didn't sound like Caden.

It seemed from the moment she had responded, it was another person who used Caden's phone to reply.

Though his location still showed active, he might be close, yet it appeared someone was maliciously manipulating the circumstances.

Alicia quickly checked the room for any alarm systems, but it was clear that they had been disabled well before her arrival.

Just then, she heard a soft noise from the bathroom.

Swiftly, Alicia picked up an object to use as a weapon, gripping it firmly in her hand.

The bathroom door creaked open, and a disheveled man staggered out.

He was visibly weak, his face red and his movements unsteady.

When he caught sight of Alicia, he stepped back.

Alicia was shocked.

"Mr. Langstaff?"

Fear was evident in Blake's eyes.

“Keep your distance!" Struggling for air, his speech was slurred.

“Alicia, stay back."

Having been drugged herself in the past, Alicia recognized the signs.

Blake's soaked appearance and erratic behavior made it clear that he had been drugged and manipulated.