She gracefully made her way toward a less crowded area.

Marshall stood as well, locking onto the target as he set his own part of the plan in motion. A wicked smile played on his lips. This was going to be fun.

As Natalie approached the elevators, a hand clamped a cloth over her mouth. The faint, sweet scent was familiar-the same poison from Wye.

Her body went limp, and a man dragged her away.

The party reached its climax as Mr. Wilson prepared to cut his birthday cake. Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, they sang the birthday song, a picture-perfect scene of family harmony that filled the guests with envy.

Amid the chorus of congratulations, a servant rushed over to Mr. Wilson.

He leaned in and whispered, just loud enough for those nearby to hear, "Sir, there's a young woman in one of the guest rooms... with a man. It's an utter disgrace to have this happen at your gala. The sounds are... obscene. I thought you should know."

Joanna, hearing this, looked aghast, her face turning red with indignation. "This is Mr. Wilson's birthday! Who would dare behave so shamelessly?"

She scanned the crowd, then glanced toward Sebastian before turning to Wendy. "Mother, where's Natalie? I haven't seen her since we arrived."

You're finished, Natalie, she thought, a thrill of victory coursing through her.

Wendy's heart sank. Joanna was setting another trap for Natalie.

Sebastian's gaze on Joanna sharpened, turning deep and cold.

Mr. Wilson's granddaughter, Xenia Wilson, asked innocently, "Who's Natalie?"

Joanna smiled sweetly. "She's the Scott family's adopted daughter. My mother took her in out of pity. She came to the gala tonight, too. I was hoping to introduce her to Mr. Wilson."

Mr. Wilson scoffed. "Just an

adopted girl? Don't bother." His tone

made it clear he couldn't be

someone of her

both But someone dares

standing

commit such a lewd act at my party, we'll go and see for ourselves. I want to know who has such audacity."

He was furious. No one had ever insulted him like this.

Luna stepped forward, blocking their path and staring directly at Joanna.

"Joanna, this waiter only said someone was in that room. Why did you immediately bring up my boss's name? What are you trying to imply?"

Surrounded by curious onlookers, Joanna adopted a soft, gentle tone. "I wasn't implying anything. I was just worried about her. I know she's not used to events like this, and I was afraid she might feel out of place."

Luna ignored her act. She addressed the crowd, her voice cool and clear. "For the record, my boss has no relationship with the Scott family. They deceived her for their own benefit, and this woman, Ms. Scott, is a pathological liar."

Joanna frowned. She hadn't seen Luna before, but now she had appeared out of nowhere to block them. Her motive was obvious: she was stalling for Natalie.

Looking pale and anxious, her damsel-in-distress act was enough to stir any man's protective instincts. "Luna, there are people here who know Natalie. They can attest to whether or not I'm lying she moved closer to Mr Wilson, looking utterly wronged.

Yvonne suddenly stepped forward,

her voice dripping with scorn.

.n

"Natalie has always been the Scotts adopted daughter, and she's a vicious, manipulative froublemaker. Joanna was just concerned. She didn't accuse her of sleeping with someone. Why are you blocking our way? What are you trying to hide?"