Chapter 829:
Rylie ignored him entirely, knowing that no matter how much she said, this stubborn man would never understand or step back.
Several people nearby, hoping to win Johnny’s favor, chimed in with criticisms of Brad, echoing one another with false enthusiasm. Yet, despite the empty flattery and their eager attempts to side with him, Johnny’s expression remained clouded with frustration and bitterness.
Marcus, who had quietly observed everything from beginning to end, was soon approached by someone seeking his opinion. With a faintly knowing smile, he responded, “It’s about time Johnny faced a real setback. He’s still far too full of himself.”
He knew clearly that Brad was not someone to be taken lightly. To underestimate him would be the greatest mistake any of them could ever make.
Meanwhile, Brad, unaware of the conversation taking place, sat alone in the infirmary. Only ten minutes after drinking that glass of red wine, an unfamiliar heat began spreading through his body, and an unsettling alarm echoed in his mind, warning him that something was terribly wrong.
Although Brad immediately sought medical attention and went through a series of tests, the results offered him only limited relief.
The ship’s doctor informed him, “Fortunately, it’s just an aphrodisiac, not a poison.”
Brad’s brows furrowed deeply as he retraced his thoughts, trying to pinpoint where the situation had gone awry. Then he recalled the glass of red wine Frank had given him. It had been taken at random from a passing tray, but if someone had tampered with it beforehand, everything suddenly added up.
Crossing his legs to mask the growing discomfort in his lower body, he asked in a restrained voice, “Then what about an antidote?”
The ship’s doctor replied carefully, “We don’t have that kind of medication on board. And since I can’t determine how much you consumed, I can’t say how long the effects will last. It shouldn’t go beyond twenty-four hours, though.”
Lɒtєѕτ ϲнαρτєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovєls.𝓒𝓸𝓶
Brad exhaled slowly. “What about a sedative or something to suppress it?”
The doctor shook his head. “That won’t make any difference. If you’re worried about losing control, it would be best for you to stay confined in your room until it wears off.”
“I understand.”
Brad leaned heavily against the sink, his breathing uneven. His reflection in the mirror met his gaze, eyes glazed with feverish desire, his thoughts clouded and every breath searing in his chest.
He splashed cold water onto his face, trying to suppress the dizziness and the burning sensation that refused to subside. With a furrowed brow, he was about to step into the bathroom when a sudden knock came at the door, followed by a trembling voice.
“Mr. Morgan, Miss Owen said it’s urgent. She wants you to come to her room.”
Brad hesitated for a moment before opening the door. His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse as he asked, “Why didn’t she come here herself?”
The servant answered nervously, “Mr. Reid is with her right now, and she can’t get away.”
Clearly, Johnny had ignored the warning he’d been given, still pestering Rylie shamelessly. Brad made his way upstairs, his head spinning as the effects of the drug deepened.
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