Chapter 50 Throwing Off the Plan
“It’s really no big deal,” Jean said, tilting her head. “I’m not doing anything anyway.”
Without waiting for a reply, she stepped forward-
Finished
Moving right up to Thomas, she casually leaned in, blocking part of his view with her body, and in a flash–so fast it almost blurred–she swapped the positions of several wine glasses.
Thomas squeezed in next to her, his expression a little anxious.
“Did you
you move these glasses just now?” he blurted out before he could stop himself.
The second he said it, he realized his tone was off–way too harsh.
After all, this was Dominic’s little sister.
He quickly reeled himself in and forced a smile. “I mean… you didn’t move them, right?”
As he spoke, his eyes darted between the glasses on the table.,
None of the placements had changed. The glass he’d prepared specifically for Dominic was still sitting exactly where he’d left
When Looked like everything was fine.
“I didn’t touch them,” Jean said softly.
“Good.” Thomas gave her a warm smile. “No need to trouble yourself–I’ve got it from here.”
And with that, he turned his attention back to the wine, starting to pour it into each glass.
Jean didn’t leave. She stayed right where she was, watching every single move he made.
As expected, when Thomas reached the special glass, he poured in the wine and then handed it straight to Dominic.
She’d called it.
That was the one.
Dominic took the glass and lifted it to his lips, taking a sip without a second thought.
Across the table, Thomas and Selena exchanged quick glances, their eyes gleaming faintly with something darker.
Hook, line, and sinker.
Thomas visibly relaxed. Now that the key move was made, the rest was smooth sailing. He casually poured wine into the rest of the glasses.
Jean stepped in, offering to help pass them out. She handed each one to the guests with a sweet smile.
And then–there was only one glass left.
Jean picked it up and paused for just a second,
Suddenly, Selena snatched it right out of her hands.
“What, you planning to keep this one for yourself?” she said with a mocking little laugh, her tone full of snide condescension.
“Too bad, kid. You’re not even old enough to drink.”
Chapter 50 Throwing Off the Plan
Thomas hurried over to smooth things over. “Don’t mind her. She just talks like that.”
He grinned. “Thanks for your help just now.”
Finished
As far as he was concerned, everything had gone perfectly. Dominic drank the wine–that was all that mattered. He was in a great mood and genuinely meant the thanks.
Jean just smiled back, her eyes crescent–shaped.
She didn’t say anything.
But in truth-
She’d already switched two of the glasses.
The one Thomas meant for Dominic? That wasn’t the one he drank.
She’d swapped it with one of the normal ones. Which meant-
Dominic was completely fine.
And the drugged glass?
Still here, still in circulation.
She had marked it carefully.
stop
Sure, the simplest thing would’ve been to knock Dominic’s glass s over or find some excuse to st
But where’s the fun in that?
Besides, if Thomas and Selena noticed their plan had failed, they’d just try something else.
That would put Jean and Dominic on the defensive again.
Jean didn’t want that.
him from drinking.
She wanted them to think everything was going perfectly–while walking themselves straight into disaster.
That was why she jurhped in at the wine–pouring stage in the first place.
As for who she wanted to give the laced wine to–she hadn’t decided.
Her first pick was Thomas himself.
But before she could do anything. Selena snatched the glass and drank it.
Welp. That’s on you.
Jean headed back to her seat beside Dominic.
Meanwhile, both Thomas and Selena kept sneaking glances his way.
They were waiting
Waiting for him to start showing signs of the drug kicking in.
Jean resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Good luck with char
。
124 PM
Chapter 50 Throwing Off the Plan
Jean noticed immediately.
Her gaze locked onto Selena, watching the transformation.
It didn’t take long
Selena’s expression twisted. Her entire face was flushed, and she looked genuinely unwell.
“What’s
wrong with Ms. Lawson?” someone finally asked.
“Did she drink too much?”
“Is she sick?”
The room buzzed with uneasy whispers.
Thomas turned, startled. He’d been watching Dominic so intently he hadn’t noticed his sister’s condition.
His heart skipped a beat.
Dominic looked perfectly normal.
But Selena-
Selena was swaying in her seat. Her posture had gone loose, almost boneless.
She stood up unsteadily, her movements jerky and out of sync.
All around the room, people stared in disbelief.
Selena–perfect, elegant Selena–looked like she was about to fall over.
And then-
She staggered over to Dominic and tried to throw herself into his arms.
The entire table froze.
No one could believe what they were seeing.
Selena Lawson was known for being classy and graceful. What the hell was this?
ged o
Finished
Jean jumped to her feet and Dominic’s arm. “Movel You’ve gotta move! If she touches you, your reputation is
Dominic’s expression tightened.
No hesitation.
He sidestepped swiftly.
Chivalry be damned.
This was survival.
With a loud thud. Selena hit the floor.
“Selena” Thomas shouted, leaping up to help her. The room exploded into chaos.
Dominic pulled Jean aside, guiding her toward the far corner of the room.
Finished
Chapter 50 Throwing Off the Plan
Dominic reached out, ruffled her hair gently, and murmured. Thanks, Jean.”
Jean blinked.
Huh?
Dominic didn’t explain.
He just smiled.
Jean didn’t know it, but Dominic had heard everything.
Her thoughts–her inner monologue, all those little sarcastic jabs, her careful planning, her worry for him.
He’d heard it all.
And for the first time in a long time-
He was genuinely moved.
Jean wasn’t just smart–she was sharp, brave, and loyal in ways no one had ever given her credit for.
Meanwhile, as the room descended into utter disorder, Selena had only herself to blame.
Jean, on Dominic’s urging, slipped out of Room 2013.
Dominic stayed behind to deal with the aftermath.
She took the elevator down to the first floor.
As she stepped out-
Her eyes met a familiar pair of deep, dark ones.
Jean froze.
