Work ended.

Evelyn made her way to Serenity Oaks.

She was there to collect the bodyguard Alexander had assigned for her protection.

She arrived at Eleanor's residence.

Margaret stepped out to greet her.

Her smile was wide, her enthusiasm almost overwhelming.

"Evelyn, you're here." Margaret moved forward, reaching for Evelyn's hand.

The bodyguard acted instantly.

He stepped between them, blocking Margaret's path.

His presence was imposing.

"Mrs. Blackwood." His voice was calm. It held a firm warning.

Margaret's smile faltered.

Displeasure flashed in her eyes.

Even a bodyguard dared to obstruct her now.

Alexander was becoming increasingly bold.

Resentment simmered within her.

For her plan to succeed, this bodyguard had to be neutralized.

"Evelyn, such precautions." Margaret forced a light laugh. "I merely invited you to discuss the birthday banquet. I have no intention of harming you."

She changed the subject smoothly.

"You must be hungry. The kitchen has prepared a meal. Let's dine together."

Evelyn's voice remained cool. "That won't be necessary, Margaret. Let's discuss the matter directly. The sooner we finish, the sooner I can return home to rest."

Margaret hesitated.

She painted a pleasant smile back on her face. "Why the rush? There is ample room here. You could stay the night."

Evelyn let out a soft, knowing chuckle.

"Alexander and I are newlyweds. We're still in our honeymoon phase. Spending the night apart is hardly appropriate. I'm sure you understand."

Margaret's smile tightened.

Her initial plan had failed.

She had no choice but to proceed.

She led Evelyn into the living room.

"Your eye for design is impeccable." Margaret's tone was warm. "I have every confidence you will make Eleanor's birthday banquet unforgettable."

She gestured to a nearby servant.

"Bring some coffee for Evelyn."

A subtle flicker in her eyes conveyed a silent command.

The servant bowed and retreated.

The bodyguard observed the exchange intently.

His gaze sharpened, tracking the servant's movements.

His instincts screamed suspicion.

Without hesitation, he followed.

A quick glance confirmed his fear.

The servant was tampering with the coffee.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice was ice.

He moved swiftly, his grip firm as he caught the servant's wrist.

The servant yelped in surprise.

She quickly masked her panic, feigning confusion. "What is this about? I was merely preparing the coffee."

The commotion drew the attention of Evelyn and Margaret.

Margaret's tone turned sharp. "What is the meaning of this?"

Evelyn's pulse quickened.

Her expression darkened.

Alexander had personally chosen this bodyguard.

She trusted his judgment implicitly.

The bodyguard's action sent a clear warning.

Something was very wrong.

She was right.

The bodyguard turned to Evelyn. His voice was steady. "Mrs. Blackwood, I witnessed this servant adding a foreign substance to your coffee. It appeared highly suspicious."

Evelyn shot up from her seat. "What?"

Margaret gasped, her face a mask of shocked disbelief. "Preposterous! My staff would never engage in such treachery! You must be mistaken!"

The bodyguard stood his ground. "I know what I saw."

With a firm twist of the servant's wrist, he forced her hand open.

A small object fell from her grasp.

It hit the floor with a soft, ominous clink.