Margaret Blackwood hovered near the lounge entrance.

Her gaze swept the area meticulously.

A nagging fear gripped her.

What if Evelyn managed to slip away unnoticed?

She hesitated for only a second.

Then, she signaled a hotel attendant.

She discreetly pressed cash into his hand.

"Go to the area outside the main banquet hall," Margaret instructed quietly.

"Look for a man dressed in black."

"He has a distinct scar on his face."

"Tell him Evelyn's gown was ruined by a coffee spill."

"Ask him to go to the mall immediately for a replacement."

The attendant gave a swift nod.

His expression remained completely neutral.

"Understood, ma'am."

This fabricated excuse would create a crucial window.

It would draw the bodyguard away from his post.

That was all the time she needed.

By the time the bodyguard realized the deception and returned, it would be too late.

Theodore Vance would have already claimed his prize.

As planned, once Sebastian Hayes's bodyguard was diverted, Theodore appeared.

He spotted Margaret instantly and strode toward her.

Urgency laced his voice. "Have you seen Evelyn?"

Margaret's eyes narrowed slightly at his desperate tone.

A wave of contempt washed over her.

What was so special about that woman?

How did she enchant both Alexander Blackwood and Theodore Vance so completely?

She was nothing but a common temptress.

Margaret masked her true feelings behind a sweet, polite smile.

She gestured subtly toward the lounge door.

"Mr. Vance," she whispered, "I have a little surprise prepared for you inside."

"I do hope it meets your... expectations."

She offered him a knowing look.

"But I must ask," she continued, her voice syrupy sweet, "once this is over, will you truly honor our agreement?"

"Will you release Harrison?"

Theodore, assuming she referred to a arranged meeting with Evelyn, chuckled dismissively.

"Are you doubting me?" he asked, his tone relaxed yet carrying an edge.

"Not at all, Mr. Vance," Margaret quickly reassured him, laying on the flattery.

"Your influence spans all of Crestwood."

"Of course, fulfilling a promise of this nature is well within your capabilities."

She flashed another calculated smile.

"Don't concern yourself with the details regarding Evelyn."

"I've handled everything."

"There will be no interruptions."

"I'm certain you will be... very satisfied."

With that, Margaret turned and walked away without a backward glance.

Her part was done.

Now, she only needed to wait for Theodore to act.

And to keep his word.

Perhaps, at the perfect moment, she could even involve that useless Alexander...

The mere thought of his reaction upon discovering his beloved wife's infidelity brought a cruel smile to her lips.

After Margaret departed, a sudden nervousness seized Theodore.

His eyes fixed on the lounge door.

His heartbeat accelerated dramatically.

All his recent efforts hadn't been in vain.

Evelyn was finally ready to return to him.

To begin anew.

Excitement bubbled uncontrollably within him.

If she chose him, he would cherish her.

He would make her the happiest woman in the world.

But in that moment, his emotions spiraled.

He took a deep, steadying breath.

He reached for the door handle and slowly pushed it open.

Darkness greeted him.

The room was pitch black.

This was not the setting for a anticipated reunion.

Theodore's brow furrowed in confusion as he stepped inside.

Was Margaret playing games with him?

How dare she!

His initial excitement swiftly transformed into a sharp, dangerous glare.

Just as anger began to boil, a peculiar scent reached his nostrils.

He recognized it instantly.

A powerful, unmistakable aphrodisiac.

Years of surviving assassination attempts and cunning traps had honed his senses.

The pieces clicked into place rapidly.

Was this the "surprise" Margaret had so coyly hinted at?