Isabella had expected the design department gathering to be at a quiet restaurant.

Vanessa led her to a karaoke bar in the city's entertainment district instead.

Neon lights pulsed violently against the darkening sky.

Bass-heavy music vibrated through the pavement beneath her feet.

This was nothing like the professional dinner she had prepared herself for.

Inside the private room, her heart sank.

It was packed with male colleagues she barely recognized.

Many were heavily intoxicated, their faces flushed from alcohol.

Some had already loosened their ties, their laughter too loud and aggressive.

The air smelled strongly of beer and cheap perfume.

A deep sense of dread settled in her stomach.

She subtly pulled out her phone.

Her fingers moved quickly across the screen, sending a silent SOS to Lucas.

Meanwhile, at Blackwood Enterprises, Ethan was finishing up for the day.

He closed his laptop and glanced at the clock.

Six PM.

As he walked past Isabella’s office, he noticed the light still on.

Her computer screen glowed with an unfinished design draft.

His brow furrowed.

He summoned Benjamin immediately.

“Where is the design department? Leaving work this early?”

Benjamin looked just as confused. “I’m not certain, sir.”

Just then, Chloe passed by, holding a stack of files.

She paused when she saw Ethan’s stern expression.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she said softly, “the design team is at a department gathering tonight.”

“A gathering?” His voice was sharp. “I wasn’t informed.”

Chloe hesitated. “I believe… Vanessa organized it.”

A dark shadow crossed Ethan’s face.

He turned without another word and strode toward the elevators.

Chloe watched him leave, her expression uneasy.

Back in the karaoke room, the atmosphere grew more intense.

Isabella found herself surrounded by several men, each urging her to drink.

She declined politely, but they only pressed closer.

Vanessa watched from a corner, a faint smirk on her lips.

Her eyes glittered with quiet satisfaction.

“Come on, Isabella, just one more!” a colleague slurred, shoving a glass toward her.

The smell of whiskey mixed with his strong cologne made her nauseous.

“I really can’t,” she insisted, turning her face away.

Another man snatched the glass from her hand and refilled it.

“Don’t be such a bore. It’s just one drink.”

Isabella’s senses sharpened.

She noticed a strange, overly sweet scent rising from the liquid.

She set the glass down carefully without drinking.

Her eyes scanned for an exit.

Keeping her voice steady, she tried again. “I have an important appointment later. I should go.”

“An appointment?” Another man laughed, reaching out to touch her cheek.

She jerked back just in time.

Anger simmered beneath her calm exterior.

A sudden heat spread through her body.

Her head felt heavy, her thoughts beginning to blur.

She realized—something was in that drink.

Vanessa stepped forward, her tone sickly sweet.

“Everyone, relax,” she said, pretending to mediate. “We’re all friends here. Let’s play a game instead. Loser drinks. How does that sound?”