The Bound Between Us

Tristan had heard through the grapevine that Anastasia and Jarod would be meeting here tonight for some business discussions, so he made sure to arrive early and wait patiently for things to unfold.

Jarod was infamous for his wandering eye, and Tristan had a devious plan. A little something extra in the drink could lead to quite the scandalous evening.

The media had already been tipped off, just waiting for his signal. By tomorrow morning, the tabloids would be buzzing with headlines about Anastasia and Jarod's little escapade. Tristan was eager to see how Anastasia would manage to stay in the good graces of the Salstrom family after this mess.

A widow, with Herman barely cold in his grave, and she'd be caught in a scandal with another man. It was enough to tarnish Anastasia's reputation permanently.

Ever since Anastasia had kicked him out of Elysian Technologies, Tristan nursed a grudge, longing for the perfect opportunity to get back at her.

And tonight, that opportunity had finally arrived.

A waitress took the packet of powder from Tristan's hand, nodding confidently, "Don't worry, Mr. Tristan. It'll be handled. Just wait for my signal."

With the powder secured, she headed off to fetch the drinks.

Drugging Anastasia was only half the plan; Tristan also needed to distract Nelson, her vigilant bodyguard.

made it nearly impossible to

a trick

to the private room, a drunken man, flanked by two henchmen, stumbled aggressively

drunk threw a punch, and suddenly the hallway descended into chaos. A bottle shattered against Nelson's head, sending blood streaming down and causing quite the commotion, frightening

the soundproof room, unaware of the ruckus outside, Anastasia was deep in conversation with Jarod about the

she'd had with Herman. Her insights impressed Jarod, who seemed genuinely interested

away by paramedics, and the PR

Anastasia began feeling uneasy, a feverish warmth spreading through

the combination of booze and whatever else was in his system made him lose his

most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Stay with me, let me take care of

Jarod leaned

unfolding. She shoved him away, eyes darting to the drink, her voice rising in anger. "Did you drug

his first name, her voice a mix of

felt on fire, the drug threatening to overpower her