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.

nearly impossible

Tristan had a trick up his

private room, a drunken man, flanked by two

Nelson ignored him, the drunk threw a punch, and suddenly the hallway descended into chaos. A bottle shattered against Nelson's head, sending blood streaming

deep in conversation with Jarod about the South Bay Project

with Herman. Her insights impressed

was taken away by paramedics, and the PR team scrambled to follow

began feeling uneasy, a feverish

was feeling the effects of the alcohol. Already captivated by Anastasia, the combination of

gleaming with desire. "Anastasia, you're the most beautiful

leaned in closer,

her voice rising in anger. "Did you drug me, Jarod? I thought

name, her voice a mix

fire, the drug threatening to