Chapter 718

The truth was, this specific grade of drug was strictly prohibited. One would have to navigate the darkest corners of the international black market to find it.

Janet leaned against Mason’s chest, her voice a faint thread. “Was this one of the poisons you had to endure before?”

Mason nodded honestly. “Yes.”

“Alright.” Janet snuggled closer, her breath hitching in a mix of discomfort and resolve. If he could survive it, so can I.

Ten minutes later, a sharp knock echoed through the suite. Mason moved to get up, but Janet’s hand clamped onto his arm.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

He looked down at her, his voice deep and soothing. “Sean is here with the sedative. I’m just going to get it for you, good girl.”

Janet let go, nodding her agreement. She watched him walk to the door and exchange a few hushed words with Sean before closing it and returning to her side. He handed her the kit. “Are you sure you can handle the injection yourself?” he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

The sight of the familiar medical equipment seemed to sharpen Janet’s focus. She gave a curt nod of acknowledgement. With the steady hands of a professional, she expertly found the vein and depressed the plunger; the clear liquid vanished into her system. Mason let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

He pulled her head to his chest, stroking her hair. “Sleep now. It’ll all be over when you wake up.”

I know the sedative is just a mask, Mason thought grimly. But it’s the only mercy I can give her right now. Despite the fire burning in his own blood, he refused to take advantage of her in this state.

Ten minutes passed, and Janet finally slumped into a deep, drug-induced sleep in his arms. Only then did Mason stand and head for the bathroom to splash his face with cold water. He was suffering just as much as she was, but his pain was tempered by a cold, murderous rage. I wonder which imbecile had the audacity to drug my woman at my own party, he thought, his eyes turning glacial. They must have a death wish. When I find them, I’ll tear them to pieces.

Downstairs, the banquet was winding down as midnight approached. Old Madam Lowry had been looking for the pair since ten o’clock. After scouring the hall to no avail, she finally cornered a visibly anxious Sean.

“Where are Mason and Janet?” she demanded.

“Y-Young Master Mason is...” Sean stammered, his mind racing. Mason had been very clear about keeping the sedative a secret, and Sean knew better than to cross him.

Old Madam Lowry’s eyes crinkled into mischievous crescents as a wide grin spread across her face. “Are they... finally doing it?”

Sean couldn't find the words to answer, so he just let out an awkward, nervous laugh. To the Old Madam, that laughter was as good as a confession. She beamed with pride. The rascal is finally stepping up. With their genes, that baby is going to be stunning. Mason might be a handful, but Janet is a rare beauty. I can already see how adorable my great-grandchild will be.

Meanwhile, as the guests departed, Lara was recounting the night’s events to Desire in the car.

“How could you just hand Boss over to that man?” Desire hissed, her face contorted in a scowl. “What if he takes advantage of her? She’s the head of the MX, for heaven's sake!”

Lara pinched the bridge of her nose, looking exhausted. “I don’t think he will. He might want her more than anything, but he doesn't have the guts to cross her like that.”