Chapter 302
"Allow me to explain." Evelyn Roland's voice cut through the noisy venue with clarity. "Mr. Laurent's wine was tainted. Had he consumed it, the consequences would have been dire. Given his prejudice against me, conventional persuasion wouldn't work. I had no choice but to resort to this method."
Dominic Laurent responded with a derisive sneer.
"This is competition-grade wine. What possible issue could there be? At least make your lies believable."
Evelyn calmly removed the silver bracelet from her wrist.
"Pure silver. Feel free to verify."
She knelt and dipped the bracelet into the spilled wine.
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
"Testing for poison with silver? Is this a period drama?"
"Why not bring a silver needle while you're at it?"
Dominic trembled with rage. This woman was mocking them all.
Just as he prepared to lash out, Evelyn rose slowly.
The bracelet's surface had turned pitch black.
Silence gripped the room.
The host paled. Poison at a public event?
Dominic's legs gave out, and he collapsed into his chair.
"It's... actually poisoned?"
Evelyn's gaze was piercing. "Had I not intervened, that wine would be in your stomach by now."
Dominic's throat moved soundlessly. His arrogance evaporated.
His face burned with humiliation.
But far worse was the icy dread creeping up his spine.
Who wanted him dead?
Why choose this moment?
The more he thought, the more terrified he became. His vision darkened, and he fainted.
Evelyn swiftly dialed emergency services.
Sirens wailed as the competition came to an abrupt halt.
While staff cleared the scene, Evelyn discreetly collected samples.
Ross suddenly blocked her path.
"Ms. Roland, I demand an explanation." His eyes were sharp as blades. "A wine tasting turned into a poisoning, following yesterday's incident. You owe me answers."
Evelyn met his gaze.
"Regrettable, indeed. But it's clear someone is systematically targeting Chรขteau Blancโthis was a calculated move to sabotage the event. Given your expertise, Mr. Macmillan, I trust you can see that."
Ross's expression darkened.
"Are you implying I lack professionalism if I disagree?"