Chapter 6 Drugged

"Don't just stand here like a statue. It's time to greet our guest."

Andrew had already drifted over to Kathryn, his tone edged with irritation as he urged the young woman, before striding purposefully toward Evan, not even waiting for her to respond.

Reluctant to stir up drama in front of a crowd, she kept close behind, letting him take the lead.

A smile, practiced and polished, spread across Andrew's face as he raised his wine glass. "Evan, it's been ages since I last saw you. You must have been just a boy then. Amazing how time disappears."

A single, indifferent sip was all Evan offered. His gaze never fully landed on the old man, and his voice was as chilly as the autumn breeze. "Your memory hasn't faded at all, Mr. Palmer."

A forced grin tightened the creases in Andrew's face. His bony hand clapped down on Kathryn's shoulder with a weight that felt more like a warning than affection.

"My granddaughter insisted I invite you. Her own sister might still be suffering in the hospital if I didn't reach out. All I want is a little family peace. I hope you'll excuse the trouble, Evan."

Kathryn kept her expression neutral, though inside she was almost entertained by the act unfolding.

Only a skilled manipulator could play the pitiful patriarch so convincingly, all while wielding guilt as a weapon.

Across from them, Evan's eyes flicked to Kathryn, catching the faintest trace of a smirk she hadn't meant to show.

A small, amused lift of his brow gave away his thoughts. "Is that how it is? I see your elder granddaughter is quite the handful-definitely not as docile as her little sister."

Kathryn's mouth curled, a flicker of humor in her eyes.

With a heavy sigh, Andrew said, "They're both family, you know. Kathryn's always had a wild streak. Anna, she's the gentle one."

A sharper smile lit Kathryn's face, almost daring. "Wild streak is one way to put it. I used to scale trees just for a taste of wild peaches. I guess big-city living hasn't tamed me yet. I might bring the whole house down if you're not careful."

Her tone brightened mockingly. "They say I grew up like a stray, no etiquette, no rules. I hope everyone here can put up with my country ways."

Her remarks landed with a jolt, sending a ripple through the crowd.

Several guests shot each other knowing looks, some covering their mouths to hide faint grins.

Andrew let out a tense cough, fighting embarrassment.

"Kathryn," he blurted, "your grandmother will be waiting for you in the study later. She'd like to speak with you privately."

Kathryn's fingers tightened on her wine glass, just for a heartbeat.

She knew what a summons to the study meant.

Yet she flashed an agreeable smile. "Absolutely. I'll head there soon."

There was no illusion-tonight was only the beginning. The old man would do whatever it took to keep her down in Wrille.

Lowering her gaze, Kathryn withdrew into silence, her mind whirring.

A gust swept through the garden, and she hugged herself, the sudden chill seeping through her dress.

And then-warm fabric settled across her shoulders, still holding the heat from its owner.

Kathryn stiffened and glanced up.

Evan was already gone, his phone pressed to his ear, another glass of wine in hand as he drifted into the crowd.

"Was that... did Evan just cover her with his jacket?"

"Wow, she just got here and already has caught Evan's attention? She must be something else..."

The murmurs sliced through the evening, sharp and unmistakable. Every Palmer heard it loud and clear.

The family had braced themselves for Kathryn's embarrassment tonight. Instead, they stood embarrassed, feeling every darting look and raised brow from Wrille's upper crust.

Their expressions soured one after another, but surrounded by watchful eyes, they forced their lips into brittle smiles.

From that moment, nobody dared make another sly comment to Kathryn. Not after seeing Evan's small gesture.

Even those still seething with contempt for her hid it behind pleasant words.

So Kathryn moved easily through the garden, draped in Evan's coat.

No one dared cause her trouble, at least for now. Several guests even seized the chance to introduce themselves, eager to win her favor.

Before long, a discreet servant approached, bowing and quietly inviting Kathryn to join Martha in the study.

Kathryn offered a light excuse and quietly slipped away from the crowd.

Meanwhile, Evan was starting to sense something was seriously wrong.

Inside the lavish study, he found himself completely alone.

The room should have felt pleasantly cool on this autumn night, yet sweat trickled down his temple.

He said nothing to the screen. On his laptop, the subordinate delivering a report paused, clearly rattled by Evan's growing silence.

Evan's hands curled into fists. With effort, he sucked in a shaky breath, fighting back the dizzying waves of heat pulsing through his body.

A pressing contract from the company demanded his signature, and he hadn't hesitated when the Palmers suggested this private study as a temporary workspace.

But midway through his work, an uneasy sensation crept in.

Something was off. His body wasn't reacting normally. He'd been... drugged.

No matter how many times he loosened his tie, the heat inside him only worsened.

What went wrong?

Had it been the wine?

Or was there something in the air?

As soon as he typed the final line, he slammed the laptop shut, the sound echoing through the quiet. His knuckles pressed white against the lid.

Aches rolled through his muscles, making every movement feel heavy. For a moment, he swayed, then forced himself upright, desperate to get out before he lost control altogether.

Both ends of the hallway had their windows thrown open, the chilly air swirling in from outside. Evan braced himself against the wall, forcing slow, deliberate breaths as he tried to clear his head. The fresh air brought only the faintest relief.

Kathryn, headed for Martha's study, paused at the landing.

Up ahead, Evan's imposing figure was unmistakable.

Heat flushed across his cheeks, painting them a stark, feverish red, while the rest of his face had gone pale beneath the lights.

One look was enough for Kathryn. Someone had slipped him something-and whatever it was, it was strong. If she left him here, he'd end up at the mercy of whoever had set this trap.

Her hand brushed over the coat still draped across her shoulders-his coat. She didn't hesitate. Striding forward, she reached for his arm. "You're coming with me."

Evan's reflexes kicked in. He pulled away sharply, a hard edge in his gaze.

The air between them turned frigid as he spat out, "Is this what the Palmers have come to?" They didn't even wait for him to collapse before sending someone to drag him off!