Chapter 144

Evelyn Sinclair fidgeted nervously in her seat, her fingers drumming against the tablecloth as she searched for an excuse to leave. Across from her, the Blackwood family exchanged uneasy glances, equally desperate to find a reason to depart.

Suddenly, Richard Blackwood's phone pinged. He feigned surprise as he read the message. "Nathan just texted. His friend's restaurant received a shipment of rare truffles tonight. He suggested we try them."

Margaret Blackwood immediately perked up. "Which establishment?"

"The Royal Chateau," Richard replied, simultaneously firing off a quick text to Nathan to coordinate their cover story.

Evelyn's breath hitched at the mention of the upscale hotel.

Sophia Blackwood didn't hesitate. "We should go immediately."

Genevieve nodded in enthusiastic agreement.

Before anyone could object, Julian had already pulled Theodore to his feet. "I'll have the cars brought around."

Only Theodore looked genuinely confused by the sudden flurry of activity.

Evelyn thought bitterly, "Of all the damn coincidences..."

The Blackwoods stiffened. Were they being too obvious?

Evelyn's inner monologue continued, "It's like fate itself is pushing us to save Rebecca!"

The family collectively exhaled in relief and sprang into action.

Meanwhile, Nathan Blackwood paused mid-signature when his phone buzzed. Reading Richard's message, he pinched the bridge of his nose before swiftly organizing his paperwork to join this impromptu family outing.

Their grand procession arrived at the discreet luxury hotel - a blessing given Julian and Evelyn's celebrity status that made disguises nearly useless against paparazzi.

As they lingered in the lobby under the staff's attentive care, Evelyn's thoughts rang clear in their minds: We made it just in time. They're still talking in the restaurant. The drug's already in the coffee, but thank God she hasn't drunk it yet.

Panic shot through the Blackwoods. Time was running out.

Following Evelyn's mental cues, they located the nearest semi-private booth. The restaurant's elegant partitions provided visual privacy while allowing voices to carry if one listened carefully.

Evelyn strained to hear any conversation, failing to notice the unnatural silence from Rebecca's table. She debated how to "accidentally" bump into Rebecca to prevent the coffee consumption if necessary.

Then Rebecca's cool, measured voice cut through the tension:

"Mrs. Ramirez, you've seen the evidence. There was never anything between your husband and me. The tabloid rumors are exactly that - rumors. I won't press charges if you cease this harassment. I've rebuilt my life and have no interest in further entanglement with either of you."

How vile, Evelyn thought. Claudia Bennett had blackmailed Rebecca into this meeting with threats of continued public attacks. Rebecca, not wanting to burden her agency, had come alone to handle it.

The Blackwoods frowned. Rebecca still hadn't learned that as a signed artist, she had an entire team to handle such matters. Her solitary approach worried them deeply.

"You scheming little bitch!" Claudia's voice turned shrill. "You ruined my marriage with those bedroom eyes and now play the victim? That face of yours is the problem!"

Rebecca's response came like a whip crack: "The fault lies with him and you, never with me!"

Love? Evelyn's thoughts scoffed. The kind where he uses filming schedules to avoid your bed for months? Or maybe the 'love' of a man who lives off your paychecks while criticizing your every flaw? Making you feel unworthy of his 'genius'? Darling, wake up - that man never loved you.

The Blackwoods exchanged startled glances. Could people truly delude themselves so completely?

Rebecca dismissed Claudia's ranting. "Your marital issues don't concern me. Just leave me out of it."

Damn! In his nervousness, Gabriel had already drunk several cups of the drugged tea Claudia prepared in their hotel room. He now lay slumped over the table, unconscious.

"You understand now, so I'll take my leave." Rebecca's tone softened slightly.

Claudia's laugh turned saccharine. "All this talking must have parched your throat, Ms. Monroe. Try this special coffee blend - exclusive to this hotel."

The Blackwoods tensed.

Evelyn half-rose to intervene when Rebecca's calm reply stopped her: "I'm afraid I must decline."

Evelyn froze mid-motion, slowly sinking back into her seat.

Claudia's voice sharpened. "Excuse me?"

Rebecca's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Early in my career, I received invaluable advice: Never consume anything that's left your sight."

Lightbulbs went off in the listeners' minds. The women especially noted this crucial safety tip.

For Rebecca, the untouched coffee before her - which she hadn't ordered - might as well have been poison.

Evelyn thought admiringly: I underestimated Rebecca. Years in this cutthroat industry taught her caution. Maybe she doesn't need rescuing after all.

Claudia's face twisted. "Ms. Monroe, I was trying to make peace, but you're being deliberately difficult!"

As if your reputation holds any weight, Evelyn scoffed silently, preparing to step in if Rebecca faltered.

Then Rebecca asked point-blank: "Did you put something in this coffee?"

Dead silence followed.