Later that night, everyone arrived at Club Odyssey, each playing their part in the intricate web of deception Andrew had orchestrated. While Edward and Darren went inside the club, Eva sat beside Andrew in the car, fidgeting with her hands as she tried to calm her nerves.

Andrew, noticing her unease, gave her a sideways glance. “Ask me,” he said suddenly.

Eva blinked, confused. “Ask what?”

Andrew smirked knowingly. “You have so many questions in that little brain of yours. Don’t you?”

Eva bristled at his smug tone, her irritation simmering beneath the surface. He must really hate me to talk like this, she thought bitterly, lowering her gaze.

Andrew sighed and nudged her gently. “Come on, Eva. What’s on your mind?”

After a moment of hesitation, Eva looked up at him. “If you wanted answers, why didn’t you just kidnap Natalie?”

Andrew chuckled softly, clearly entertained by her straightforwardness. “Not a bad idea. But if we make a move like that, we’ll alert the person pulling her strings.”

Eva nodded thoughtfully, absorbing his logic as they discussed the finer points of the plan. Meanwhile, inside the club, Edward’s nerves were on edge.

Edward scanned the crowd anxiously, muttering a silent prayer. God save me from this woman. He hated being in the club, and the thought of seducing Natalie made his stomach churn. Andrew’s voice suddenly came through the earpiece.

“Seen her yet?” Andrew asked.

“Not yet,” Edward replied, still looking around the room.

A moment later, Natalie’s voice cooed from behind him, “Hey there, handsome.”

Edward stiffened as she wrapped her arms around him, planting a kiss on his exposed chest. His skin crawled, but he plastered on a charming smile, pretending to enjoy it. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said smoothly, grabbing a drink from the bar and offering it to her.

Natalie smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief as she accepted the drink. “Mmm... you’re too sweet.”

Edward kept the charming act going while, in truth, he prayed the drink would kick in quickly. Moments later, Natalie’s expression shifted. She fanned herself and leaned heavily against Edward. “I feel... hot,” she murmured, her body swaying.

Edward’s phone buzzed with a message from Andrew: Room 908. Darren’s waiting.

Smiling, Edward leaned closer, his voice low and seductive. “Let’s get you somewhere private, baby.”

Natalie purred in response, clinging to him as he led her toward the VIP room. She whispered against his ear, “You’re so handsome... but I know you love Aurora.”

Edward forced a grin, burying his discomfort. “The only thing that matters now is how I spend my time.”

Andrew and Eva listened intently from the car, Eva beaming with admiration. “Edward’s so talented,” she said softly.

Andrew raised an eyebrow, irritated by her praise. “Is he?” he muttered, shooting her a look.

Eva nodded enthusiastically. Andrew’s jaw tightened, jealousy swirling in his chest. She admires everyone except me.

When Edward arrived at the VIP room, Natalie immediately became handsy again, her fingers fumbling with his shirt buttons.

“Not yet, baby,” Edward said, tying her hands with a length of rope. He sat her down and poured himself a drink, watching her struggle with a mix of amusement and disgust.

Back in the car, Eva squealed in delight as she watched the hidden camera feed. “He could seriously be an actor,” she gushed.

Andrew rolled his eyes. “If she doesn’t get treated soon, it could risk her life,” Eva warned.

“Relax,” Andrew replied. “I’ve already planned for that.”

Inside the VIP room, Edward leaned forward, brushing his thumb over Natalie’s trembling lips. “Tell me who’s behind you, and I’ll help you.”

Natalie whimpered, “I can’t tell you...”

Edward’s eyes darkened. “I know you were behind the warehouse fire, Natalie. I need to know who gave the order.”

Natalie squirmed under his gaze, panting heavily. “Please, I... I can’t...”

“If you don’t talk, I’m leaving,” Edward threatened, standing up.

“No!” Natalie cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’ll tell you! Please don’t go!”

Edward knelt beside her, his voice soft and coaxing. “Say the name, Natalie. Then I’ll stay.”

“Kylie Smith,” Natalie whispered hoarsely. “It was Kylie Smith.”

Edward gave her a satisfied smile just as Darren entered the room, clapping his hands. “What an act, brother.”

Natalie’s eyes widened in confusion. “Who... who are you?”

Darren ignored her and pulled out a syringe, injecting the antidote into her neck. As Natalie slumped back into the chair, guards entered and escorted her away.

Edward left the room, meeting Andrew and Eva back at the car.

Eva grinned. “You were amazing, Edward.”

Edward smiled modestly. “Please, ma’am, don’t flatter me,” he said, catching Andrew’s dark glare. “I need a holy bath after that.”

Eva laughed as Andrew tapped his fingers irritably on the steering wheel. “Are you done?” he asked Eva, his tone clipped as Edward exited the car.

“What?” Eva blinked, confused by his sudden shift in mood.

“Nothing,” Andrew grumbled. “Let’s go home.”

On the drive home, Andrew made a call to Evander, instructing him to gather more information on Kylie Smith. As soon as the call ended, Andrew cursed under his breath.

Eva glanced at him nervously. “What’s wrong?” she asked, fearing he might be angry at her.

“We’re home,” Andrew said coldly, stepping out of the car.

Eva sighed in relief, realizing he wasn’t abandoning her on the side of the road. However, as she made her way to her room, the maid intercepted her.

“Mr. King wants you to go to his room,” the maid informed her.

Eva’s heart raced with nervous anticipation. Is he going to scold me? she wondered. Despite her hesitation, she made her way to Andrew’s room and knocked softly on the door.

When there was no response, she cautiously opened the door and peeked inside. “Andrew?” she called.

Andrew, still in the bathroom, smirked to himself when he heard her voice. She’s here. Time for her punishment, my sweet girl.

“Wait there, Eva. I’m coming,” Andrew called out.

“Okay,” she replied, sitting nervously on the couch.

Moments later, Andrew stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his damp hair tousled.

Eva’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks burning. “Do you have something to say to me?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Andrew crossed the room, his gaze never leaving hers. “Why are you so fond of Edward’s acting?” he asked in a husky voice, his thumb brushing lightly across her lips.

“Because... he did a good job,” Eva stammered, meeting his intense gaze.

Andrew chuckled darkly. “He did. But I want you to only look at me like that.”

He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. “You need to be punished, sweetheart,” he whispered, biting her earlobe gently.

Eva gasped, her heart racing. “You’re... jealous,” she whispered, shocked.

“No, I’m not,” Andrew denied, though his actions betrayed his words.

“Yes, you are,” Eva teased with a nervous smile.

Andrew tightened his grip on her waist. “You’re mine, Eva King. Don’t ever forget that. Don’t embarrass my family.”

Eva’s smile faltered, tears pooling in her eyes. “Am I not your family too?” she whispered.

Andrew hesitated. “I... I didn’t mean—”

“It’s my fault for thinking you could change,” she said, tears spilling down her cheeks. “You don’t even like me.”

Andrew’s heart clenched. “Eva, does it hurt where I grabbed you?” he asked softly.

“Why do you care?” Eva cried, pulling away from him. “You don’t like me.”

She ran from the room, leaving Andrew standing there, cursing himself.

“I’m such an idiot,” Andrew muttered bitterly.

A call from Evander pulled Andrew out of his thoughts. “Kylie Smith is the heir to the Smith Empire,” Evander reported. “She just returned from abroad, and she’s definitely the one pulling the strings.”

“Good,” Andrew said coldly. “Let’s end this.”

After a few more calls to finalize the plan, Andrew carried Eva’s untouched dinner to her room, determined to make things right.