Chapter 589

In the end, Everett couldn't bring himself to tell Rosalind the truth.

Steeling himself, he pushed her away gently. "We've been through this before—there's no future for us. You should leave now."

Rosalind opened her mouth to protest, but—

"Rosalind." Everett's voice was sharp, cutting through her words like a blade. The way he said her name left no room for argument. "Don't ruin this for me. Go home."

He told her not to ruin things.

If he had said anything else, perhaps Rosalind wouldn’t have walked away. But those words—those exact words—were what made her turn.

With a quiet sigh, she released her grip on his sleeve and stepped back.

After a few paces, she glanced over her shoulder, her gaze lingering on him for a heartbeat. Then, she lifted a delicate hand in farewell.

"Goodbye, Everett. If you ever need me… call. I'll always answer."

Her slender figure melted into the crowd, disappearing from view.

Everett stood motionless, watching her go. She was so soft, so yielding—for a moment, his chest tightened with something he couldn’t name. He didn’t want her to leave.

But he had his own battles to fight.

Just then, his phone buzzed. Genevieve.

He answered immediately.

"Where are you?" Her voice was urgent. "My father's here, and he's looking for you. Get back now."

Reginald wanted to see him.

Everett ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket, turning on his heel.

Genevieve was waiting when he arrived, her eyes sharp with suspicion. "There you are. Where's that waitress? Why did you take her? What's going on between you two?"

Everett met her gaze evenly. "I—"

"Shh." She pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. "No explanations. Just promise me you're mine. And don’t worry—I haven’t told my father a thing."

Everett said nothing as they approached Reginald.

"Everett! Looks like you and Genevieve had quite the evening," Reginald said with a chuckle.

Genevieve laughed, looping her arm through Everett's. "He deserves more time off, Father. Preferably with me."

Reginald grinned. "My daughter’s already wrapped around your finger, I see!"

He handed them each a glass of wine. "A toast."

Everett accepted his and clinked it against Reginald's before downing it in one swallow.

Genevieve watched, satisfaction curling in her chest. She knew exactly what was in that drink. Tonight, Everett wouldn’t be able to resist her.

Everett set the glass down. "We should head back."

Reginald nodded. "Right. Let’s go."

Outside, two sleek black cars idled at the curb, flanked by men in dark suits. One opened the rear door. "Ms. Blackwood, Everett, after you."

As Everett moved to enter, a sudden wave of heat surged through him. His mouth went dry, his skin prickling with unease.

He knew this feeling.

He’d been drugged.

Turning to Reginald, his voice was low. "What was in that drink?"

Everett already knew the answer.

Reginald smirked, unsurprised. "Nothing harmful. Just something to… enhance the mood between you and Genevieve."

"Enhance the mood?" Everett’s tone was edged with warning.

Reginald clapped him on the back. "Don’t play coy. Tonight, I’m entrusting my daughter to you."

Everett’s gaze flicked to Genevieve, who stood nearby, cheeks flushed, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Tonight, she would get exactly what she wanted.