Chapter 5 The Setup

The hotel's rooftop pool area was filled with attractive young people.

Several bodyguards stood around the pool's edge, protecting two lounge chairs, one of which was occupied by Matthew.

Unlike the other guests who were having fun, he sat fully dressed in a suit, reviewing documents as if he were here for business rather than pleasure.

Wesley, wearing swim trunks, climbed out of the pool. He accepted a towel from a bodyguard, dried his hair, and settled into the chair beside Matthew.

"Sometimes a great tree isn't felled from the outside—it can die from internal rot."

Wesley smiled meaningfully. The documents Matthew was reviewing contained information Wesley had helped investigate about corruption within the Howard family.

Matthew continued reading without responding.

Wesley moved closer, asking quietly with dissatisfaction.

"Did you really come back just to look at these files? I heard your bride today is quite beautiful."

Matthew tucked the documents away, looking at Wesley's curious expression with cold indifference.

"That was just to fulfill my family's wishes. They wanted to see me married. You know I'm allergic to women."

Meanwhile, in Olivia's private room.

She felt tightness in her chest and dizziness.

She attributed it to the stuffy, poorly ventilated room.

"Sorry everyone, I need some fresh air. You guys keep having fun."

Olivia stood to leave the room. Lucas tried to help steady her, but she dodged his touch.

"I just got married today. I need to keep my distance from other men, or my husband might get jealous."

Olivia waved her diamond ring and shrugged, as if making a joke. In reality, she was warning Lucas that they were finished.

Lucas watched Olivia leave, his eyes filled with pain.

Esme, sitting on the sofa, clenched her fists, jealousy burning in her eyes.

'Looks like the dosage wasn't strong enough. I'll need to add more.'

Back at the poolside, Wesley raised his hands in surrender.

"Okay, buddy, but aren't you going to explain? Everyone's saying you're impotent. If I had that problem, I'd hang myself."

Wesley made a looping gesture around his neck, then jerked it tight. His head lolled to one side, eyes bulging, tongue hanging out, mimicking being hanged.

"I really feel sorry for you, man. You'll never experience the pleasures of being with a woman."

With that, Wesley stood up from his chair, heading toward the pool.

"Hey, ladies, look who's here—the prince has arrived! Which Cinderella wants to give me her glass slipper?"

Wesley shouted and cannonballed into the pool, creating a huge splash.

Beautiful women surrounded him like mermaids.

"See, buddy? This is what fun looks like!"

Wesley splashed around in the water, his hands roaming over the women around him. The pool filled with feminine laughter and sighs.

Matthew shook his head at Wesley's antics, grabbed his documents, and turned to leave, but in that moment collided with a woman.

"I'm sorry, I think I'm lost. I'm so sorry."

Olivia apologized frantically. She'd come out for fresh air but gotten lost in the hotel.

What surprised Olivia was that the man in front of her jumped back in panic.

"Damn it, don't touch me."

Matthew shot Olivia a disgusted look, then rushed toward the restroom. He needed to wipe off any traces of contact with wet towels, or it might trigger his allergic reaction.

Olivia stared at Matthew's panicked retreat, then stamped her foot in frustration.

"I haven't met a single normal man today!"

Olivia looked at the partying crowd around the pool. Uncomfortable with the scene, she turned and left, returning to her private room.

When Olivia returned, Esme brought her another drink, asking curiously.

"Where did you go? Lucas was worried about you and went looking. Didn't you see him?"

Olivia shook her head while sipping her drink.

"No, I didn't see him."

She glanced at her watch, realizing Celeste's curfew was approaching, and decided she needed to head home.

"Sorry, everyone, I have to go. You know I'm newly married. I need to make a good impression on the Howard family."

Olivia raised her glass, drained it completely, then shrugged and said goodbye to her friends. She needed to get out of there quickly—she couldn't bear to see Lucas's hurt expression anymore.

Their friends politely walked Olivia to the door. Esme offered to take her home, but Olivia declined.

"That's okay, I can get home by myself."

Olivia smiled as she refused. Actually, she was afraid that if Esme came home with her, Celeste might say something harsh.

Esme nodded, watching Olivia enter the elevator. When the doors completely closed, a mocking smile crossed her lips.

"Hope you have a pleasant evening, my dear friend."

Esme went into the restroom, flushed a small packet down the toilet, then pulled out her phone and made a call.

"She's in the elevator. The rest is up to you."

A man's sleazy laughter came from the other end.

"Don't worry, I'm very experienced at this kind of thing."

Standing in the elevator, Olivia suddenly felt a wave of heat wash over her, her breathing becoming rapid.

"What's happening? Why is my heart racing so fast?"

Olivia gasped for air, not understanding why her whole body felt itchy, desperately craving someone's touch.

Just then the elevator doors opened, revealing a strange man outside.

The man leered at Olivia with lewd eyes, malicious intent gleaming in his gaze. Olivia leaned against the elevator wall, her breathing becoming more labored. She could sense the malice radiating from the man.

"Lady, you look like you're in need. Want me to help you out?"

The man stepped into the elevator, wrapping his arms around Olivia's waist, one hand roaming under her dress.

Olivia fought back desperately, but he forcibly dragged her out of the elevator.

"Get away from me! I don't know you! Where are you taking me? Let go!"

Olivia struggled frantically but felt increasingly dizzy, her body growing weaker, as if she might collapse at any moment.

"My room's just ahead. I'll take real good care of you!"

The man leered, breathing deeply in Olivia's hair.

Olivia felt increasingly desperate.