"Why are you just standing there? Find a seat and join us!" Joseph glared at Anthony, subtly suggesting he should recognize this rare opportunity. "Mr. Slade, I actually have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave now so I don't disturb your gathering. Enjoy your evening." Anthony appeared sincere. He politely nodded to everyone like a perfect gentleman before departing. Joseph watched Anthony's retreating figure, sighing inwardly at his failure to recognize opportunity. It was fortunate enough that Eugene wasn't pursuing the matter further. "Here, try this wine." Joseph smiled warmly and personally poured drinks for everyone present. "Mr. Slade is bringing out his treasured collection. You can tell he's genuinely invested in this gathering." Landon picked up two glasses of wine and passed them to Eugene and Chloe.Just as Chloe reached for one, Eugene intercepted and took the glass first. Chloe glanced at him, raising an eyebrow in question. "Last time we dined out, you mentioned that you don't enjoy alcohol. This wine has quite a kick," Eugene explained, then instructed a staff member. "Bring her some fresh juice." Chloe's eyebrows lifted in surprise. She'd only made that casual remark, yet he remembered every word. Was that why he'd taken the drink from Anthony earlier? "Hey now, I can't handle alcohol either. How come you're not ordering juice for me?" Selina shot Eugene a look, playing with her glass while feigning jealousy. "Some people clearly receive special treatment." Eugene completely ignored her remark. Chloe felt slightly awkward. Eugene truly treated her exceptionally well, even noticing the smallest details.The conversation flowed naturally. Selina spoke freely about her family background and her four older brothers. She shared how she'd fallen for a handsome blonde man, but during their first date, all four brothers showed up and sabotaged it. The poor man was so terrified he broke up with her on the spot, declaring he'd never dare approach her again. "When will my destined partner appear? I need my dream man right here!" Selina looked hopeful. Landon couldn't resist teasing her, "Give it up! With your stubborn personality, you'll never marry. And with those powerful figures in your family, no one would dare to get close to you. Who would dare marry you?" Selina glared coldly at Landon. "Say that again and I'll marry you right here." "Absolutely not! We're closest friends! I'm fine being your friend, but your husband? Ha! I'd have to be insane." Landon collapsed onto the sofa, laughing heartily. Selina glanced at Chloe and Eugene, flashing an elegant smile. "Could you two excuse us? I'm about to show Landon exactly how hard my punches are!" With that, Selina launched herself at Landon. "Landon, take this!" "Please, have mercy!" Chloe watched them play-fighting. They acted like they couldn't stand each other, but deep down, it seemed they both had feelings for one another. A total love-hate relationship. Joseph chatted about the situation at Mistveil Manor. Eugene chipped in now and then while Chloe listened attentively. The atmosphere remained relaxed—except for Landon, who was now pinned on the sofa begging for mercy. Nearby, Anthony observed everything, his face dark and twisted—a complete contrast to the sincere man from moments earlier. "Mr. Ruiz, the drug should take effect soon, but with the current situation... I'm afraid..."I'm worried things might spiral out of control. Mr. Slade is right there. We can't make a move." His subordinate's voice echoed in his ear. "Get lost." Anthony snapped, glaring at the group with burning anger. He'd worked so hard to set everything up, only for Eugene to ruin it at the last moment. If Chloe had consumed the spiked drink, within 15 minutes he would have found a way to escort her from the party. Then he'd have made her pay double for today's humiliation. He didn't just want momentary pleasure—afterward, he planned to sell her on the black market to some remote location where no one would ever find her. No one would care even if she died there. But at the critical moment, Eugene had drunk it instead. With the drug's effects imminent, Anthony grew anxious. If Eugene acted weird in front of everyone, his whole plan would fall apart. It would lead straight to him and cause big trouble. "Mr. Ruiz, should we create some chaos and, you know..." The subordinate made a cutting gesture across his throat. "If someone dies, there's no way to trace it back."