Taylor said it with such sincerity, as if Raelyn had really asked her to pass along a message. I didn’t hesitate further and nodded, following her into the hall. The cluster of reporters by the entrance instantly raised their cameras, frantically snapping photos. Taylor leaned a little closer to me, clearly pleased. Not wanting to embarrass her in front of the cameras, I didn’t push her away. As the flashes kept going, Taylor held onto my arm and started walking up the stairs—only to suddenly trip and fall. “Ah!” I quickly caught her by the waist with one hand, stopping her from hitting the ground. It was an ambiguous pose, and the reporters couldn’t get enough. Flashes exploded like fireworks. I frowned. Taylor’s face flushed as she looked up and whispered, “Thank you, Aiden.” I let go of her. “Alright, let’s go.” Without waiting for a reply, I headed inside. Taylor rushed in after me, but it wasn’t long before a commotion broke out at the entrance again. Curious, I turned—and saw Alex, smiling like sunshine. And next to him… was Raelyn? Something shifted in my chest. I stood there frozen. Raelyn wore a short black dress—sleek, stunning, and dangerously alluring. My heart sank. I remembered the dress I’d sent her—it was a long white strapless gown. She really did hate me, didn’t she? Blowing me off and showing up with Alex? Alex greeted me warmly, “Aiden, you two got here early.” Raelyn’s POV:Taylor’s face went blank when she saw me walk in—perfectly fine, and wearing a brand-new dress. She knew exactly what she’d done: cutting up my dress, severing my phone charger, locking the restroom door. And then, as if nothing happened, she sweet-talked her way into being Aiden’s date. Truly the queen of two-faced bitches. I smirked. “Ms. Taylor, you look surprised to see me standing here.” Snapping out of it, she quickly shook her head. “Not at all. Just didn’t expect you two to arrive together.” I glanced at Alex and smiled. “Big thanks to Mr. Alex. If it weren’t for him, I’d still be stuck in the bathroom. No idea who was so vile as to break the lock… and cut up my dress. Ms. Taylor, any thoughts?” Taylor clenched her dress tightly. “Wasn’t me. Why would you ask me that?” “I haven’t accused anyone. Why are you so nervous, Ms. Taylor? Unless you have something to be nervous about?” I asked, locking eyes with her. Taylor didn’t know what to say. Aiden suddenly cut in. “Enough. The banquet’s about to start. It’s fine as long as no one’s hurt.” I shot a glare at this ever-gallant heir. Always ready to save the damsel, huh? “Yes, the banquet’s about to begin.” Alex smiled and extended his hand to me like a gentleman. “Rae, may I have the honor of the first dance?” I glanced at Aiden and nodded sweetly. “Of course. I’d be delighted.” Aiden’s POV: I watched as Raelyn and Alex entered the dance floor together, moving in perfect sync. As the music swelled, even the other werewolves stopped dancing to admire them—elegant, charming, graceful. One stunning, one suave. But to me, it was blinding. They weren’t a match. Not at all.Taylor tugged at my sleeve, asking tentatively, “Aiden, should we go dance too?” But I was already in a foul mood and had no patience for it. “No.” I walked off and parked myself at the bar. Still, my eyes couldn’t leave that dazzling figure in the middle of the dance floor. One drink. Then another. Soon, my face started to heat up. A wave of heat surged through my body. The wine’s been drugged, Edward said suddenly. My wolf could sense it, and I felt it too. Someone had slipped an aphrodisiac into my drink. Who would dare drug the heir of Eclipse Pack—here, of all places? I grabbed a glass of water and chugged it, but sweat still began to bead on my forehead. My vision blurred. My thoughts scattered. The drug was strong. Taylor appeared beside me, concern on her face. “Aiden, you look flushed. Are you alright?” I couldn’t collapse here. Grinding my teeth, I said coldly, “I’m fine. Go back.” “Aiden…” She touched my forehead and sat down beside me. “Are you sick? I can take you to a doctor.” Already burning from the drug, the feel of her soft hand on my face was like adding fuel to a fire. I hardened immediately. I shoved her hand away and stood up, heading straight to the elevator, planning to make it to my office. But just as the doors were closing—Taylor slipped in. She threw her arms around me, her body pressed tightly against mine. “Aiden, you’re so warm. Let me help cool you down.” Her breath tickled my ear as her hands slid over my chest… then lower.The heat in my body surged violently. Her red lips parted slightly. Her pale skin glowed. She looked… overwhelmingly seductive.