When they pulled apart, the man’s gaze was filled with aggression and desire. Mia Kane felt like he was going to eat her alive in the next second.

But just as quickly, the desire in his eyes vanished without a trace, as if it had never been there.

"Let’s get out. The party is about to start."

Mia Kane composed herself.

After Adrian Preston got out of the car, he acted the gentleman and opened her door. The two of them boarded the yacht and showed their invitations.

Someone immediately came forward to greet Adrian Preston, and they all noticed Mia Kane by his side.

"President Preston, and this is?"

"Hello, I’m Mia Kane. I run a fashion design studio. This is my business card."

Mia Kane hurriedly promoted herself.

After taking out the card, she felt it was inappropriate. She couldn’t help but glance at Adrian Preston, afraid he would be angry.

"President Walsh, please remember to look after her business."

"Of course, of course."

Hearing this, Mia Kane breathed a sigh of relief and became more enthusiastic and lively.

Just then, someone called out.

"Young Master Lockwood and his fiancée are here."

Countless pairs of eyes turned in unison. Someone immediately noticed the resemblance between Vivian Lynch and Mia Kane.

But the two were dressed completely differently.

Mia Kane’s entire look was like that of a wealthy young lady from the Republican era, swaying gracefully with every step.

She had the looks of a seductive vixen, the kind that steals your soul. Even with light makeup, she possessed a beauty you couldn’t look away from.

Vivian Lynch, on the other hand, was wearing a light blue cocktail dress today, looking more like a demure, girl-next-door beauty.

"I think Miss Kane is prettier."

"I agree. There’s a difference in their bone structure. Miss Kane’s is more attractive."

"Didn’t I hear that this Mia Kane used to be a total simp for Chase Lockwood? For three years. How is she with Adrian Preston now?"

"I heard that too. How did Miss Kane get with Adrian Preston? Aren’t they supposed to be best friends, like brothers?"

For a moment, everyone was abuzz with discussion.

Chase Lockwood, with Vivian Lynch on his arm, walked up to Adrian Preston.

He had thought he could remain calm, especially since he had seen through their little act. But seeing them standing together, looking as perfectly matched as a storybook couple, he found it grating. He wished he could tear them apart.

He forcibly restrained himself.

"So, you two are together? Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve congratulated you."

"It’s not too late to congratulate us now."

"Adrian Preston, I seem to recall you saying you wouldn’t pick up trash. What’s the meaning of this?"

"I don’t pick up trash. But a treasure like this, I’ll gladly pick up."

Mia Kane was stunned. She couldn’t tell if Adrian Preston was just unwilling to show weakness in front of Chase Lockwood, or if he was speaking from the heart.

Chase Lockwood’s face stiffened.

"Just hope you don’t regret it. Mia Kane, I really underestimated your skills. Moving on so seamlessly... you’ve got some nerve."

"Can’t compare to you, always finding a way to worm your way in!"

Mia Kane shot back directly.

"So, your old obedient and gentle act was all a façade. Adrian Preston, if you like secondhand goods, you can have her. I don’t want her anyway."

After saying his piece, Chase Lockwood left with Vivian Lynch.

Mia Kane frowned. ’Chase Lockwood has changed. I thought he’d be provoked today, but he was so calm.’

Soon, the yacht set sail, and glasses clinked as the guests began to mingle.

Mia Kane wasn’t good at these kinds of parties, so she went out on deck to find some peace and quiet while everyone else was inside, busy socializing.

As she was enjoying the breeze, she suddenly overheard someone talking in a low voice.

"Make sure you watch Mia Kane drink this entire glass, understand?"

’Huh? Why did I just hear my own name?’

She crept closer and saw a lavishly dressed woman talking to a waitress.

She recognized the woman—one of Vivian Lynch’s minions.

"Don’t worry, I’ll make sure this glass gets into her hands."

Mia Kane couldn’t help but want to laugh. ’Let’s just see how this drink is supposed to get into my hands.’

She waited for them to leave, then took a roundabout path and entered through another door.

The waitress was lingering, apparently looking for her. The moment she saw her, she headed over with clear purpose.

On her tray was a glass of champagne.

"Ma’am, would you like a drink?"

"I don’t feel like drinking right now, but I would like to see someone else drink. Why don’t you drink this glass? How about I give you a hundred thousand if you do?"

The waitress laughed nervously. "I can’t. This wine is for our distinguished guests. What right do I have to drink it? Besides, I have a weak stomach... It would give me a stomachache..."

"I’ll give you a million."

"Really?"

The waitress’s eyes lit up. She was already on the verge of being turned.

"Yes! Are you going to drink it?"

"Okay, I’ll drink it."

Now it was Mia Kane’s turn to be puzzled. ’What’s in this drink? The waitress must not even know, otherwise she wouldn’t have that expression.’

’Is it a sedative, or...?’

While she was pondering this, a large hand suddenly snatched the champagne glass and drained it in one gulp.

"What are you two talking about?"

"You... you..."

She and the waitress were both stunned.

"Quick, come with me."

Mia Kane quickly grabbed Adrian Preston’s hand and rushed upstairs.

The lounges were upstairs; every guest had one.

She shut the door and began urging him, "Spit it out! Quick! You can’t drink that. I don’t know what they put in it..."

"I can’t."

"Try sticking your finger down your throat, see if that works."

Adrian Preston didn’t answer, just stared at her.

She sensed something was wrong. An unnatural flush was spreading across his face, and his skin was gradually getting hotter.

It was an aphrodisiac!

The drug was extremely fast-acting!

It was already taking effect just moments after he drank it.

"Adrian Preston..."

Before she could finish, his lips were on hers.

He pushed her directly onto the bed, kissing her while fumbling to take off her clothes.

She struggled continuously, but the man’s physique was too overpowering. There was no escape.

A thought struck her, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.

’Do I have to go through this again?’

Just as she was falling into despair, Adrian Preston unexpectedly pushed her away forcefully.

"Get out. Get out now."

Adrian Preston’s eyes were bloodshot, his forehead was covered in sweat, and his fists were clenched tight.

The veins on his arms bulged frighteningly.

He went straight into the bathroom and turned on the cold water, dousing himself, but it had little effect.

Adrian Preston was ruthless with himself. Realizing he couldn’t suppress the desire surging through his body, he actually pressed his hand hard against his previous wound.

The wound, which had been healing well, began to seep blood again from his action.

"Adrian Preston!"

She cried out in alarm.

"If you don’t leave now, I really can’t guarantee what will happen. Get out. As far away as you can."

As he spoke, he pressed his hand harder, and more blood trickled out.

Mia Kane turned to leave, but hesitated at the door.

’Adrian Preston has helped me so much. If I just leave him to suffer, what kind of person would I be?’

’It’s just sex, isn’t it?’

’What’s there to be afraid of? Is it worse than death? Worse than meeting a scumbag? Worse than ruining your life?’

Mia Kane steeled herself and turned back.

"You..."

Seeing her return, Adrian Preston frowned deeply and was about to scold her.

But Mia Kane suddenly rushed forward, stood on her tiptoes, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him.

That kiss was like lighting a fuse, setting off an unstoppable chain reaction.

Adrian Preston responded with a wild, passionate fervor. He was about to rip her clothes off, but she stopped him.

"Don’t... The dress is very expensive..."

Adrian Preston: ...

Adrian Preston felt his blood boiling, his head about to split open, and yet at this moment, he had to be careful not to rip her dress.

He could only do his best to restrain himself. He threw her onto the bed, pulled off his tie, and wrapped it around her eyes.

"What... what are you doing?"

’Is he into such kinky stuff?’