Chapter 10

When Patrick came back looking like he had a storm cloud over his head, the restaurant was already deserted; Marlon and Emily were nowhere in sight. He'd been brooding in his car all night.

Patrick said. "Marlon, we need to talk."

Marlon nodded. "Sure thing. Mr. Rivera. It's not every day you call me."

Patrick hung up and glanced at the empty restaurant. He hadn't budged since he got back yesterday.

Meanwhile. Emily was getting the hang of her new job. It was mostly small tasks and errands, which she handled with ease.

Shirley had also joined the project team. She was still fuming about yesterday, blaming Emily for her being stuck in this remote place.

Shirley thought, 'Emily, just wait. I've got a big surprise for you!

Shirley eyed the project-issued water bottle on Emily's desk and got an idea.

Shirley asked, "Xyla, could you grab me some water?"

In the small office, there were six workstations, each with just a desk and a chair. Besides Xyla, who was in her forties and sitting opposite Emily,everyone else had left.

While Xyla went to get water, Shirley took out a vial of colorless,odorless liquid from her bag and poured it into Emily's water bottle.

Shirley thought. Im going to share this with Patrick, but you'll get it first.

Soon, Xyla returned with a ceramic cup.

Xyla said. "Ms. Wright, here's your water."

Shirley took the cup happily but didn't drink it right away. She placed it on the desk to cool.

Shirley said. "Xyla. you should keep an eye on Emily. After everything she's been through, it's understandable that she might be struggling."

"What happened?" Xyla asked. intrigued.

Shirley said. "You might not know, but Emily was hospitalized recently. She sacrificed a lot to secure a client..."

"Did she contract an STD?" Although the project team was in a remote area, there were still rumors about Emily.

"Xyla, let's not jump to conclusions." Shirley feigned innocence.

Xyla was engrossed in the gossip when Emily returned.

Emily was surprised to see Shirley but chose not to make a fuss.

Shirley quickly approached Emily.

Shirley said, "Emily, I didn't get a chance to ask you yesterday how you're doing here. Patrick drove off with me, but I managed to convince him to let me come check on you."

Xyla thought Shirley seemed like a caring person.

Shirley said, "Oh. the water's a bit cold. Xyla. is there any hot water?"

"Ill get some." Xyla fetched a kettle and poured hot water into Shirley's cup and Emily's water bottle.

Poor Emily! Xyla thought to herself.

"Thanks." Emily took a sip from her bottle.

Immediately. Emily felt something was wrong. Her body heated up.and her mind became foggy.

"Emily, are you okay? You're burning up. Maybe you have a fever.Xyla.please watch Emily. I'll get the car."

Shirley pretended to be concerned. grabbed Emily's bag and phone.and rushed out.

[I'll be waiting in room 316 at Whispering Pines Inn.] Shirley sent the message to Marlon and quickly deleted it.

Shirley brought Emily's car around. Xyla helped Emily downstairs but was stopped by Shirley.

Shirley said, "Xyla, if the boss comes, just cover for Emily,okay?"

Xyla nodded in agreement.

Marlon had just sat down when Patrick stormed in with a dark expression.

"What are you doing here?"

They spoke at the same time. but Patrick's voice was more menacing.

Patrick said. "I should be asking you why you were with her!"

Before Marlon could respond, he received a message from Emily.

Marlon was stunned. After a moment's hesitation, he handed his phone to Patrick. Patrick's anger flared.

Patrick said. "Are you trying to show off?"

Marlon said. "No, don't you think something's off?"

Indeed.Emily had just arrived in Canyon Ridge and wasn't familiar with the area. Plus, she was too dedicated to skip work for a fling.

"Damn it!"

Patrick sped to Whispering Pines Inn.

"I'm not even in the car!" Marlon followed in his own car.

Patrick rushed to the inn. ignoring the front desk, and burst into room 316. Emily was on the bed, eyes closed, face flushed, and breathing heavily. The drug had taken effect.

"Emily.wake up!"

Patrick tried to rouse her, but it was no use. Emily was burning up.His presence seemed to bring Emily a sliver of clarity. She felt a familiar, comforting presence.

Patrick picked her up and rushed to his Bentley. Emily had been drugged.

When Marlon arrived at room 316. it was empty. He realized he was too late.

Patrick gently placed Emily in the back seat. but she clung to him.seeking the coolness he provided.

Emily's moans grew louder as she writhed in the back seat. desperate.

Patrick,unable to pull away. closed the car door.

"Emily,you owe me again."

Patrick kissed her, and Emily eagerly responded. They were soon entwined.

The kiss was like a jolt of energy. Emily's body, burning with desire,responded intensely. She tried to stay conscious but succumbed to Patrick's warmth.

Emily clung to Patrick, her body soft and warm.

Patrick's feelings were mixed. He knew Emily had been set up,but he couldn't shake the image of her with Marlon.

Fueled by jealousy, Patrick gave Emily's chest a nip.

Emily's cries grew more intense as she rubbed against him. Patrick pulled down her pants and, without hesitation, thrust into her.

Patrick held Emily tightly, as if trying to merge their bodies.

In the car. Patrick released his pent-up emotions. the vehicle shaking with their movements. After a while. Patrick's release overflowed.filling Emily.

Emily relaxed and opened her eyes to see Patrick. His presence always soothed her fears. As sleep overtook her. the world faded away.