The Poisoned Cup and The Scapegoat

I clenched the hem of my shirt, my palms sweating.

Just when I was racking my brain on how to deal with the situation, a hand suddenly reached in and snatched the glass away.

"Jade, this wine is so expensive! Letting him drink it would be a waste!"

Michael glared at me, jealousy almost oozing out of his eyes.

It was as if I had not snatched away a glass of drugged wine, but his very lifeline.

At that instant, I almost laughed out loud.

Jade had schemed and planned, only to be caught off guard by how possessive her lapdog could be.

Michael clutched the glass and glared at me. "Taylor, please come with me. I'd like to speak to you in private."

Then, he grabbed me and pulled me out of the room.

Once the door shut, Michael instantly shot me eye daggers, warning in a hushed tone, "Taylor, are you asking for death once more? Didn't I just warn you not to spoil my fun?!"

I pretended to not understand. I looked at him in confusion and asked, "Michael, what are you talking about? How could I ruin things for you? I truly hope that you'll end up with Jade!"

"You can cut the crap!"

Michael shoved me hard. My back hit against the wall of the corridor.

"If you dare to pull any tricks again, I'll make your life worse than death!"

I found it comical. Even in my new life, that love-struck idiot was still beyond saving.

Even until that moment, he still did not know that Jade wanted to take his life.

I lowered my head and pretended to be terrified. I promised him with a trembling voice, "Michael, I really don't know what you're talking about, but I swear on my life that I won't spoil your date with Jade. Once we go in, I'll persuade Jade to drink more, okay?"

Michael sized me up suspiciously. When he saw how terrified I looked, he scoffed.

"At least you know your place. Later, just find an opportunity and scram! Don't stand in my way!"

"Alright, I understand."

Returning to the room, Michael urgently took his seat next to Jade.

"Jade, this is for you!"

Michael raised the glass of wine and downed it in one go.

Jade gripped her glass a little more tighter until her knuckles turned white. She looked past Michael, glaring at me, as if perplexed why I did not stop Michael from drinking the wine.

I merely sat in the corner quietly, even smiling innocently at her.

Jade's gaze darkened.

"Jade, why aren't you drinking?"

Michael, unaware of everything, excitedly poured himself another glass.

"This wine is amazing. Have some!"

Jade could barely hide her contempt in her gaze anymore.

She avoided Michael's offer and said stiffly, "Don't drink so much."

Michael instantly mistook it as if the woman he adored was caring for him. He was instantly delighted.

"Jade, are you worried for me? I'm so happy! Let's get drunk tonight!"

Then, as if trying to prove he could hold his alcohol, he took a huge gulp.

After a few glasses, Michael did not look ill, but he was tipsy.

He yelled at me with a hazy gaze, "Taylor, what are you still standing there for? Can't you see that Jade and I are having a good time? Stop being a third wheel and get lost!"