Reeds Parker paced around the decorated birthday room, his phone plastered to his ears. He had been trying without success to get through to his wife for the past two hours. Just when he was about to give up, his wife's line went through. "Karyl," Reeds said. "Thank goodness you finally answered." "Two hours—you called me dozens of times. You’d better have a good explanation!" To Reeds’ surprise, Karyl’s voice was unusually cold. "Don’t you know I have extremely important work to do?”"Today is our daughter's birthday, Karyl," Reeds said hurriedly, anxious she might hang up if she grew irritated with him. "What!" Karyl felt a surge of guilt wash over her—she had actually forgotten her beloved daughter's birthday.But then, thinking about how she was always so busy while Reeds only had to concern himself with these trivial, sentimental holidays at home, her flicker of guilt vanished without a trace."Why didn’t you tell me a week in advance? Do you think everyone has as much free t

Karyl freed her arms from his grip. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Reeds. Do both of us a favour and leave. You have nothing to prove to me." "No, let's humour him," Zayn Raymond said, appearing before them with his glass of whiskey. "I overheard how your husband plans to destroy me." Karyl stiffened in shock to find Zayn. "I'm sorry, Mr. Raymond. Have you been listening?" "Every single word," Zayn said, keeping a shitty smile on his face. "Hello, Reeds. Fancy seeing you here." Zayn reached out for a handshake but Reeds refused to shake his hand. "I don't shake the hands of a scum," Reeds said coldly. "Reeds!" Karyl frowned. "That's Zayn Raymond you're talking to. Show him some respect." "I know who he is," Reeds retorted. "He's a scumbag that wants to bed you. You shouldn't be entertaining guys like him." Zayn chuckled as he drew back his hand. "On the contrary, Mr. Reeds Parker. Your wife and I are strictly here on business. We were just about to round up a $3 million deal bef

Outside the bar, Reeds waited patiently. He was conflicted between leaving or going back to his wife. Just then, Archibald called his phone. Reeds answered on the first ring. "Is it done, Archibald?" "As swiftly as possible, young master," Archibald replied. "The money has been transferred to your wife's company account just as instructed." "Good," Reeds passed a hand over his face. "Anything else?" "One of our sources who works in the Black Lotus Bar Just informed us that she overheard Zayn taking credit for the transfer made to your wife's company. She also mentioned she saw him slip something in her drink." Reeds stiffened in shock. “That bastard,” he balled his hands into fists. "Did you find out what that substance was?" Archibald replied, "I believe that's an aphrodisiac, young master. Earlier today, Zayn Raymond had reportedly purchased aphrodisiacs. " Something like lightening struck Reeds at that moment. He realized this was all Zayn's scheme to sleep with his wife.

Zayn suddenly burst into hysterical laughter. "Now I know you must have lost your mind. The Higgins family's business spans across the world. As a matter of fact, I'm a member of their branches. If you're truly the heir, why have I never heard of you before?" Reeds stepped forward to Zayn. "It's not too late. You will find out soon enough." "Reeds, for the last time, that's enough," Karyl barked at Reeds. "You're making a total fool of yourself." "I can prove it," Reeds said. "I'll make a call and...." "I've had it with your lies, Reeds," Karyl snapped. "I don't believe you no matter what you say. You're a troublemaker. Stop it. I've lost all hope for you." Reeds could see what was happening. Since Zayn was a key figure in the Higgins family branch, Reed's claims were nothing but a ridiculous fabrication. Reeds raised his hands, his voice low. "Karyl, darling. I'm not making this up. You've got to believe me this time." Karyl shook her head. "I don't. I'm deeply disappointed i

For Karyl to be back home the minute after he left the black Lotus Bar could only mean one thing. She had discovered the truth. Since Reeds poured that aphrodisiac drink on Zayn, it was possible the drug took its immediate effect. Reeds smiled inwardly. Things were working perfectly to his advantage. He'll use this opportunity to take credit for his actions and reveal his true identity. Clearly his throat, Reeds spoke up, "So, what happened to Zayn?" Karyl lifted her daughter to her arms but she refused to glance his way. "I don't see how that's any of your business, Reeds." Reeds eyes widened. "Now, hold the phone. Don't tell me you're still trying to defend him." Karyl finally met her husband's eyes. Despite Zayn's despicable actions, she still believed that the truth should never come to light. Especially not to the public. Zayn was a cautious man with a big reputation. He wouldn't dare to withdraw his investment despite what he had done. That is, if Karyl kept her mout