Chapter 2

I opened my eyes to see the familiar banquet hall.

To my surprise, I was back at the engagement banquet.

In my past life, my eyes were only on Gus. I had arranged every detail of the event, but he had been indifferent.

Now I realized he probably already loved Sienna but couldn't let go of me, his wealthy yet naïve fiancée.

"This banquet is crucial for our company. If you make another rookie mistake, you're out."

A harsh scolding snapped me out of my thoughts. The wine had spilled from a tray, creating a mess.

"Sorry. I'll be more careful." Sienna bowed deeply.

Satisfied with her humble attitude, the supervisor gave a few more warnings and walked away.

But as she turned, Sienna slipped a packet of powder from her sleeve into a nearby wine glass.

That glass, if all went as planned, would be Gus's.

In my past life, to save my engagement banquet, I had quietly had a servant replace the glass. But the drugged wine had ended up with a playboy, leading to Sienna's scandalous encounter and her eventual downfall.

The playboy, relying on his power and wealth, had claimed that she seduced him.

A video had been leaked. Sienna's reputation had been ruined, and she had jumped to her death.

I just didn't expect Gus to love a poor student like her. This time, I'd make sure this perfect couple got their happy ending.

Without my interference, Gus unknowingly drank the tainted wine. Sienna watched from a corner, her lips curling into a triumphant smile.

Within moments, the drug took effect.

Gus's breathing grew heavy, and he leaned toward me. I supported him with one hand while blocking his advances with the other.

"You okay? Your face is so red. Are you drunk?" I said.

Sienna hurried over, brimming with confidence. "Ms. Gray, hi. I'm Mr. Davidson's student. Thanks to him, I got this part-time gig. He must be drunk. I'll take him upstairs to rest."

The moment he saw her, Gus stiffened briefly but quickly regained his lofty demeanor.

"My affairs don't concern you. My fiancée will take care of me," he said.

Sienna bit her lip, stung by his words.

Gus turned to me and explained, "She is a student I sponsor. Just ignore her ignorance."

"Professor, I was just worried about you," she stammered.

"Worried? I'm just your teacher, nothing more. You're overstepping," Gus snorted.

Despite his aloofness, his eyes betrayed a deep affection.

Sienna missed the protectiveness in his words and turned to me, indignant. "I'm one of his students, and you're jealous? Are you trying to control his freedom? That's not a worthy fiancée would do."

Gus panicked at her bluntness.

I didn't miss his reaction. "Why do you care so much? Do you want my title?"

I raised my hand and slapped her hard.

She was thin, while I was strong, thanks to my regular workouts in gyms.

The slap left a red, swollen mark on her pale face.

Gus showed a hint of worry but quickly hid it. He took my hand and said gently, "Is your hand okay? Why bother with an ignorant girl? It's beneath your status."

Then he turned to Sienna, scolding, "Get lost! Can't you see you've upset my fiancée?"

Sienna clutched her cheek, glaring at me. "Even as Mr. Davidson's fiancée, you have no right to hit me. Why should a great man like him marry someone he doesn't love? You're trapping him."

In my past life, I had swapped Gus's glass, so I had never heard her absurd logic.

"If he doesn't love me, who does he love then? A brainless nobody like you?" I scoffed.

Sienna wanted to retort, but Gus cut her off, "Know your place! Who are you to judge my fiancée? You're off tomorrow's research project. Reflect on your actions."

As he turned back to me, his eyes burned with desire. "Heather..."

I stepped back, wary of him lunging at me. I said, "Tomorrow's research is critical for our country's latest academic advancements. Missing it would be a huge loss for her."

Then I turned to Sienna, who barely concealed her resentment. "As punishment, you're to care for Gus. Do your job as a server and take him to rest."

Sienna's jealousy vanished, replaced by uncontainable joy. "I'll take great care of him. Not like you, neglecting him."

Gus, flushed and dazed, pressed himself against her as they walked away.

I followed quietly. As expected, she led him to the bed.

The banquet buzzed, but no one noticed the staff lounge.

After a while, Gus's furious voice rang out. "You drugged me?"