He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 160

She had waited an eternity for a chaotic, crowded event like this. Tonight, many guests had brought plus-ones from outside their elite circle, and the hotel was swarming with temporary staff. If something scandalous happened inside these walls, tracing it back to her would be virtually impossible.

Lydia dialed a number. "You promised you'd help me."

The person on the other end was clearly surprised she was making a move at such a high-profile event. "Are you sure about this?"

Lydia leaned back against the wall, her resolve hardening. "Yes. Nelson is alone in a room on the third floor. Have someone bring him a drink. He's in a terrible mood right now; he'll definitely drink it."

A heavy silence dragged on for a few seconds before the voice replied, "If this blows up..."

"That's exactly why I need you to do it. It can never be traced back to me."

"Lydia, you have so many other options."

"I only want Nelson."

Her tone left zero room for argument.

Ever since Nelson returned to the country, he rarely attended public banquets, spending nearly all his time locked in his office or his private estate.

Catching him off guard at an event like this was a once-in-a-lifetime miracle.

If she let this slip through her fingers, God knew how long she'd have to wait for another chance.

The call disconnected.

Standing just a few feet away on a dark, secluded balcony, Julian gripped the marble railing, finding the entire situation absolutely hilarious.

Did this count as stumbling onto a dark family secret?

He didn't have a strong impression of Lydia; he generally made it a rule not to sleep with women in his immediate social circle.

But everyone in his inner circle knew Lydia had been obsessively in love with Nelson since they were kids.

And now she was planning to drug him and force his hand?

Did Nelson have any idea?

Julian pulled out his phone and lit a cigarette. He had zero desire to go back down and face the crowd; everyone was just waiting to mock him anyway.

He had accepted his role as the family joke, so he couldn't even be bothered to pretend to care about the wedding reception.

A dark, amused smirk curled his lips. After making sure Lydia had left the hallway, he stepped out and flagged down a passing waiter.

Minutes later, the waiter approached Juniper.

Assuming this was the person Zara had sent, since they had just texted, Juniper didn't suspect a thing.

The waiter's tone was impeccably polite.

"Ms. Lane, please follow me."

Juniper followed him quietly, completely unaware that he was leading her through a side entrance, completely bypassing the lobby, and bringing her straight to a secluded room on the third floor.

With all the guests crowded in the grand hall on the first floor, the twenty-odd suites on the third floor were entirely deserted, reserved only for VIP resting quarters.

The waiter spoke in a hushed, reassuring tone. "There are too many reporters outside right now. Please wait in here for a moment."

Juniper had no choice but to sit down on the edge of the plush bed. She gently touched her throbbing cheek, her eyelashes fluttering shut. "Thank you."

As soon as the waiter closed the door behind him, she kept her eyes closed, completely drained by the sheer exhaustion of the night.