The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 246

Now that Lana completely buys the setup, she is undoubtedly luring Evan into the trap. Jade just needs to time her own entrance perfectly.

As soon as Jade is out of earshot, Danny turns to Tara, his brow furrowed in genuine concern. "That drink was obviously spiked. Why the hell did you drink it?"

He has seen enough corporate espionage to know you never accept a drink from an enemy.

"Your BS detector is remarkably sharp, Mr. Calhoun," Tara teases, her eyes curving in a smile. "I'm a doctor, remember? If she put anything in there, I'd smell it from a mile away. It was just juice. She's definitely plotting something, but it wasn't in that glass."

Given Tara's medical expertise, if the drink had been tampered with, it would have never made it past her nose. Hearing her confidence, Danny finally relaxes. He knows she wouldn't take a reckless gamble, and even if things went south, he is standing right here to protect her.

"You were calling me Danny a minute ago. Why the sudden switch back to Mr. Calhoun?" he asks, his voice dropping into a low, teasing cadence. He vastly prefers the sound of his first name on her lips.

Tara's ears flush a delicate pink, a brief flutter of panic hitting her chest. She pointedly ignores the question, smoothly pivoting the conversation. "I'm guessing Jade and Lana struck some kind of deal. Lana was watching us like a hawk, and now they've both vanished. They're definitely setting something up."

"Let them," Danny says, recognizing her deflection but playing along. His tone is heavy with absolute authority. "Whatever game they're playing, we'll just enjoy the show."

Lana watches the heavy flush on his skin and knows the aphrodisiac is taking full effect. Now, all she needs is for Jade to deliver Tara to this room, and the deal will be sealed.

Her final task is to ensure the Dennis family arrives at the exact right moment to 'witness' the aftermath. She needs them to catch the couple in bed, forcing the Dennis family to demand Evan take responsibility. If she times it right, the other guests will remain oblivious, protecting Evan's reputation while securing the marriage. Tara won't be able to fight a scandal of this magnitude.

Satisfied with her flawless plan, Lana slips out of the room and shuts the door.