Chapter 3

Willow POV

Daniel didn't come to the hospital until noon the next day.

"My assistant said you were in the hospital-that's when I found out you'd been in a car accident. Why didn't you tell me immediately?"

As he spoke, he leaned down to touch my face.

I noticed the very fresh love bites on his neck and tilted my head slightly to avoid him.

He paused slightly, about to speak when his phone rang.

"Daniel, my stomach hurts so much..." Quinn's tearful voice came through clearly.

Daniel's expression changed. "Don't be scared. Send me your location-I'll be right there."

He put away his phone and looked at me. "I have something urgent I need to handle. Rest well, and I'll make up our anniversary to you next time."

"No need," I said softly. "We don't need to celebrate it anymore."

Daniel frowned, seeming to want to say something, but ultimately turned and left.

That evening, I was brought home.

The car had barely stopped when I saw Quinn at the door, her smile radiant.

"Willow's back?" Quinn linked her arm through Daniel's. "Daniel was worried about my health, so he insisted I come stay here."

Daniel's tone was flat. "Quinn needs care. It's more convenient if she stays here. I hope you understand."

I said nothing, went straight inside, and headed upstairs.

The next day was the corporation's anniversary gala. As the CEO's wife and company co-founder, I had to attend.

Except this time, the person standing beside Daniel was Quinn.

"Is that Daniel's new flame? His wife is right there-this doesn't look good..."

"Looks like this Quinn has some serious skills."

The whispers floated into my ears. I simply lowered my eyes, showing no emotion.

Halfway through the banquet, I wanted to go to the restroom to collect myself.

Just as I reached the outer area of the restroom, I heard Quinn's lowered but unmistakably smug voice from inside.

"Don't worry, Daniel is completely devoted to me now. Once I get his..."

My footsteps stopped abruptly. I held my breath.

Still in shock, Quinn emerged from inside.

Seeing me, she froze for a moment, then her face took on its usual fake smile.

"Willow, you're here too?"

I didn't respond.

Seeing this, Quinn moved closer, her words carrying barbs. "Daniel wore me out so much last night-I'm sore all over. What if I get pregnant? I have no experience. Willow, why don't you teach me?"

"Teach you?" I finally looked up, staring at her coldly. "A year with Daniel doesn't compare to one night with you-I have nothing to teach."

Quinn pressed her advantage, reaching out to pull me. "Why don't I ask Daniel to let you watch and learn from the side? That way, when I'm gone, you won't be completely clueless."

I shook off her hand, feeling utterly disgusted. "No thanks. Watching two pieces of trash together would dirty my eyes."

Quinn stared at me. Her smile collapsed instantly, her eyes turning dark enough to drip poison.

I turned and left, returning to the banquet hall, my mind in chaos.

Without thinking much, I picked up the half-glass of champagne I'd left on the table earlier and drank it down.

Within minutes, my body began to feel hot, and my head started spinning.

I immediately realized-the drink had been drugged.

"Willow, why are you here all alone?" Quinn's persistent voice sounded again. She approached with feigned concern, then exclaimed in a volume everyone nearby could hear.

"Oh my God! Why is your face so red? And you're sweating so much-this reaction looks exactly like you've taken some kind of dirty drug!"

She covered her mouth, her eyes wide, but her tone was full of malicious insinuation. "At such an important event today, Willow, you didn't arrange to meet some man for something exciting, did you?"

All eyes turned toward me.

I felt terrible all over, wanting to tear Quinn's mouth apart, but my body wouldn't allow it. I could only grit my teeth and look at Daniel. "Daniel...take me home... I've been drugged..."

Daniel looked at my flushed face and rapid breathing, then heard Quinn's suggestive words. His expression darkened instantly.

He strode forward and grabbed my wrist hard-so hard it made me cry out in pain.

"How would you just get drugged for no reason? Willow, you'd better explain this clearly!"

Looking at his suspicious eyes, my heart went cold.

My body grew hotter and hotter, my mind barely conscious.

I suddenly shook off Daniel, grabbed a fruit knife from the table, and slashed my own arm.

The intense pain made me groan, cold sweat instantly beading on my forehead, but my mind cleared somewhat.

"Call the police!" I gasped, staring hard at Quinn. "Check the surveillance! Whoever tampered with my drink-once the police arrive, one check will reveal everything!"

At the mention of police, Quinn's face instantly drained of color, her eyes darting around nervously.

Daniel saw her guilty look, something flickering in his eyes.

He pressed down on my hand reaching for my phone, his tone cold and hard. "Enough! Isn't this embarrassing enough?"

"Nothing irreversible actually happened. Do you have to make a scene at the police station and let the whole city laugh at you?!"

Without giving me a chance to argue, he ordered the bodyguards behind him: "Take Mrs. Daniel to the hospital! Treat her wound!"

The next second, I was half-dragged, half-carried out of the banquet by two bodyguards.