Chapter 151: Drug In The Juice

"Grandpa," Briena called warmly.

Albert offered her a kind smile. "Congratulations, Briena," he said before shifting his gaze to Ivan. His expression grew less welcoming. "Congratulations," he added, though without enthusiasm.

Both Briena and Ivan thanked him politely.

"Grandpa, I don’t see my sister," Briena remarked, the thought crossing her mind with satisfaction:

Albert gave her a calm reply. "She stepped out to take a call. It was too loud in here, but she should be back shortly."

At that very moment, Natalie returned. She approached them, her face devoid of any expressions as if she were standing in front of the insignificant people in her life. "Congratulations to both of you."

Briena look at her sister, surprised. Natalie looked stunning—just as beautiful as she had that day in the restaurant.

Ivan, too, was momentarily stunned. In every encounter he’d had with Natalie recently, she had looked nothing short of breathtaking. The memory of her in that striking red dress at the store in the mall still lingered vividly in his mind.

"You look beautiful, Natalie. I’m glad you made it," Briena said with a warm smile as she hugged her sister. However, in a low voice, she added, "Seems like you’re finally improving your fashion sense—figured out it works well when seducing rich men, huh?"

Natalie leaned in, her voice equally soft but sharp. "I thought I’d follow your example for a change. No wonder you’re so successful. I should’ve taken notes from you sooner."

Briena released her, anger flickering in her gaze, though she kept her smile perfectly in place. "Don’t leave without having something to eat."

"Of course," Natalie replied, mirroring her sister’s fake smile.

Briena seethed inwardly, her mind swirling with spite.

Her jaw clenched when she noticed how Ivan’s gaze drifted toward Natalie.

As Briena walked off, Ivan joined his friends—Steve, Kevin, and a few others.

Kevin leaned in with a sly grin and whispered, "Your ex is looking stunning lately. Seems like leaving you did her some good."

Steve Davis sipped his drink without commenting, but Ivan’s expression darkened. "Shut up," he muttered, though his gaze drifted once again toward Natalie.

Kevin smirked. "Your eyes are on your ex more than your fiancée. But don’t forget—she’s married now."

Ivan shifted his gaze to Briena, who was surrounded by her friends, laughing and chatting. Then his eyes found Natalie again. She sat quietly beside Albert, either talking with the old man or scrolling through her phone. Her face remained calm, giving nothing away.

"Stop looking at her already," Kevin nudged him, turning him away from the sight.

Steve finished his drink and stood up. "You guys enjoy the night. I’ve got things to do."

Kevin chuckled mockingly. "Where are you going? Didn’t see your girl here tonight—whether it’s Mia or that fling of yours."

"One of these days, you are going to get punch in the face," Steve warned, tossing Kevin a cold glance before walking off.

"At least tell us where you’re going!" Kevin called after him, but Steve didn’t respond.

Without another word, Steve walked away.

"It’s his hotel. He’s probably heading to his private suite," Ivan remarked, then shot Kevin a warning look. "But don’t even think about leaving, and keep that nasty mouth of yours shut."

The group returned to chatting with their friends, the atmosphere light and carefree.

Meanwhile, a server approached Albert. "Mr. Ford, here’s your juice. Madam Ford said it’s time for your medicine."

"Oh? She remembered?" Albert chuckled, taking the glass. He glanced at Gael, his caretaker. "See? My wife is doing your job, even though she’s busy."

Gael smiled nervously, knowing he’d slipped up. "I was just about to get your medicine, Mr. Ford." He quickly retrieved the pill bottle from his pocket.

Albert chuckled warmly as he accepted the medicine. "I’m just teasing you, Gael."

Another server approached Natalie. "Wine for the lady?"

"I don’t drink," Natalie said curtly, waving the offer away.

"Oh, then perhaps you’d like some juice with Mr. Ford?" the previous server suggested, offering her a glass.

Albert smiled. "Let’s have some juice together, Nat, before this dull evening puts us both to sleep."

Seeing her grandfather in high spirits, Natalie took the glass from the server.

John, who had been standing quietly nearby, stepped forward. "I should check it first."

Natalie hesitated, glancing at Albert. It felt awkward to have her bodyguard inspecting her drink in front of her grandfather, it was the family event.

Albert quickly understood and gave her a reassuring look. "Let him do it, Nat. Aiden put him in charge of your safety—he’s just doing his job."

"No need, Grandpa," Natalie said with a reassuring smile. She brought the glass to her nose, inhaling deeply, and even tasting a little, then gave John a calm, confident look, silently signaling that it was fine.

Having spent time in Xyros City, Natalie had developed a sharp instinct for detecting anything unusual in food or drinks. If not for that, she would have already fallen victim to the dangers lurking among the criminals she had lived among.

Feeling satisfied, she took a sip and continued chatting with her grandfather, her spirits light and relaxed.

Meanwhile, across the room, Briena and her mother, Sephina, watched closely as Natalie drank the juice they had arranged for her.

"Mother," Briena whispered, her voice laced with concern, "won’t the drug affect the taste or smell of the juice?"

Sephina gave a sly smile. "It’s a new formula. It’s undetectable by taste or smell. I know she’s clever—living among thugs for so many years sharpened her instincts. But this time, I fooled her. She has to accept one of those two drinks and both had the drug. That poor soul, can’t say no to her grandpa."

Briena’s gaze flickered with anticipation as she watched Natalie, waiting for the drug to take effect.