Chapter 302: A Twist of Fate (2) Conspiracy

Susan hurried into the nightclub. Several of her usual drinking companions sat on bar stools, dancing to the pulsating rave music. The atmosphere was electric, the lights blurred and flickering, adding to the excitement.

"Susan!" A girl called, pulling her onto a stool and handing her a glass of imported wine. "Here. Let's dance when you're a little tipsy."

Susan, figuring it would be easier to dance while slightly intoxicated, readily accepted and drank the wine. I haven't been here in a while. Maybe that's why I'm feeling so energized, she thought, enjoying the familiar surroundings and the vibrant energy. She didn't notice the woman who'd given her the wine discreetly signal a dark corner where Martina sat, a wicked smile playing on her lips.

Martina had recently learned from her brother that Hannah was a formidable woman, someone who'd even physically intimidated him. Though she hated to admit it, Hannah was incredibly strong and resilient. Susan, however, Hannah's best friend, was considerably easier to manipulate. Martina glanced at her watch; ten minutes remained until Henry’s arrival. She sipped her wine, patiently waiting.

Susan, having consumed several glasses of wine far too quickly, became intoxicated. Usually, she avoided getting drunk in nightclubs; dancing quickly sobered her. This time, however, she felt unusually warm and aroused. Is it because I haven’t been here for a while and am overexcited? she wondered. She joined some friends on the dance floor, unaware of anything amiss.

Martina watched as Susan, her body moving seductively, became the center of attention.

Henry appeared suddenly. Martina ceased her surveillance. "You want to see me?" he asked. Susan's ability to captivate men, Martina noted with envious resentment, was truly remarkable.

"Sit," Martina commanded. She didn't mention Susan's presence.

"If you want to talk, let's go somewhere else. I don't like this place," Henry stated frankly.

"But I do," Martina retorted, her tone petulant.

Hesitantly, Henry sat beside her as she offered him wine.

"I don't drink," he declined.

"What's the point of being here if you don't drink?" Martina challenged.

"I thought you had something to tell me," Henry said bluntly.

"Yes, but first, you drink," Martina insisted.

He relented, finishing the wine. Martina’s smile widened. "Susan is here," she revealed.

Henry's expression changed instantly.

"Don't worry," Martina said dismissively, raising an eyebrow. "She's a regular here, and… well, let's just say she's experienced. It's your first time; she won't blame you."

"What the hell do you want?" Henry's patience was wearing thin.

"Nothing. Just cooperation."

"What kind of cooperation?"

"We break up Susan and Manuel."

"And you have a plan?" Henry asked.

"Yes," Martina replied. "If you and Susan are together, she'll leave Manuel."

"Manuel's done a lot for her. He won't just break up with her…"

"What if you had sex with her?" Martina smirked.

Henry's pupils widened.

"Look at her," Martina pointed to Susan on the dance floor. "What a slut, huh?"

Henry glanced at Susan, the most captivating woman on the dance floor.

"Frankly," Martina said, her nose in the air, "it's incredibly fortunate for someone like you to marry someone like Susan!"

"I drugged her," Martina stated abruptly. Henry stared at her, shocked. "A lot. If you don't take her away in half an hour, she'll have sex with anyone who'll have her." Her smile grew more sinister.

"Martina!" Henry exploded.

"I'm helping you! Since you won't take the initiative, I'll give you a push! Once she sleeps with you, I'll expose it, and Manuel will be done with her!"

"You crazy bitch!"

"You should be grateful!" Martina's expression hardened under his outburst. "This is a golden opportunity! I even have an excuse prepared. If she asks anything tomorrow, tell her she was drugged, and sex was the only antidote!"

"Nuts!" Henry scoffed.

"Henry, do you have any guts? Sleep with Susan! I've calculated her cycle; she'll get pregnant. Once she has your baby, she has to marry you!"

Henry's anger was palpable. He struggled to control himself. "I won't sleep with Susan!"

"Why?" Martina was stunned by his refusal.

"No means no," Henry said coldly. "Martina, next time, talk to me before you do something. I don't want our cooperation to be unproductive, and frankly, disagreeable." He stood and left.

"Henry, I drugged you too!" Martina's laughter echoed behind him.