Chapter 46

In the conference room, Lauren dismissed everyone except Andrew and Francesca.

"Lauren, did you know Paul was the culprit?" Francesca asked eagerly.

Lauren rolled her eyes. "If I had, I would have arrested him instead of staging this charade."

Francesca exclaimed, "So you didn't know? But you acted like you did!"

Lauren smiled. "I didn't, which is why Dr. Lloyd suggested this ruse to force their hand. I just had to claim one glass was poisoned, and Paul cracked under pressure."

Francesca stared at Andrew, shocked. "I didn't expect you to be so cunning!" She was impressed by his clever strategy.

"While we found out it was Paul, we're still one step behind," Andrew remarked.

Lauren's face hardened. "Indeed. That bastard Michael poisoned Paul beforehand. I know he's behind this, but I can't prove it!"

"I don't understand how Paul willingly took poison," Francesca mused. "That's suicide!"

Andrew shook his head. "He didn't. If he had, he wouldn't have tried to expose Michael before he died. Michael must have poisoned him earlier as insurance."

Francesca shuddered. "I never imagined Michael could be so ruthless."

Lauren smiled. "Either way, we forced him to show his true colors. Dr. Lloyd, you're a lifesaver! You've saved me repeatedly!"

"Ms. Rhodes, be wary of your cousin. He likely has powerful backing," Andrew warned.

Lauren was startled. "Dr. Lloyd, what have you noticed?"

"The poison, 'Death's Draught,' is rare and lethal. A playboy like Michael wouldn't have access to it; someone's helping him," Andrew explained.

Francesca added, "He's right. Grandpa mentioned that poison is an underworld weapon, not something readily available."

Lauren's face turned cold. "If he wants to play dirty, I won't show mercy."

Meanwhile, in Michael's office, he smashed everything in sight, consumed by rage. "That bastard ruined everything! I lost it all!"

Paul's death didn't bother him; he'd planned to sacrifice him once Lauren suspected the executives. What infuriated him was his near exposure. Had he not attacked Paul, he'd likely be facing prison.

"Lauren might be smart, but with my backer's strategy, I'm not worried," Michael muttered. "But her pretty-boy advisor is becoming a problem!"

Chapter 47