Chapter 69: Poisoned Food

A tall figure in black stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of a simple yet elegant bedroom. Light rain pattered against the roof tiles, while water collected in puddles on the balcony.

"Drip drip"

The sound of the water was distinct.

A maid entered, carrying steaming food. Her footsteps were stiff with nervousness; her hand trembled slightly as she held the wooden tray. "Master Iker," she said, "it's not good to take your medicine on an empty stomach. Please eat first."

Iker didn't turn. His gaze remained fixed on the peaceful scene outside.

"Where is she?" His voice was cold and hoarse.

The maid hesitated. "She?" she thought. "Is he asking about Miss Lawrence?" "I haven't seen Miss Lawrence, Master Iker," she answered, nervously handing him his bowl.

He took it without looking up, his brow furrowed. As he picked up his knife and fork, the maid watched him anxiously, her eyes fixed on his lips.

"Hold on!" Cheyenne's voice rang out from the doorway. Her striking figure appeared, like a summer daisy.

The maid's nervousness intensified. Beads of sweat darkened her white shirt. Only then did Iker notice her distress and look up.

Cheyenne, in high heels, approached, her gaze fixed on the maid. A light smile played on her red lips, radiating beauty.

"Bring me the food," Cheyenne said.

"Miss Lawrence," the maid replied nervously, "Master Iker hasn't eaten anything today. It's harmful to give him medicine on an empty stomach. Let me bring the food to him."

"Is that so?" Cheyenne took the bowl, examining it with a smile. "It seems there's something extra in this dish—something that makes it inedible."

The maid's heart leaped. She looked up at Cheyenne with a strained smile.

"Miss Lawrence, this dish…"

"In that case," Cheyenne said, approaching the maid with the food, "why don't you take a bite first?"

The maid shook her head, tears welling. "I can't! This dish is for Master Iker. I'm just a servant; how could I eat his food?"

"This dish is for Iker? Because you poisoned it, right?" Cheyenne's words tightened the atmosphere. A chill swept the room.

The trembling maid protested, "Miss Lawrence! How dare you accuse me? I've worked here for two or three years! Master Iker knows me better than anyone!"

"I don't know," Iker interjected. To him, the servants were interchangeable.

"What's so difficult about finding out if there's poison? We can have my friend, a medical student, analyze it."

Panic seized the maid. She fell to her knees, clutching Cheyenne's skirt, tears streaming down her face. "Miss Lawrence, please don't! I didn't poison it!"

"If you didn't poison it," Cheyenne asked, "why are you afraid of a test?"

The maid was speechless. Iker, understanding the situation, grew cold.

"Tanner!" he called.

A black-clad Tanner entered, surprised. The maid had always been honest and hardworking. He couldn't believe she'd dare poison Master Iker. He wanted to kick her.

"Take her to the police station," Iker said firmly.

"Master Iker, please! I didn't do it!" the maid begged.

"Take her away!" he ordered, unmoved.

Two men in black suits and sunglasses swiftly grabbed the maid and dragged her from the villa, her cries fading into silence.

After they left, Cheyenne handed something to Tanner. "Test this medicine, too," she said, smiling at Iker. A wave of emotion washed over her as she thought of the maid. Why had the girl chosen this path? One wrong decision could ruin a life.

Iker raised an eyebrow, his first joke with her. "You better be careful. The mastermind might harm you."

Cheyenne's face registered shock. Her lips twitched.

"Master Iker, you can't just leave me like that, right?"

He pondered, then looked at her with disdain. "It's very possible."

"Damn it!" she muttered. He was so unreliable.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing delicate lobes. "If I disappear one day, there'll be no one to care for your illness," she said.

With a graceful turn, her yellow dress flowed. Iker stared at her waist before asking where she was going.

She turned, smiling. "You're not taking your medicine? Of course, I'll bring you some water."

"Mm. Thanks."