Michael sped down the dimly lit highway toward Club Edge, his mind consumed by his plan for Sandra. He impatiently tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, a smirk playing on his lips as he envisioned the night ahead. He'd made meticulous plans, and he was confident everything would fall into place. Glancing at his dashboard clock, he decided it was time to check on Sandra. He reached for his phone and pressed her speed dial. The phone rang twice before Sandra's sultry voice answered.

"Hey, darling," she purred.

"Are you on your way?" Michael's voice was firm.

Sandra chuckled softly. "Of course. I'm already here, waiting for you, as usual. Did you really think I wouldn't show up?"

Michael chuckled, pleased. "Good girl. Just relax; I promise you'll have a good time tonight. You always do, don't you?"

"I'm counting on it," Sandra purred, her voice laced with mischief that Michael found irresistible.

"By the way, I got your text. Why Club Edge? Why not just say we were meeting at the Diamond Edge Hotel?" Sandra asked. Michael chuckled.

"I thought we'd hang out at the club, loosen up before heading to the suite. We both know how much you enjoy partying," he said. She rolled her eyes.

"Well, I'm already feeling it. Can we skip the partying and meet at the suite? I really want to see Rayna tonight. Tomorrow's a workday," Sandra said. Michael shrugged. "Alright. Since you're already there, go on up. I'll be there soon."

"Perfect. I'll grab us some wine and get the party started," she replied excitedly.

"Do that," he said, smirking. "I'm looking forward to seeing you."

He ended the call with a satisfied nod. To an outsider, it might have seemed like just another night between lovers, but Michael knew this evening was far from ordinary. A plan was in motion, and tonight was the night he would execute it. Sandra would make it easy for him, as she always did.

After the call, Sandra stepped out of her car in the club's parking lot and smoothed her tight, short, black dress before heading inside. She went directly to reception, obtained the keycard to the suite, and requested a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon be sent up immediately.

The suite Michael had booked was on the club's top floor, in the VIP section of the hotel. She swiped the keycard, opened the door, and stepped into the luxurious space. Almost immediately, the doorbell rang—the wine had arrived.

"Michael's favorite," she murmured with a smirk after the waiter left.

She went to the minibar, grabbed two glasses, and poured herself a generous serving. As the rich aroma filled the air, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Rayna: "I'm on my way with Evelyn."

Sandra smirked and replied: "Good. I'll join you as soon as I can. Keep her relaxed."

She put her phone away, chuckled, and took a slow sip of wine. Noticing the time and Michael's imminent arrival, she retrieved a small vial of sleeping medication from her purse. Her fingers were steady as she opened it, poured half the contents into the wine, and swirled it. The liquid dissolved instantly. Smiling, she returned the vial to her purse, placed the wine bottle on the table, and murmured, "Now we wait." She crossed the room, sat on the plush bed, checked Rayna's message again, and smiled. Tonight was going to be perfect.

Five minutes later, a knock came at the door. Sandra smoothed her dress and opened it. She smiled at Michael's confident grin.

"Well, well," he said, entering. "I thought you were going to be difficult tonight. I'm glad to see you're still my girl."

Sandra laughed, embracing him and kissing his neck. "I'll always be your girl, Mike. Sorry for the attitude lately Evelyn's return has been more bothersome than I thought," she said, her hands on his chest, looking up at him through her lashes. Michael waved a dismissive hand. "Forget Evelyn. Tonight, it's just you and me." He strolled to the table. "You got my favorite wine," he said, grinning as he picked up the bottle.

"Yeah. My way of apologizing for what happened earlier. We're a team, Mike. I don't like how things are going between us lately," she said with a pout, toying with his shirt button.

Michael smiled. "I forgive you."

"Shall we drink to it then?" she asked, picking up her empty glass, pouring wine, taking a sip, and handing him his glass.

"I need to use the restroom," she said, gesturing toward the bathroom before setting down her glass and leaving.

The moment the bathroom door clicked shut, Michael's eyes darkened. He checked the hidden camera he'd installed, ensuring it was recording. He had his own plans—plans Sandra didn't need to know about. He wasn't changing them just because she'd apologized. He still needed something to hold over her.

Satisfied, he sat on the bed and took a sip of wine. The taste was familiar, but he didn't notice the faint bitterness of the medication. In the bathroom, Sandra waited patiently, listening to his movements. She wanted the medication to take effect before she returned. She leaned against the sink, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched the time.

When she deemed enough time had passed, she took a deep breath and left the bathroom. Michael sat on the bed, wineglass in hand, relaxed and leaning back. His eyes followed her as she approached, his grin widening. "You took your time," he teased.

Sandra smiled, sauntering to the bed. "I had to clean up," she said with a wink.

Michael's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he raised his glass. "Why don't you give me a little show, huh? I've missed you," he said, taking a long sip.

Sandra smiled playfully. "Anything for you," she said, knowing exactly what he wanted.

She began to undress slowly, her movements deliberate and seductive. She didn't mind; it bought her time. Michael watched, but as Sandra continued, he began to yawn and his eyelids grew heavy. His sharp gaze dulled. By the time she'd removed her bra, his grip loosened, and his wineglass slipped from his hand, spilling onto the sheets. Sandra smiled, watching him struggle to stay awake. "Sleep tight, Michael," she whispered as he slumped against the pillows, unconscious.

With a satisfied grin, she dressed, her heart racing. Now, all she had to do was ensure everything else went according to plan.