"Yes, it's what Mrs. Tate Senior and Mrs. Tate ordered. It's a seductive scented candle," the second maid replied.

"Looks like tonight, Ms. Carly and Mr. Alvarez will finally make it official," said the first maid.

"Just wait. Soon enough, Ms. Carly will become Mrs. Alvarez."

"That's not all. Even Dr. C stayed over tonight. He's probably going to seal the deal with Ms. Tracy. Mrs. Tate Senior hasn't stopped smiling. Those two grandsons-in-law are her treasures."

"Just wait and see. The Tate family's golden days are just beginning."

The two maids walked away.

Celine had overheard their entire conversation. So, Sonia and Lucy planned to use a seductive scented candle on Adam? She remembered the last time Adam had been at Tate Manor; they had used the same scented candle then. The effects had been mild, and he'd managed to resist. This time, however, the candle was far more potent, nearly impossible to find. It seemed Sonia and Lucy could wait no longer.

Should she warn Adam?

No. Her long lashes lowered. It wasn't her place to meddle. After all, Adam had always loved Carly. The candle was merely an enhancement for them.

Celine glanced at the brightly lit Tate Manor, its windows glowing with festive lights and lanterns lining every corner. Then she turned and left, her solitary figure quickly disappearing into the thick night fog.

In the bedroom, the maid had already delivered the seductive scented candle. Carly sat on the bed while Adam handed her a glass of water. "Feeling better?"

Carly nodded. "Yes, much better. Adam, my heart's been acting up these past few days. Luckily, we found Dr. C. He'll fix me soon enough." Adam's sharp, handsome face remained unreadable. "It was Tracy who found Dr. C?"

"Yes! Adam, do you doubt that this Dr. C is real?" Carly asked.

Adam didn't reply.

Carly smiled softly. "You're overthinking. This Dr. C is the real deal."

Adam didn't dwell on the topic. Instead, he stood up. "Since you're feeling better, I'll head back now."

"Adam," Carly quickly grabbed his hand and swayed it lightly, her tone playful. "Are you still mad at me? I'm sorry, okay? Stay and keep me company." Adam gently pulled his hand away. "Get some rest." He turned to leave.

"Adam, have you started liking Celine?" Carly asked suddenly.

Adam's steps faltered.

"You know why I sent those photos to Willie, don't you? Because a woman's intuition is never wrong. It seems like you're starting to feel something for her!" Carly said.

Adam's dark lashes lowered, shielding his thoughts. He loosened his tie, his fingers pulling at the fabric around his neck. He felt a bit warm. The sensation hit him like a wave—heat surged through his body, burning and relentless, and his sharp, narrow eyes turned crimson with unmistakable desire.

Something was wrong. Adam immediately recognized it. His hand shot out to open the door, and outside stood Hayden and Lucy. They had been waiting outside the whole time.

"Mr. Alvarez," Hayden and Lucy smiled nervously.

Adam's expression darkened. "What did you do?"

Few could hide anything from him for long. "Mr. Alvarez, w…"

Adam's icy gaze swept over them before he turned on his heel to leave.

"Mr. Alvarez!" Lucy called out abruptly. "This kind of seductive scented candle has no antidote. The only way to neutralize it is for a man and a woman to get intimate. If you leave, what about Carly?"