Chapter 79

Once Roy had left, Joshua immediately summoned Bradley.

Bradley stepped in and immediately sensed the tension. "Mr. York," he called out cautiously.

Joshua ordered, "Check the surveillance footage and see who else has handled the red wine." After a brief pause, he added, "Start with the troublemakers."

Bradley glanced at the desserts and wine–he’d had the kitchen prepare them per Joshua’s instructions. Now, it seemed the wine had been tampered with. A pang of guilt shot through him, but he kept his composure. "Yes, Mr. York," he replied.

The moment Bradley left, silence fell over the dressing room.

Meanwhile, their hands remained intertwined.

Shermaine came to her senses first, gently pulling her hand away.

As her hand slipped away, Joshua’s eyes darkened. He asked, "What was put in this wine?"

Shermaine returned to the sofa and sat down. "Either a parasite or a poisonous worm. We won’t know for sure until we find Leslie and confirm it."

But no matter what it really was, both kinds could rapidly destroy the human body, and medical tests wouldn’t pick up a thing. It could kill anyone without leaving a trace. With current technology, even…

If Shermaine hadn’t been so observant and noticed something off about the wine, she would have been the one poisoned.

Judging by Leslie’s condition, this parasite or poisonous worm isn’t going to flare up right away. Still, it’s best to resolve it quickly to prevent any complications.

Lily eyed the delicious food warily. "Don’t tell me these are poisoned too?"

Shermaine checked all the food. "Clean," she declared.

The food was safe; only the wine was tampered with.

Whoever did this must know that she was a wine lover.

Since they knew about her fondness for wine, it was pretty obvious who was behind this attempt.

It was hard for anyone not living with her to know about this drinking habit. Honestly, what a stupid mistake.

Even after Shermaine confirmed the food was safe, Lily still couldn’t bring herself to eat it. Fortunately, Leslie showed up just in time before she could take a bite.

‘What a poor sucker,’ Lily thought. ‘Why on earth did he have to drink that wine?’

Joshua pulled out his phone and made a call. Shortly after, a burly bodyguard entered. He instructed, "Swap out the food and bring in a fresh set. Make sure no one notices."

The bodyguard nodded and left.

After he left, Shermaine grabbed a selection of lipsticks from the table, chose a shade, and applied it while looking in the mirror. Once she finished, she blotted her lips on a tissue, then deliberately pressed them to the rim of the glass.

Then, she told Joshua, "Take this wine glass out later. Someone’s definitely going to check it. Tell Bradley to keep an eye on things."

"Got it," Joshua said.

Joshua made no move to leave. Instead, he casually took a seat beside Shermaine, clearly not planning to greet the guests outside. Then he said, "The one with me was Roy Shay."

Shermaine said flatly, "Oh. Seems he’s got quite the prejudice against me."

Joshua spoke softly, "He’s got some misunderstandings about you. I’ll make sure that bastard makes a proper apology." He’d thought Roy would only badmouth Shermaine in private. Despite repeated warnings, the guy never listened, and today, he’d been downright rude to her face.

‘This is the first and last time I’ll allow such disrespect,’ Joshua thought coldly.

If Roy remained unrepentant, then buddy or not, he wouldn’t spare him.

Shermaine smirked slightly and drawled, "Oh…"

She was Joshua’s fiancée, and Roy was supposed to be polite. After being so disrespectful to her just now, he absolutely owed her an apology.

That was why people said Joshua was the perfect husband material. He showered his partner with unwavering care and respect, never allowing anyone to slight her. And if anyone dared to cross the line, he’d be the first to stand up for her and set things right.

Fresh food was quickly brought in, while most of the earlier dishes–along with the wine glass–were thrown away.

Lily held her breath. With the two powerful figures sitting side by side, it was a stunning sight–but she didn’t dare stare for too long.

The freshly delivered food was untouched by others, so it was safe to eat. Starving, Shermaine immediately dug in without ceremony right in front of Joshua.

"Lily, aren’t you hungry?"

Lily was definitely hungry; she hadn’t eaten anything on the way here. With a relieved smile, she decided, "Don’t mind if I do then."

"Dig in," Shermaine said.

The makeup artist soon joined in, grabbing a bite to recharge with the others.

Meanwhile, Roy dispatched his men to find Leslie.

But Leslie was gone in a flash, vanished without a trace in this massive venue. With no immediate leads, all Roy could do was deploy more men to search.

Roy’s face darkened considerably. Just recalling the way Joshua glared at him sent a chill down his spine; he was still panicking. Even if he couldn’t stand Shermaine, he really shouldn’t have let it show just now. ‘Damn it, I’m screwed,’ he thought desperately.

As Shermaine was halfway through her meal, the bodyguard re-entered and announced respectfully, "Mr. York, your grandfather requests that you escort Ms. Shue over."

Shermaine licked her lips, set her food aside, and nodded her readiness.

"Understood," Joshua replied.

The makeup artist swiftly touched up her lipstick. In moments, her rouged lips became even more alluring. Then, with a dazzling diamond necklace added, her beauty was utterly irresistible.

The makeup artist looked at Shermaine with satisfaction, thinking, ‘She’s absolutely stunning–drop-dead gorgeous.’

Joshua couldn’t help but let his gaze linger on Shermaine–her bare shoulders, delicate collarbones, and alluring curves that made it impossible to look away. He gently reminded her, "Put your shawl on."

Meanwhile, Wendelyn received a text from Yvonne: [The wine I brought in has been finished and the glass sent out. Wendelyn, may I leave now?]

Chapter 79

Wendelyn texted back: [Are you sure Shermaine drank it?]

Yvonne: [Absolutely. There’s lipstick on the rim.]