Wayne let out a quiet sigh. "If it were any other woman, your usual methods would suffice. But Violet isn''t just any woman. Ordinary drugs won''t work on her." Yuvan raised a brow. "Aren''t all these drugs supposed to stir desire? What''s different about yours?"


    "Strictly speaking, Your Highness, your usual drug doesn''t evoke real desire-it merely awakens physical urges. My concoction, however, is a type of parasitic toxin. It numbs the brain, and after... intimacy, it causes the victim to develop an emotional attachment to their partner," Wayne exined. Yuvan''s face lit up with delight. "That sounds like a miracle drug! Why didn''t you give it to me sooner? If she bes attached to me, what I desire will naturally be her desire as well."


    Wayne smiled bitterly. "Your Highness, this so-called emotional attachment goes against one''s free will. It can onlyst for a short time."


    "How long?" Yuvan asked.


    "Ten days, maybe half a month at most."


    Yuvan''s eyes gleamed darkly as he took the vial. "And what happens if I administer another dose after the effects fade? Wouldn''t that extend the attachment indefinitely?"Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Wayne frowned. "This is still poison, Your Highness. Prolonged use will harm the body. There have been cases where someone was dosed three times and became mentally impaired afterward. Too many doses could lead to irreversible brain damage, leaving one utterly incapacitated or even dead."


    Yuvan''s smile turned cold and predatory. "An imbecile would be even easier to control. The Spencer family would beg me to take care of her."


    Seeing Yuvan''s increasingly ruthless mindset, Wayne couldn''t help but caution him, warning, "Your Highness, while nning is in our hands and oues are up to the heavens, hinging an entire scheme on controlling a single person is far too risky. It could backfire disastrously."


    Wayne believed that while Violet held some influence, she wasn''t significant enough to make both the Spencer family and Carissapletely back down. The n was too dangerous, and failure would bring severe consequences.


    The only reason he had offered the drug was to give Violet a temporary emotional connection to Yuvan. Even if it was fleeting, as long as she stood by his side at a critical moment, the people from Hell Monarch Estate would be less likely to make things difficult for him. The priority now was finding a way to retreat to Valken. Once they were back there and Violet was under Yuvan''s control, they could take their time plotting their next moves.


    Even so, Wayne still felt the n was dangerously reckless.


    At Edgeview Estate, preparations were grand and meticulous. Over at Hell Monarch Estate, everyone spared no effort in dressing up as well.


    Carissa had swapped back into


    women''s attire for the asion. She


    donned a flowing crimson gown


    crafted from fine brocade, its patterns subtly embroidered with gold in floral and vine motifs. Her hair was styled in a high braided crown, adorned with delicate pearl hairpins on either side. A cascade of curls, embellished with tiny pearls that shimmered in the light, fell softly down her back, adding a lively, enchanting touch to her noble appearance.


    Meanwhile, Rafael wore a deep azure surcoat of fine brocade, embroidered with delicate gold ents along the edges and hem Beneath it, a fitted tunic of soft ivory linen, subtly adorned with intricate stitching at the cuffs and neckline,plemented his tall, lean frame. The rich fabrics and meticulous detailing made his chiseled features appear even more refined.


    Violet also dressed up carefully. Since arriving in the capital, she had rarely attended banquets. With Carissa apanying her this time, she couldn''t afford to look out of ce.


    She had no shortage of outfits, thanks to her wealth. Each season demanded its own wardrobe, even though she usually rotated between just a few practical pieces. The more borate dresses often stayed untouched-but owning them was a necessity, even if wearing them wasn''t.


    Lulu beamed as she brought out an ensemble for Violet-a fine tunic of pale apricot silk, embroidered with intricate lily patterns in gold thread. The tunic was paired with a pleated skirt of soft ivory, decorated with delicate butterfly motifs, blending lively charm with refined grace.


    Though Violet had spent years running wild in Meadow Ridge, her roots as the daughter of a prestigious merchant family still shone through. With just a little grooming and refinement in her manners, she was just as elegant as the noblewomen in the capital.


    Travis was also attending tonight,


    but he insisted that his current attire as the captain of the guards was the best choice. It perfectly showcased hismanding presence, and no other Outfit couldpare. Besides, he had convinced himself that the longer he admired his reflection in the mirror, the better he looked.


    ording to his ount, his striking appearance had captivated a whole gaggle of maids. A few even lost their sense of direction around him, frequently bringing him snacks and bottles of wine as tokens of their admiration.