Theodore's expression turned thunderous, his voice a low, dangerous ice. "It was Evelyn."

Daniel jolted back, shock etching his features.

"Ms. Rossi? How is that possible..." he breathed out, trying to process the sudden shift. "But... she arranged to meet you tonight for a serious talk. How did it escalate to this?"

A bitter, cold laugh escaped Theodore. His eyes were turbulent storms.

"Ask that wretched woman, Margaret." The words were laced with venom, his jaw clenched tight, fury radiating from him. "For the first time, I've been made a complete fool. That idiot actually drugged Evelyn."

Daniel's eyes widened in disbelief. "She drugged Ms. Rossi? So... did Ms. Rossi misunderstand your intentions?"

The question only fueled Theodore's rage.

He had thought Evelyn was softening, perhaps considering giving him a chance. He was wrong.

Not only that, but tonight's catastrophe had likely cemented her opinion of him.

She probably despised him now. Everything he'd worked for felt like it had evaporated. Furious, he clenched his fists, his voice a guttural command. "Bring Margaret to me. Now. I will deal with her personally."

Daniel immediately straightened up, urgency in his movements. "Right away, sir."

A violent storm was undoubtedly brewing inside Theodore.

Margaret had no idea what was coming. The worst was yet to arrive, and it would be brutal.

Soon, the door opened, and Daniel escorted a struggling Margaret inside.

Theodore had received basic first aid for his injuries.

He reclined on a sofa, eyes closed, his face an unreadable mask of cold calm.

"Let go of me! Who are you? Release me!" Margaret's voice was muffled by the cloth bag over her head, thick with panic.

Since her abduction by Alexander, terror had been her constant companion.

Under intense interrogation, she had broken, confessing everything to Alexander's men.

She never expected to be snatched away again so soon!

This night was becoming her worst nightmare.

Finally, the bag was ripped off. Her eyes, blurred with tears, adjusted to the light. She saw Theodore lounging casually on the couch.

A wave of relief washed over her. He was here. He must have saved her.

She stammered, "Mr. Vance! You scared me to death! Thank goodness it's you."

She placed a hand over her racing heart, her eyes wide with relief as the fear subsided.

A grateful smile touched her lips. Her tone was a mix of gratitude and mild complaint. "Did you really have to tie me up and drag me away like that? I suppose I should thank you. Who knows what that insufferable Alexander would have done to me."

She continued talking, completely oblivious to the glacial coldness settling into Theodore's gaze.

Her chatter died down when he interrupted, his voice sharp and chilling. "Margaret."

A shiver of dread ran down her spine.

She faltered, her eyes searching his face nervously. "Mr. Vance? You... What's wrong?"

Theodore laughed—a dark, humorless sound that made the air feel heavy. He pinned her with a piercing stare and said softly, menacingly, "So you thought it was a good idea to drug Evelyn. Tell me, Margaret. Why would you do that?"

Margaret was completely taken aback. Without thinking, she blurted, "I did it for you!" Drugging Evelyn was practically delivering her to Theodore.

To her utter shock, his response held no warmth.

He let out a derisive scoff, the sound dripping with mockery.

His dark eyes bored into hers with terrifying intensity.

"Margaret, I am a man who can have any woman I want. The woman I choose will come to me willingly and stay by my side out of loyalty. What gave you the right to use such a vile method on my behalf?"