Chapter 22

Ruby held her breath for a moment, making sure that the drug was fully mixed. With careful steps, she carried the coffee cup to the living room where Nicolas sat, waiting for her return. In the back of her mind, she knew this was the only way to get Nicolas' full attention-a way to make him more interested and, ultimately, more attached to her. Ruby didn't care about any feelings involved. To her, this was a game she had to win.

Nicolas, who had just arrived home, sat down with a body that felt tired. His eyes were closed for a moment, and he rubbed his face, trying to calm down after a long day of work. Ruby walked over, handing him a cup of coffee with a forced sweet smile.

"Nico, hot coffee. It'll definitely make you feel better after a long day," she said in a soft voice, hoping to make him glance at her.

Nicolas lifted his face, gave Ruby a quick glance, then accepted the coffee with a slight nod. "Thank you," he said, but his voice sounded flat, as if he wasn