Chapter 113 Was Paige Outmaneuvered?
Xena's scheme was unfolding with such ease that Paige seemed bewitched, complying with every directive Xena issued. When Xena proffered a drink to Paige, she accepted it without a moment's hesitation, swiftly draining the contents of the glass. As Paige consumed the concoction Xena had specially prepared, Xena herself took a leisurely sip of her own beverage. Her voice softened perceptibly as she engaged in conversation with the women around her. Isadora, who had been part of the group, had noticeably receded into the background following a distinct disagreement with Xena earlier. Her contributions to the conversation had dwindled significantly. The time for the evening dinner soon arrived, hosted in the grand restaurant of the Hawke Corporation hotel. The seating arrangement was meticulously planned, and despite the fact that Paige's relationship with Raymond was yet to be officially announced, her seat was strategically placed at the main table of the prestigious Carnegie family. When Paige was escorted to her seat, the room was once again filled with a palpable sense of surprise. Rumors had been circulating that Xena was the one destined to marry into the Carnegie family. However, at this banquet, Xena's seat was conspicuously distanced from the main table of the Carnegie family. Paige settled into her seat beside Raymond, who turned to her with a hint of concern in his voice, "Has Xena done anything untoward?"Paige leaned in, whispering to Raymond, "You'll find out soon enough."Raymond's expression darkened, "Is she scheming against you?"Paige responded, "Am I not sitting here perfectly fine? Don't fret, just wait for the show to unfold."After uttering these words, Paige's gaze shifted back to Xena. It was clear that Xena had her in her crosshairs, and Paige had already planned to whisk Raymond away to Country M the following day to sidestep any potential chaos Xena might incite in her absence. Paige was determined to teach Xena a lesson - she couldn't let her off the hook too easily. Xena, in turn, was closely monitoring Paige's every move. As the banquet reached its midpoint, several ladies began to excuse themselves to the restroom to change into their evening gowns. At such gatherings, it was customary for the women to eat sparingly to ensure their gowns fit impeccably. Xena was waiting for Paige to rise from her seat, and sure enough, as soon as Paige stood, Xena was hot on her heels. Approximately half an hour later, the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation gradually subsided. The female guests, now adorned in their evening gowns, had moved on to the next venue. The men, dressed in formal attire, had just arrived. As Raymond was ushered into the banquet hall, he scanned the room, his eyes searching for Paige. Neither Paige nor Xena was anywhere to be seen. "Could you check the ladies' lounge to see why madam hasn't emerged yet?" Raymond asked, a note of concern in his voice. Even though Paige was no ordinary woman, she had spent the last five years in prison and had lived a largely rural life prior to that. This was Paige's first time attending such a high-profile social event. Xena, on the other hand, had been exposed to these types of gatherings from a young age, and many of her friends were in attendance. If someone were to lay a trap for Paige, there was a chance, however slim, that she might fall into it. Charles looked taken aback, "You want me to check on the ladies, Raymond? That seems a tad inappropriate. Besides, doesn't madam have a female assistant with her? I'll just give her a call."Raymond shot Charles a look as he began to dial Pearl's number. Even if Charles didn't personally investigate, the result would be the same. Raymond chuckled, "You even have her assistant's number."With a sycophantic grin, Charles replied, "Isn't it for the convenience of the job?"However, when Charles dialed the number, there was no response. Raymond's brow furrowed as the call went unanswered. After a prolonged silence, Charles attempted to call again. This time, before the call could connect, a man approached Raymond. Raymond recognized him; he had seen this man at Yasmin Sackler's birthday party, standing alongside Yasmin and Xena. "Raymond, you're looking for your lady friend Paige, right?" Charles whispered in Raymond's ear, "That's Elijah, Yasmin's grandnephew, Xena's Elijah."Raymond understood the implication—this man was in cahoots with Xena. Raymond's tone was slightly heavy, "Lady friend?"Considering the close relationship between the Trump and Sackler families, was it possible they were unaware of the nature of his relationship with Paige?Elijah feigned ignorance of their relationship. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Your lady friend, she... knows how to have a good time..."Elijah's words were vague, laden with insinuation. Raymond immediately deciphered the underlying meaning of Elijah's cryptic comment about 'having a good time.'
In that instant, a shadow fell across Raymond's countenance. Had they not been standing on his own familiar ground, he would have dismissed Elijah with a\ decisive action.With a sense of urgency, Raymond maneuvered his wheelchair, setting a direct course for the women's changing room and restroom.Upon witnessing this, Charles sprang into action, hastening to assist Raymond with the navigation of his wheelchair.Before Raymond could even breach the threshold of the women's area, let alone the changing room, Louis made a hasty appearance.A deep frown creased Raymond's brow. What possible reason could Louis have for being here?Could it be that Paige had been ensnared in a trap, and Elijah had alerted him as well?Raymond cursed under his breath. Xena must have factored Louis into her calculations, aware that he might still harbor some lingering fantasy.Louis shot a quick glance at Raymond but remained silent, swiftly making his way toward the restroom.Charles quickened his pace, jogging alongside the wheelchair.Paige had a private rest area reserved for her use.As Raymond prepared to knock on the door, Louis also positioned himself at the entrance, making no attempt to conceal his intention of seeing Paige.Raymond's eyes narrowed slightly. If something untoward had indeed transpired within, he did not want Louis to bear witness.He turned to Charles, issuing a directive. "Please escort our young master to a more suitable location to rest.""Understood," Charles responded, then pivoted towards Louis, gesturing for him to depart.Just as Raymond was about to knock again, Louis made no move to retreat. Instead, he stepped forward, seizing Raymond's hand. "Do you know what's happening inside?" he inquired.A dangerous spark ignited in the depths of Raymond's eyes. "Regardless of the situation within, remember your place. I am your brother Raymond, and she is your aunt Paige. Whatever transpires between a husband and wife, at any time, is not your concern."Louis recoiled, the truth of Raymond's words striking him.Paige and Raymond were wed; she was no longer any of his concern.Still, he couldn't shake off what Elijah had relayed to him...As their gazes locked, the door to the room suddenly swung open from within.Paige emerged, resplendent in an elegant and seductive white dress, her aura a captivating blend of grace and sensuality.Upon seeing the two men at her door, she immediately discerned the purpose of their visit.A chuckle escaped Paige as she took in the sight of the two disconcerted men, their actions reminiscent of headless chickens. "Surely, you don't believe I'm the sort of fool who'd fall into someone else's trap?"Raymond's sense of impending danger dissipated, replaced by a smug satisfaction. Indeed, why the rush? Why had he doubted Paige?Wasn't it obvious that a woman like Xena was no match for Xanthe?Louis, however, appeared increasingly anxious. "Are you alright?"Paige responded with a light, dismissive smile. "Care to join the spectacle? Come on, I'll take you there!"
