Chapter 118 Tonight, Passion Ignites

Xena's sobs grew louder, her tears cascading down her cheeks. Margaret's voice cut through the air, stern and unyielding, "Why choose to cry now? Will your tears alter the course of events? Had you succeeded in your endeavor today, it would be Paige shedding tears, not you. This world is a battlefield, Xena, where the victor takes all. For such a crucial matter, why didn't you consult me?"Margaret's heart ached, not so much from the failure of her tutelage, but from the lost opportunity. Had Xena triumphed, she could have seamlessly married into the prestigious Carnegie family. The Sackler family's status would have soared, and their lives would have taken a different trajectory.Now, however, the Sacklers found themselves in a disastrous predicament.Xena and Margaret finally exchanged their formal attire for more casual wear, quietly exiting through the back door. Amidst the clinking of glasses, Paige couldn't suppress a chuckle when Pearl relayed the news to her.After this setback, the Sackler family would likely retreat from the limelight for a while.At least during the period Paige would be overseas seeking an antidote, the Sacklers would likely remain quiet.Otherwise, if they stirred up trouble in her absence, the consequences could be unpredictable.Feeling a sense of relief, Paige overheard Margaret instructing Xena from a nearby car, "If you encounter Paige in the coming days, maintain your distance. Do you understand? Stay far away."Following the anniversary celebration, Paige turned to Raymond with an unexpected invitation, "Where do you plan to stay tonight?"Raymond responded, "Wherever my wife goes, I will follow."Paige's eyes, clouded with the haze of alcohol, were filled with affection. She ensnared Raymond with a gaze as potent as a physical hook, "The Southern Garden Villa."Raymond, already bewitched by this seductive siren, coupled with the dim, romantic lighting and the soft music permeating the room, didn't need another alluring glance from Paige to surrender completely.Raymond nodded, "Alright, I'll accompany you to the Southern Garden Villa.""You also promised to accompany me abroad for treatment."Raymond nodded again, "Wherever you wish to go, my dear, we will go."Thus, they would go, anywhere and everywhere.Raymond had given his word, and Paige responded with a satisfied smile playing on her lips.The couple made an early exit from the event, with Charles driving them straight to the Southern Garden Villa.That night, Raymond discovered the enchanting allure of a slightly intoxicated Paige. It felt almost like their first time together.The incense burning in the Windrain Tower, courtesy of Louis, produced an effect eerily similar to their current state of inebriation.Tonight, Paige was more assertive than usual, and Raymond felt as if he was with a different woman.But Raymond didn't dwell on it, attributing it to Paige's high spirits and the effects of the alcohol.However, as Raymond emerged from the bathroom, he was greeted by the sight of Paige, clad only in a thin spaghetti strap dress, holding his tie from earlier. With a swift motion, she looped the tie around Raymond's neck, drawing him closer. Before he knew it, her fiery red lips were upon his.Next, Paige lifted a long leg and seated herself directly on Raymond's lap.Raymond, still in his wheelchair, was taken aback by Paige's eagerness. Thankfully, the wheelchair Raymond had chosen was sturdy and, while Paige was not heavy, it could comfortably support their combined weight.Raymond was accustomed to coaxing his delicate wife, but tonight, fortune seemed to favor him. Paige not only took the initiative but did so with a flirtatious tenderness.With her hands gently cradling Raymond's face, she tilted his head and kissed him passionately.Each deep kiss was an apology to Raymond.She was unsure whether deceiving Raymond into accompanying her to Country M under false pretenses was right or wrong.Nevertheless, Mrs. Sackler had been lying in that hospital bed for over five years now, still in a coma.If there was anything Paige could do to awaken Mrs. Sackler, she would do it.Yet, the thought of sacrificing Raymond for this purpose filled her with unease.The more conflicted she felt, the bolder Paige's actions became.Her assertiveness ignited a fire in Raymond, making him feel as though he was aflame.Raymond, with one arm holding Paige and the other maneuvering the wheelchair, moved to the edge of the bed. He then swept Paige up and, with a strong push from the wheelchair, tumbled onto the bed with her.Paige, with eyes closed, barely registered the motion before she found herself beneath Raymond on the bed.

"Are you contemplating divorce?" Raymond's voice was a whisper in her ear, a deep, seductive murmur that sent shivers down her spine.Paige's body yielded to his touch as Raymond enveloped her in his arms, their bodies intertwining as they tumbled across the bed. Only after they had plumbed the depths of passion, time and time again, did they finally succumb to the pull of sleep, their bodies entwined in the aftermath of their shared intimacy.Despite the exhaustion that clung to her like a second skin, Paige was the first to rise the following morning, her movements quiet so as not to disturb Raymond. After freshening up, she made her way to the private hospital room.Mrs. Sackler lay in her bed, as still and serene as a sleeping princess in a fairy tale. Her silence was a world unto itself, seemingly untouched by the chaos of the world beyond her stillness.Paige took a seat by the bed, leaning forward to address the woman lying before her."Mrs. Sackler," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "the antidote is in Country M. I'm leaving today to retrieve it. In my absence, Pearl will oversee your care."Paige's body was half-propped against the bedside, the familiar scent of antiseptic filling her nostrils."I secured a significant project from the Sackler family yesterday—it's akin to the interest they owe you," Paige confided to the motionless figure. "Xena has encountered some difficulties; she can't marry Louis anymore. But after this, she probably won't interfere with me. As long as she stays out of my way, I can get more accomplished."The most important thing right now is saving you, Mrs. Sackler. Can you hear me?"Paige rose from her seat, her gaze lingering on Mrs. Sackler's impassive face. Perhaps she could hear, but what did it matter if she couldn't respond?A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Paige's lips—apart from securing the antidote, there seemed to be no other way to rouse her.Paige was uncertain if Mrs. Sackler could endure for as long as it would take, relying solely on Sullivan's care.Time was of the essence—it was a race against the clock, and Paige was determined not to admit defeat.As for Raymond, she was resolved to ensure his safety and was unwavering in her quest to bring him back.The sound of two knocks at the door drew Paige's attention, and she turned to see who it was."Xanthe, breakfast is ready, and Raymond's awake," Pearl announced. "The flight to Country M departs in two hours."Paige glanced at her watch.Time was running out; she needed to start preparing soon."How's the packing coming along?" Paige asked."Everything's packed," Pearl replied. "After breakfast, we can head to the airport."A sudden thought occurred to Paige: "Don't I own a private jet?"According to the checklist Pearl had shown her, a private jet wasn’t included.Regardless, the lack of a jet didn't drastically alter the situation."If necessary, we can arrange for one later," Pearl suggested.Paige shook her head, "No need. It's a waste of money.""I should’ve thought ahead and prepared one," Pearl conceded. "We have the hangar space; we just didn't get around to the jet itself.""Just handle it as you see fit," Paige said with a nod.At that moment, Raymond wheeled himself into the room. "Are you discussing a plane? My jet just arrived in the country, perhaps—"Paige interrupted, "I've already booked the tickets."She intended to take Raymond with her, and having only Charles by his side was probably enough. If Raymond brought more people along, Paige wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep the situation under control.The opposition had specifically requested Raymond, and of course, Paige didn't plan to hand him over. She wasn't that heartless.After all, it was better to have one less problem, and things would be much easier to handle if they were under her control.If things spiraled out of her control, it would be very troublesome.Raymond seemed to sense that Paige was somewhat different from the extreme warmth of the previous night.Perhaps it was because the effects of the alcohol had worn off."Pearl spoke with Charles," Paige said. "He'll bring your luggage over in a bit. Is there anything in particular you need to take with you?"Paige then pushed Raymond's wheelchair toward the dining area."There's nothing special I need to take," Raymond replied. "Anything I need after we get there, I'll just buy.""Okay," Paige agreed.On the flight to Country M, sitting in first class, Paige occasionally glanced over at Raymond, a twinge of guilt perhaps tugging at her heartstrings.

Indeed, she had successfully deceived Raymond into journeying to Country M, a venture fraught with considerable risk.Raymond feigned deep absorption in his book, but abruptly, his lips twisted into a smirk. He set aside his reading material and turned his attention to Paige. "You're quite fond of me, aren't you, Mrs. Carnegie?" he asked.Taken aback, Paige responded, "Why would you assume that, Mr. Carnegie?"Raymond's smile softened. "We've been airborne for forty-five minutes, and you've stolen glances at me every five minutes on average, Mrs. Carnegie. The only plausible explanation for such behavior is affection."Paige fell silent, the harsh reality of her feelings too difficult to articulate."Don't flatter yourself, Raymond," she retorted.Ignoring her protest, Raymond gently grasped Paige's hand and held it firmly. "Mrs. Carnegie, do you have feelings for me?" His gaze was intense, as if trying to penetrate her very soul.Despite the spaciousness of first class, Paige felt cornered. Raymond watched her intently, anticipating her response.Paige had seriously contemplated taking care of Raymond and even considered the prospect of spending her entire life with him.However, Paige had never truly reflected on whether she liked or loved him. She bore a heavy burden and ideally, she would prefer to share her life with a simple, ornamental husband.Conversely, Raymond was far from being merely ornamental, and Paige hesitated only momentarily before his entire demeanor became as forceful as a storm."Such a cruel woman, so heartless," he mused, "she must not harbor any feelings for me."Did she not comprehend the sacrifices he had made for her? No, he concluded, she was oblivious.Raymond drew a deep breath, preparing to release Paige's hand when she tightened her grip."Do you know, Raymond, I'd never contemplated marriage before. My life was different from others, and I never even considered what marriage entailed.When Margaret insisted I end my engagement to Louis and marry someone else to see Mrs. Sackler, I didn't question whether I should. I merely wondered where I could find someone willing to marry me within three days.Raymond, I hadn't pondered this question before. But if you could grant me some time, I want to seriously consider it and formulate a plan."Raymond exhaled a long sigh, "Ah..."Paige looked at him with concern. "What's wrong? Did I say something inappropriate?"Raymond shook his head. "The journey ahead is long. If I'd known you didn't love me yet, Mrs. Carnegie, and I still accompanied you abroad, what if you sold me?"A sense of dread washed over Paige. Sold him?Did Raymond suspect something?