Chapter 461 Ethan Was Drugged
Ashley felt only gratitude toward Atticus. She didn't love him, but he was her most important person—more than a friend, like family.
"I..." Ashley was about to answer when the music suddenly stopped and everyone froze.
Ashley and Ethan stood motionless. Applause erupted around them as they realized their dance had captivated the entire ballroom. Admiring glances came from all directions.
Across the room, Mary was seething with jealousy. She hurried over, looping her arm through Ethan's. "Your Highness, shall we toast the Countess?"
Ethan frowned, instinctively looking toward Ashley, wanting to push Mary away.
Ashley observed their intimate posture with a composed expression that masked her inner turmoil.
"Ms. White, you've monopolized His Highness long enough. Time to return him to me, don't you think?" Mary's tone subtly warned Ashley not to overstep.
"I apologize for intruding," Ashley smiled politely before walking away.
She scanned the room and spotted Sandy enjoying desserts in a corner. She headed toward him.
Ethan watched her go, his expression darkening. She hadn't answered his question, but he assumed she loved Atticus. He was unaware of his own disappointment and heartache.
A maidservant approached with a tray of drinks, her hands trembling so badly the glasses nearly spilled.
Mary took two glasses, offering one to Ethan. "Your Highness, shall we toast the Countess?"
"Very well."
They congratulated the Countess on her birthday, but Ethan's attention wandered, scanning the room for Ashley. He noticed several men approaching her, his distraction evident.
Mary asked, "Your Highness, we've all had our drinks. Why haven't you touched yours?"
Had Ethan observed Mary closely, he would have noticed her nervous anticipation, but his gaze remained fixed on Ashley.
Ethan murmured his acknowledgment and drained his wine.
Mary watched his Adam's apple bob, a triumphant smile playing at her lips.
"Your Highness, you look tired. Let me show you to a guest room."
"That won't be necessary."
Ignoring Mary, Ethan strode toward Ashley as he saw a gentleman attempting to lead her away.
Mary fumed as she watched him head straight for Ashley.
"Miss, after our dance, I'm completely enchanted. Perhaps we could get to know each other better?" the gentleman was saying.
Ashley gave him a cold look. "I'm sorry, but I'm married with children. My husband treats me wonderfully, and I would never consider infidelity."
Ethan approached just in time to overhear, feeling inexplicably irritated.
The man walked away disappointed as Ethan took the seat opposite Ashley.
"Pearl, I had no idea you and Atticus were so devoted. That man was a duke's son with considerable wealth—not inferior to Atticus. Sure you won't reconsider?" Ethan challenged.
Ashley rolled her eyes. "I don't even know him."
Ethan, initially annoyed, couldn't help but relax at her response.
Suddenly, he felt dizzy and pressed his fingers against his temple.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" Ashley asked.
Ethan tugged irritably at his tie, feeling parched. He spotted a cold drink on the table and drank deeply.
Ashley's face flushed as she tried to stop him. "Wait, that's..."
It was her glass, and he had placed his lips exactly where hers had been—an indirect kiss.
Ashley's heart pounded wildly.
"I'm suddenly dizzy," Ethan said, massaging his temples. "Pearl, would you escort me to a guest room?"
Ashley nodded. "Let's go."
She helped support Ethan, and at her touch, his discomfort intensified.
He furrowed his brow as Mary approached, looking nervous, as if her scheme was being foiled.
Ethan's eyes flickered with realization and suspicion.
Suppressing the strange sensations in his body, he signaled to Ian with a glance.
Ashley helped Ethan to the guest quarters, led by a guard. Mary tried to follow but was stopped by Ian.
Ian said, "Miss, His Highness needs rest. Please don't disturb him."
Mary replied, "Ian, he looked unwell. I'm concerned. May I check on him?"
Ian blocked her path. "Miss, please don't put me in a difficult position."
Mary watched helplessly as Ethan and Ashley disappeared down the corridor, stamping her foot in frustration.
Damn it! She had gone to such lengths to slip him that potion, only for that commoner to reap the benefits!
Unable to reach Ethan, Mary was beside herself with rage.
Ashley helped Ethan into the guest room. As soon as they entered, Ethan slammed the door shut and pinned Ashley against it, kissing her fiercely.
Ashley's eyes widened in shock as she struggled to push him away, but her resistance only seemed to inflame his passion further as he continued his urgent advances.
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