His gaze fixed on the frosted glass door of the bathroom, where a blurry figure moved inside.

Even through the door, he could clearly see the charming silhouette of the woman inside.

In an instant, he felt a dryness in his mouth and throat, accompanied by a surge of heat rushing to his head.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and the petite woman peeked out, her head swaying as she spoke, "Honey, could you bring my pajamas, please?"

"Okay,"

Bradley replied in a husky tone.

He went to the closet, retrieved a set of pajamas, and walked over to hand them to her.

"Thanks, darling,"

Freya cooed, throwing him a flirtatious glance before closing the door to change.

After her shower, although the heat had dissipated from her body, Freya felt her head heavy and her limbs weak.

Despite her efforts, she struggled with the buttons on her pajamas.

Frustrated, she opened the door and called out to him, "Honey, I can't button up. Could you please come in and help me?"

Hearing her soft plea, Bradley's heart melted.

Without hesitation, he rushed in, practically tripping over himself.

Inside the bathroom, steam swirled around, filled with the scent of bath products.

Freya stood there in her pajamas, the buttons askew, cheeks still flushed.

Her thick lashes were damp with mist, giving her an innocent yet enticing look that stirred something within him.

"Hurry up, I'm so tired and want to sleep,"

Freya pouted when he didn't move.

Bradley's Adam's apple bobbed as he took a step closer, reaching out to caress her face.

"Okay, darling, let me help you," he said softly before getting to work.

Undoing all the buttons, he patiently re-fastened them.

All the buttons were unfastened, then refastened securely.

Though it should have taken just five minutes, time seemed to stretch out like gel, each moment feeling like an eternity to Bradley.

Suppressing his inner restlessness, he refrained from any excessive actions.

After Freya finished her shower and left, he too took a cold shower.

Xavier had warned that the drug acted slowly but fiercely once it took effect.

He needed to be at his best tonight.

The thought of Freya's adorable demeanor brought a smile to Bradley's lips.

After Freya luxuriated in her post-shower comfort, she found herself nestled in bed.

The air contained a fragrant blend of bath products and Bradley's captivating aroma.

She took a deep breath.

But instead of feeling refreshed, she found herself increasingly uncomfortable, as if a wave of heat was sweeping over her once again.

And this time, it was more intense than before. Soon enough, her freshly changed pajamas were soaked with sweat.

Feeling uneasy, she tugged at the neckline before clumsily making her way to the bathroom, where she knocked on the door.

"Darling, could you please hurry? I need to take another shower," she called out.

Bradley, who was getting dressed, immediately opened the door and appeared before her.

Freya lifted her gaze, her eyelashes trembling as she looked at him, before breaking into a playful smile.

"Darling, you're such a tease!"

"Women like you, don't you all enjoy a bit of mischief from men?"

Bradley teased, his fingers intertwining with hers as he pulled her into his embrace.

The sound of rushing water filled the air as Freya leaned against his shoulder, her mind feeling heavy and foggy.

"Darling, was I really drugged?" she asked, her fingers gently caressing his soft hair.

Bradley gently toyed with her soft hair and nodded. "Yeah, it's not just your ordinary drug. Initially, it feels like being drunk, but as it gradually takes effect, you lose control," he explained.

Freya's hand rested on his chest, but even that light touch felt like a flame against his skin.

It was indeed unusual.

No wonder she had been feeling dizzy and disoriented the whole time, as if a restless fire was raging inside her.

Indeed, she had been drugged.

But by whom?

In the room at that moment, besides Ella, everyone else belonged Julia's boutique.

They shouldn't have drugged her.

"I've already asked Ella to investigate. We'll have results soon," Bradley assured her.

Her porcelain hand rested on him, gradually igniting a fire within him.

His mouth felt dry as he hoarsely called out, "Freya..."

"Hmm?" She bashfully raised her head, but he leaned in and kissed her lips.

As they drew close, Freya's body shivered uncontrollably.

The effects of the drug seemed to intensify, making her increasingly uncomfortable.

Her hands immediately found their way to his neck, her eyes shimmering with alluring light.

"Darling~"

Her soft voice echoed in his ears.

Bradley's heart melted halfway.

He gently lifted her chin, wrapping his arm around her slender waist, and gazed deeply into her eyes.

"Freya…"

"I'll give you two choices. There's medication downstairs from Xavier. Would you like to take it, or..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Freya silenced him with her actions.

Her decision was made.

And tonight was destined to be another sleepless night.

…

The next morning, bright and early.

Freya was awakened by her phone ringing.

It was a call from Ella.

She brought news confirming that the glass Freya drank from had traces of the drug.

Freya's pupils clouded over with anger. "Do you know who did it?"

Ella uttered a name.

Hearing it, Freya clenched her fists, her expression darkening.

"What do you intend to do with her?" Ella inquired.

"I'll keep her around for now. I want to see what she plans to do next," Freya responded firmly.

"Okay, I'll head back to the boutique to make sure no one takes advantage of the situation."

"Good,"

Freya hung up the phone, her mind going blank as she sat on the edge of the bed.

She never expected that the person who targeted her would turn out to be...

Just as she was lost in thought, she felt a tickle in her ear.

Turning her head, she found herself locking eyes with Bradley, his gaze cold yet intense

His strong arms enveloped her waist, pulling her close.

"Who called at this ungodly hour?"

"Ella did."

She nestled against him, relishing the closeness as she admired his chiseled features.

Her heart raced with a mix of emotions, her cheeks flushing at the memory of last night's events.

Pushing against his chest, she attempted to rise, but he swiftly maneuvered, flipping her back into his embrace.

"Thinking of escaping, hmm?" His voice was low, tinged with a hint of amusement as his fingertips traced her jawline. "Did you find out who drugged you?"

"Yes,"

Freya nodded, her anger mingled with disappointment.

She had treated her employees with utmost sincerity, offering them the best training and salaries.

Yet, someone had betrayed her trust.

Sensing her turmoil, Bradley squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"There's no need to go easy on such people. Even if you forgive her this time, she'll betray you again."

"I know, it's just unsettling," Freya admitted.

Despite her care for those close to her, someone had taken advantage of her kindness.

She increasingly felt it wasn't worth the trouble.

"If it unsettles you, then I'll let you take it out on me."

His lips brushed against hers tenderly, offering solace in their shared moment.