Chapter 3 Scheme

Nadine examined Warren's photo closely, zooming in repeatedly. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen him before, yet she couldn't recall where.

The comments under this article were filled with harsh insults toward her, labeling her as a homewrecker.

She browsed major news sites, relieved to find no clear photos of herself. But if anyone she knew saw this news, they would undoubtedly suspect her. This especially worried her about the Wheeler family.

Soon enough, her phone rang. It was her father, Domenic Wheeler.

Nadine answered and was greeted by her father's furious voice. "Nadine, you better get your ass back at the villa right now! If you don't, I'll make you regret it!"

In his office, Warren sat brooding, staring at a tablet showing a picture of a woman hiding her face.

His assistant, Blaine Marsh, laid some papers in front of him, but Warren signaled for a verbal report instead.

Blaine began, "Mr. Harper, the woman in your bed is Nadine Wheeler, Domenic Wheeler's daughter out of wedlock. Domenic is the Wheeler Group's CEO. Nadine rejoined the family a year ago and soon married Caden of the Gordon Group. She was meant to be at the banquet with Caden last night, but he left halfway, leaving her alone. It looks like they were plotting against you."

Warren's expression changed as he thoughtfully interrupted, "I doubt it. She seemed quite drunk then."

Nadine had indeed toasted to him during the banquet.

While she was toasting, Caden, next to her, subtly signaled her to move closer to Warren, seemingly urging his wife toward him.

Warren had suspected Nadine might have intentionally approached him, but during their heated moment at the elevator, she called out for Caden.

Warren realized that Nadine's self-respect wouldn't let her willingly go to another man for her husband's sake. She must have mistaken him for Caden.

Blaine was surprised. His boss seldom defended others, making his words all the more surprising. Could there be more to it?

He cast a covert glance at Warren's face and ventured a guess, saying, "Maybe Nadine didn't know about all this, but Caden's intentions seem suspicious. He's eyeing our Galaxy Group's first domestic project and has a reputation for underhanded tactics. He might even stoop to using his wife as a bargaining chip."

Warren gave no clear response to his assistant's speculation.

Yet, Blaine seemed to have pieced together the situation, voicing his disapproval. "To think Caden would offer his own wife for a deal. He has no morals. And Nadine, such a promising young woman, is caught in his schemes."

"Caden lacks the skill for such a move," Warren stated bluntly.

Blaine caught on quickly. "Right. He might control Nadine, but he's no match for you."

It seemed possible that a faction within the Harper family had engineered this incident, aiming to trap Warren.

"Should we get the news taken down?" asked Blaine.

Warren studied the photo on his tablet, deep in thought.

Finally, he answered softly, "No, let it stay."

"Okay, Mr. Harper." Blaine nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

A thought struck Warren, prompting him to call the assistant back. "Take care of the hotel's surveillance footage."

When he heard Warren's request, Blaine's eyes sparkled. "Do you want me to retrieve the original surveillance footage for you?"

Warren forcefully pushed the tablet on Blaine's arm, his demeanor turning intimidating.

"Find out who tampered with my drink."

Faced with Warren's intense look, Blaine gave a sheepish smile. "Understood. I'll figure out who's behind it."

Soon after, he returned with a hint of gossip in his tone. "Mr. Harper, Rylee's in the city hospital. Shall we pay her a visit?"

Warren curtly responded, "Leave!"

Blaine nodded, "As you wish, sir. I'll be leaving!"

Warren, freshly back in the country, hadn't anticipated being drugged and ensnared in a scheme.

His attention then returned to the papers his assistant had left, his expression growing serious once more.

Meanwhile, Nadine left Caden's car midway due to the remote location of Milly's house.

On arriving at the Wheeler family villa by taxi, she was met with Tricia Wheeler's harsh criticism.

As Nadine stepped inside, a cup hurled toward her and shattered on the floor.

"So you've finally returned! Look at the mess you've made!" Tricia, who had always disapproved of Nadine, was now seething.

"You disgraceful woman! You're tarnishing our family name. If word gets out in the city, how will Stacey ever marry? Are you that much of a slut? Is Caden not enough for you? Why cheat? You're no different from your mother!"