Chapter 287: Poisoned

Braelyn’s POV

“And we officially have our winners tonight,” the host announced. “Number five team takes the prize.”

The woman gasped in disbelief, clapping her hands together before turning to Raphael in pure excitement. She almost threw her arms around him, stopping halfway when she met his sharp, suddenly distant gaze. Raphael’s gaze drifted to me and she understood.

In an instant, he was no longer her game partner. He was the cold, unreachable vice chairman again who was married..She awkwardly lowered her arms. “Sorry, sir.” she apologised.

He seemed like the perfect devoted husband. The lady awkwardly moved away and gave me an apologetic smile. Hiding my urge to scoff or roll my eyes I gave a subtle smile in return.

“Please can the winning prize be brought on stage…” the host announced and on cue A staff member brought the cheque forward. The large cheque had 500000 boldly written on it. The audience applauded at Volkov Apex’s generosity.

“Five hundred thousand,” the host announced. “To be shared between the winning team.” A round of applause rang. They were meant to split it but that seemed like an insult to Raphael. The guest was dumbfounded at the amount

I noticed Lucien’s smirk. He understood what was happening. It was a facade to tell the world that Volkov Apex was strong and wasn’t affected by the trade war.

Raphael and the lady held the cheque for pictures. He held a polite smile on his face. After the cameras stopped clicking he nodded at the woman and glanced at the cheque, then handed it entirely to the woman. “All of it is yours,” he said simply. He held the image of the generous boss and instantly melted the hearts of many.

Her eyes widened. “Sir, I cannot…” she shook her head unable to accept such an amount. It felt like a lottery.

“If I knew the price was so much i should have tried harder.” My partner sighed disappointedly. My gaze drifted back to Raphael.

“You can,” he replied calmly. “Take it, you need it more,” he assured her. She was in disbelief, her hand trembled as she reached for the cheque.

Tears instantly filled her eyes as she bowed repeatedly, clutching the cheque as if it might vanish. The entire hall burst into applause again, the mood lifting noticeably.

Then the host cleared his throat with theatrical seriousness..”And now,” he said, “we come to the penalty drinks for our losing teams. Please bring them forward.”

Two long glasses were placed in front of Lucien and Amelia.

Lucien picked it up without hesitation and downed it in one smooth swallow, setting the empty glass back like it was nothing more than water.

Amelia, however, stared at hers like it contained acid. “Madam, please,” the host encouraged with a polite smile. “Rules are rules.” he urged her.

She did not move. She stood stiffly refusing to bulge. A murmur spread through the hall. Voice rang urging her to take it. It was an old tradition of the gala. Ronan had once lost a game and downed his glass so who was Amelia to refuse the punishment?

“Drink it.”

“Come on.”

“It is just a penalty.”

Voices rose from different tables, playful at first, then louder as the chant spread.

Amelia’s fingers tightened around the stem, but she still did not lift it. Her eyes flicked briefly toward Raphael as if silently asking for rescue.

He ignored her completely. I frowned slightly, unable to understand why she was refusing something so harmless. It wasn’t like the alcohol was strong enough to make her drunk with a glass.

Then she turned toward me with a soft, sugary smile. A pleading look shone in her eyes. “Braelyn,” she said sweetly, loud enough for the nearby tables to hear. “Since you organised the event… perhaps the rule can be adjusted this once?”

Silence dropped instantly. I arched a brow at her trying to figure out what was happening.

“Or,” she added gently, “Raphael could drink it for me.” She pleaded with a look of complete helplessness that made my stomach churn.

I met her gaze steadily. “There are no exceptions,” I replied calmly. “Everyone attending the banquet knew the rules beforehand. The penalty applies to whoever loses.”

Her smile held for one second longer..Then she nodded..”Of course,” she murmured.

Without another word, she lifted the glass and drank the entire thing in one go.

The hall erupted into applause once more.

But something about the way her eyes briefly locked onto mine afterwards made a cold feeling settle deep in my stomach.

After taking the penalty drinks we were all urged to return to our seats. The lady Raphael gave the cheque to almost ran from the stage to the arms of a man who was waiting for her at the foot of the stage

I recognised him as a low-level accountant. They were shedding tears of joy. I assumed they were a couple.

My attention didn’t linger on them for long. We arrived at our table and Raphael keeping up the act pulled out my seat.

The event continued, and a comedian came on stage to present. At a point, Amelia had left her table with Natalia looking pale but I didn’t think much about it

It was none of my concern. Later while I was enjoying my main meal, the lottery tickets were about to be read a few minutes after Amelia exited the hall Natalia rushed up to my table and without a word yanked me off my table

Before I could react Raphael already grabbed his mother’s hand. Curious gaze drifted our way but it didn’t linger.

“Mother what is the meaning of this. ” Raphael hissed trying his best to keep his tone calm. Lucien was still seated but his gaze could literally kill.

I stared at Natalia’s twisted face. She looked hysterical. It left me dumbfounded. Natalia’s voice remained calm but her grip tightened on my wrist. “If you don’t want a scene quietly leave with me..” she warned then her gaze locked on me as she coldly said

“Or I will let everyone know you poisoned Amelia. Don’t make things more difficult. ” my brain instantly short-circuited.

I poisoned Amelia. When?

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