?<strong>Chapter 1156:</strong>


    As Belinda and Holley stepped out, only Lucas and Sarai remained in the spacious, dimly lit private room. A heavy silence settled between them.


    Sarai’s heart pounded, her nerves on edge.


    Roughly ten minutester, Lucas, who had been eating without much enthusiasm, suddenly shook his head slightly, as if he was feeling ufortable.


    Sarai noticed it immediately. Her voice wasced with concern as she asked, “Mr. rk, are you feeling alright?”


    Lucas didn’t respond right away. Another two minutes passed before he finally lifted his gaze toward her.


    Then, to Sarai’s delight, he smiled and murmured, “Belinda, why are you sitting so far away from me?”


    Sarai’s pulse quickened.


    Feigning confusion, she blinked and asked, “Um… Mr. rk, what did you just call me?”


    Lucas replied, “Belinda. What’s wrong?”


    Sarai blinked. “Are you sure… I’m Belinda?”


    “Yes.” Lucas nodded.


    A slow, triumphant smile curved Sarai’s lips.


    She knew now—without a doubt—the drug had taken full effect.


    Without hesitation, she nodded. “Yes, I’m Belinda.”


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    The informant from the ck market had assured her that once the substance kicked in, the victim would perceive the person before them as the one they loved. And once it wore off, all memory of the encounter would be erased.


    That meant once it was over, she could y the innocent victim, making Lucas feel guilty toward her. Anticipation surged through Sarai.


    She looked at Lucas, her voice gentle and coaxing. “Lucas, you must be feeling unwell… I’ve booked a suite upstairs. Let’s go there and rest, alright?”


    Lucas exhaled deeply, as if suppressing his difort, and nodded.


    “Alright.”


    “Come on, let’s go.” Sarai immediately stood, moving to his side and slipping her arm around his to guide him out of the room.


    Lucas forced himself to y along, biting back the sheer disgust wing at his insides. He let Sarai lead him out, following her to the suite she had booked in advance.


    Once inside, Sarai wasted no time leading Lucas to the bed.


    Gently, she said, “You’re still feeling unwell, aren’t you? Why don’t you take off your clothes and lie down? I’ll give you a massage.”


    Lucas’s brows furrowed deeply, feigning difort, but internally, his revulsion burned.


    “That’s not necessary,” he said through gritted teeth.


    “Don’t be stubborn,” Sarai murmured, her voice dipping into a seductive whisper. She reached for the buttons of his coat, her fingers trembling ever so slightly with excitement.


    “Come on, I will help you rx…”


    That was the final straw. The moment her fingertips brushed against his shirt, Lucas’s patience snapped.


    With a sharp, unrestrained motion, he shoved her hands away. Then, he raised his other hand and closed it firmly around Sarai’s throat.


    Sarai’s breath came in ragged gasps, her face flushing an rming shade of crimson.


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