A knock echoed from the suite door, followed immediately by a woman's voice.
"Why did it take you so long to open the door?"
Corbin had already hidden Juniper. Behind the heavy solid wood privacy screen, no one could see that there was someone lying bound on the bed across the room.
"Mom, is Nelson here yet?"
Mrs. Xavier raised her hand and aggressively poked his forehead. "I had to call Mrs. Saint practically begging for this opportunity. Don't you dare mess this up for me."
Tonight's dinner was arranged specifically to apologize to Nelson, hoping to bury the hatchet.
Out of respect for Yvonne, Nelson had agreed to make an appearance.
Corbin was terrified of Nelson, but knowing Juniper was waiting for him on that bed sent a rush of heat straight to his core. He just wanted to get rid of Nelson as quickly as possible so he could finally have his fun.
He had no idea why the anonymous caller chose this exact moment to deliver Juniper. Any other time, he would have ripped her clothes off immediately.
But now, he had to wait. Wait for the very man he feared the most to walk through that door.
He had securely tied Juniper's legs to the bedposts. There was no way the woman could run, and given the drug he had forced down her throat, she definitely wouldn't have the strength to fight back.
It was foolproof. All he needed was time.
He was practically vibrating with impatience, but when he actually heard the heavy suite doors swing open, a violent shudder wracked his spine.
Mrs. Xavier jumped to her feet and forced a bright smile. "Nelson! You made it. Please, come sit."
Nelson's face was completely devoid of emotion. A fleeting trace of impatience shadowed his eyes as he walked over and took a seat.
Mrs. Xavier frantically signaled Corbin to pour Nelson a drink.
Corbin stood up, his legs shaking, sweat beading on his forehead. "Mr. Saint... throwing that cigarette at you was entirely my fault. I've deeply reflected on my actions. Please, be the bigger person and don't hold it against me. I'll take three penalty drinks right now."
Nelson's expression remained completely indifferent. Yvonne had pleaded with him multiple times, begging him to just sit for ten minutes to save face.

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