I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 182

She didn't call her out on it. She still needed to discuss the 500,000 dollars with Sienna. She had to get her money back, and if Sienna still refused to pay, she would take legal action.

Seeing that she was no longer pulling away, Sienna immediately shot a glance toward the private rooms nearby, her smile turning eager and efficient again. "Let's talk inside. It's quieter."

After saying that, she exchanged a knowing look with the man, and they shared a brief smile.

Nora was led into a private room where the lighting was rather dim.

Gideon Archer sat across from her. Even with the table between them, the moment he opened his mouth, a strong wave of bad breath hit her straight in the face.

Nora reflexively held her breath. Not bringing her hand up to cover her nose was the last shred of politeness she could muster.

She immediately put up a hand to stop him, her tone brisk. "There's no need for introductions. I already said I have no interest in going on a blind date with you."

Being rejected so bluntly made Gideon's smile stiffen, and his expression darkened slightly.

Sienna quickly stepped in to smooth things over, patting Gideon's shoulder while shooting a wink at Nora. "Gideon, if my friend isn't interested, don't push it. You guys can just be friends."

Gideon immediately took the hint. He played along, plastering a smile back on his face and raising his glass. "Right, let's just be friends then. Ms. Newman, since this is our first time meeting, let me toast you. We'll be acquaintances from now on."

Nora eyed the glass he offered with caution, staring at the liquid for a moment. "I drove here, so I can't drink. Besides, I'm not looking for new friends."

However, less than three minutes after downing the drink, her vision began to blur.

Her sight warped like a camera lens shifting out of focus. The lights on the ceiling turned into fuzzy halos, and Sienna and Gideon's faces swayed in front of her. Their voices sounded as if they were underwater.

She blinked hard, trying to clear her head, but the dizziness didn't fade; it intensified, crashing over her like a suffocating wave.

Nora looked up in disbelief at Sienna, the woman she had considered a friend for a decade. Her voice squeezed out of her throat, incredibly hoarse. "You drugged me? Sienna!"

Sienna frowned deeply, acting as if she had no other choice. "Nora, I'm doing this for your own good. I know you're stubborn and refuse to move on, but you really can't stay stuck on one man forever. Finnegan is gone. Stop being so delusional! I'm just trying to help you!"