The warm glow of the evening sun cast a golden light on the vibrant engagement party of Ivy and Daniel, with guests mingling and laughing amidst the lush greenery of the Roberts' mansion's garden. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Roberts stood off to the side, still engrossed in conversation, their faces creased with smiles. However, Mr. Jackson's expression suddenly turned concerned as he glanced around the party. "You know, I haven't seen Jasmine since she arrived a couple of hours ago," he said, his brow furrowed with worry. "I'd like to catch up with her and apologize in person for Daniel's behavior."
Mr. Roberts's expression mirrored Mr. Jackson's concern. "That's unlike Jasmine to slip away without a word," he agreed, as his eyes scanned through the crowd searching for his daughter. Then, his gaze landed on Ivy, who was chatting with a group of friends. He beckoned her over, and Ivy's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure and made her way towards them.
"Ivy, sweetheart, have you seen Jasmine?" Mr. Roberts asked, his voice surrounded with a hint of worry. Ivy's eyes darted between her father and Mr. Jackson, her heart racing as she struggled to maintain a neutral expression. "Uh, no, Daddy...I wasn't really paying attention to her whereabouts," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "She might be in her room, maybe resting or something."
Mr. Roberts's brow furrowed deeper, his concern growing. "It's unlike Jasmine to leave without saying a word," he repeated, his voice tinged with unease. He turned to one of the domestic staff members who was passing by. "Excuse me, Rachel, could you please check Jasmine's room and see if she's there? Also, let her know that her father needs her attention down here."
Rachel nodded and hurried off to carry out the task, leaving Mr. Roberts and Mr. Jackson to exchange worried glances. Ivy, meanwhile, felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead as she fought to keep her panic at bay. She forced a smile onto her face, trying to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing inside her. "I'm sure she's fine, Daddy," she said, attempting to reassure him. But her father's gaze lingered on her, his eyes narrowing slightly as if searching for something in her expression. Ivy held her breath, praying that her act wouldn't falter.
As Rachel approached Jasmine's room, she was met with a disturbing sight. Leon, Sebastian's assistant, was dragging an unconscious man out of the room, while Sebastian carried Jasmine in his arms. Rachel's eyes widened in horror as she took in the scene. Her mind was racing with questions, and her heart was pounding in her chest. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.
Sebastian's expression was grim, his jaw clenched in anger. His eyes were fixed on Jasmine's pale face, and his grip on her tightened as if he was afraid to let her go. "She's been drugged," he replied curtly, his voice low and menacing.
Rachel's eyes darted between the two men, her mind reeling with the implications. She remembered Mr. Roberts's message and relayed it to Sebastian, trying to keep her voice steady. "Mr. Roberts wants to see Jasmine. He was looking for her downstairs."
Sebastian nodded, his gaze never leaving Jasmine's face. "Let's get her downstairs," he said, as he instructed her to lead the way. "We need to get her medical attention."
As they approached the garden, the sounds of laughter and music grew louder. Some of the guests turned to their direction, wondering what was happening. Jasmine, unconscious in Sebastian's arms, and the two men, one of whom was still being dragged, created a sense of unease.
Ivy's heart thudded loudly in her chest as she looked at them in horror. She was worried, but she hadn't expected Seb to show up here like this. Jasmine never mentioned that he was going to be here today so what was he doing here and how did he find out that his wife was in trouble yet again. Her plan had failed, and now her family was about to find out what she had done. The universe must have been against her. She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead as she clung to her mother, Olivia's arm, her grip tightening as she tried to process the situation.
Olivia's face was pale, her eyes wide with concern. "What's happening?" she whispered to Ivy, but Ivy just shook her head as her gaze was fixated on Sebastian carrying Jasmine with all the care in the world.
Lucas rushed forward as his face etched with concern looking at his daughter's vulnerable state. "What's going on?" he demanded, his voice firm. "Who are these men?"
Sebastian apologized, his expression somber. "I'm afraid we're meeting under less-than-ideal circumstances, Mr. Roberts. Your daughter was drugged and taken to her room by this man." Sebastian's gaze narrowed at the unconscious man being dragged by Leon. "I managed to intervene just in time."
The garden fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the unconscious man. Ivy's grip on her mother's arm tightened, her heart racing with fear as she realized her plan was unraveling before her eyes. She felt like she was going to be sick, her stomach churning with anxiety.
Sebastian's eyes met Ivy's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Ivy felt a shiver run down her spine as she wondered if he had suspected her involvement. But his expression gave nothing away, and he turned back to Mr. Roberts. "We need to get Jasmine medical attention," he said, his voice firm. "I'll take her to the hospital.