Love’s New Bloom By Simone Hastings

Chapter 40 Drugged 

Erin never thought that she could come in first! 

“My design won? You’re not just being biased?” she asked in disbeliel. 

Caleb was a little displeased by her doubts. He said coolly. “Can’t you just have a little confidence in yourself? Is that what you think of me? Even if I’ve asked you to let me be your boyfriend, I keep my work and private life separate! I only see a person’s capabilities during 

work!” 

Erin immediately apologized for underestimating him, “I–I’m sorry.” 

Caleb sighed and said, “Forget it! If you ever doubt me like this again, watch out! I’ll make things very difficult for you!” 

Erin was a little taken aback, but she came to her senses when she realized Caleb was joking. She giggled and said, “Mr. Grant, it turns out you know how to crack a joke too!” 

Caleb smiled. “What nonsense. I’m human, after all. Can’t I joke?” 

Standing in a dark corner, Dana was infuriated to no end seeing Erin and Caleb smiling. She was peeved that she only came in third in the competition! She had spent 20 thousand dollars hiring a designer, yet she only came in third! However, as long as Erin was not first, she would just swallow down the indignation for the time being. 

Dana could see how Caleb looked at Erin. Even if she didn’t want to admit it, she couldn’t change the fact that Caleb liked Erin! 

What a slut! Erin was already married, yet she still shamelessly seduced single men. 

“Erin, since you’re such a slut, I’ll kindly help you find a man tonight.” Dana downed her glass of wine. She was in a stunning red gown that night, and even though she was in a dark corner, a few of her male coworkers had come to flirt with her within the past ten minutes, but she sent them all away. 

There were many single people there. Although they were not in high positions, they were still chosen to be the representatives of their departments, so their looks and capabilities were not too bad. 

The legendary chairman of the board and his wife did not appear that night. Even Chandler wasn’t there. 

Caleb told Erin privately that it was normal that they wouldn’t appear for such an occasion. After all, there was no media or the other higher -ups of other corporations–they could just send a representative to deliver the speech. 

When Caleb walked out of the hall to answer a private call, Dana, with a glass of wine in her hand, walked over to Erin and said sincerely,” Erin, congrats on your second place!” 

“Thank you, Dana. You’re great for coming in third too!” 

Erin’s casual remark sounded like a jab to Dana, as if she was rubbing it in her face. Dana faked a smile and said, “Yes, I got lucky this time. 

Suddenly, she covered her eyes, saying uncomfortably, “Erin, help me look for the small mirror in my purse. I think something went in my 

eye!” 

Erin was a little worried. She immediately placed her unfinished glass of fruit punch on the table and quickly took Dana’s purse. “Okay, give me a moment,” she said. “I’ll help you look for it right now.” 

When Erin placed Dana’s purse on the cocktail table, rummaging through it, Dana secretly threw a white pill hidden between her fingers 

into Erin’s glass. 

After two minutes of going through her things, Erin looked a little uneasy. “Dana, there’s no mirror in your purse. I’m sorry. I forgot to bring my compact today–if not, I could let you use mine.” 

Dana secretly snuck a glance at the fruit punch on the table. The bubbles were almost gone. She placed her hand down and smiled at Erin. saying. “I’m feeling much better. I think it fell off.” 

“Are you sure? Do you want to head to the ladies‘ room to have a look?” Erin asked, concerned. 

Dana secretly pressed into her eyeballs just now in order to make her act seem realistic, which was why it looked a little red. 

“I’m fine! Really! Come, Erin, let’s drink to our achievements!” Dana raised her glass. 

Erin awkwardly said, “But I’m drinking regular punch. It won’t be fair to you drinking wine.” 

“It’s fine! It’s not a drinking contest!” 

“Okay then! Here’s to better work in the future!” 

When they had both downed their glass. Dana looked up to see Caleb passing through the crowd and coming toward them. She quickly. tugged on Erin’s hand and said with a pained expression, “My tummy hurts! Erin, take me to the ladies‘ room, pleasel” 

“Dana, what’s going on? Where does it hurt?” Erin panicked a little.. 

Dana said urgently, “Erin, please, please take me to the ladies‘ room!” 

“Okay, okay!” 

Erin took her bag and helped Dana toward the ladies‘ room. When Caleb saw them leaving, he followed them worriedly. He guessed they’d probably head to the restroom, so he stood nearby waiting for them. 

However, Dana had also predicted that Caleb would chase after them, so she deliberately got Erin to take her to the ladies‘ room upstairs, saying that the one downstairs was dirty. 

Naturally, Erin believed her. 

Inside the ladies‘ room, Dana pretended that her stomach hurt, sitting on the toilet seat. Erin stood outside the door, accompanying her.” Dana, are you fine?” she asked. “Do you need me to send you to the hospital?” 

Dana replied, “No need to go to the hospital. Just stay with me for a while.” In fact, Dana was waiting for the drug that Erin took to take 

effect. 

Ten minutes later, Erin was starting to sweat. Her insides felt like it was burning, and she kept thinking about sex. She could barely stand 

straight. 

“Dana, my body feels hot. Have I fallen sick too…” 

Dana was instantly delighted. She clutched her throat, pretended to be unwell, and said, “Are you sick too? Could it be the food tonight? Erin, you don’t have to stay if you’re not feeling good! Go!” 

Dana maliciously smirked when she saw the text on her phone. 

“You really don’t need me to stay with you?” Erin said through gritted teeth. She felt as if her body was on fire, and she was starting to turn delirious. Crazy thoughts kept appearing in her mind. 

“Erin, I’m fine! Just go!” 

“Okay, then I’ll go…” Erin stumbled through the door. She barely took a few steps when she crashed into the arms of a strong man. 

She looked at the man in a blurry daze and fell listlessly into his arms. She only saw a sharp gaze before passing out. 

When she came around once more, she realized she was already lying down, and there was a man on top of her. She couldn’t help but moan uncomfortably. She couldn’t stop her body from urging for more. The man was trying to satisfy her as best he could, and Erin felt 

like she was in a dream. 

In her dream, Chandler was looking at her with a cold expression as if he was angry at her. He said fiercely in her ears. “Erin, you stupid woman. You’re going to see how I’ll punish you.”