Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 14: Destructive Obsession

'Ting'

'Make Rosaline attempt to demean Ariana. Successful. 100% completed.

Reward in inventory: No Lie potion.

When taken, for fifteen minutes, the person would only speak the truth.'

As Rosaline led Luiss away from the party, Ariana continued sipping her cocktail. Now, she no longer had to endure mingling with the elites. She could finally enjoy the company of those within her class.

However, she soon grew bored of their mindless chatter and sought solace in solitude, finding comfort on the balcony.

"Two cocktails in hand while waiting for no one," came a smooth, familiar voice.

"Who says no one? Didn't Mr. Gerald come? I've been holding one just for you." Ariana handed the glass to him with a knowing smile.

Gerald arched a brow, momentarily taken aback by her wit before accepting the drink. "Ah, my favorite blend. You truly did intend this for me. How did you know?"

"I know a lot about President Gerald," she replied, lips curving into a cryptic smile.

"Professional duty, I take it?"

"More of a personal interest," she admitted. To her, this character had always been fascinating. Rotten to the core with not a single redeeming quality—except for the one he displayed in the presence of the female lead. He was a villain wrapped in mystery, his dark past hinted at but never fully revealed.

"Let's play a game," Ariana proposed suddenly. "Truth or dare... with a sip."

"That's child's play." Gerald chuckled. "If you're truly into such games, come upstairs with me..."

"I prefer the security of the crowd when dealing with you."

"Ouch. You wound me. I'm not a monster; I won't eat you."

"I'm pretty sure your secretary is already eating up my President upstairs."

"Clever one, aren't you?" He laughed, swirling his drink. "While I acknowledge her ambitions, she isn't that fast."

Ariana took the first sip and leaned forward. "You are not an orphan. At the age of five, you left home on your own accord to escape your abusive mother."

Gerald stiffened, his easy smile faltering. "How did you..." He caught himself, schooling his expression into something unreadable. "I took it as a joke when you said personal interest." A pause. Then, in a clipped tone, "Truth."

They both took a sip.

Ariana's eyes gleamed as she leaned in further. "At the age of ten, after being adopted by your foster family, your elder sibling Viktor didn't die from slipping down the stairs. He died because you pushed him."

A storm darkened Gerald's features. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to leave. To put distance between himself and this woman who knew far too much. But he couldn't move. He couldn't even deny her accusations. His throat tightened as he fought the invisible force compelling him.

"T... Truth."

Another sip.

Ariana's lips curled slightly. The cocktail was working. The truth serum was in full effect. She had wanted to test its efficacy—what better way than this?

She pushed further. "Your corporation's special task force is responsible for multiple murders, including that of Marcus Smith."

Gerald's grip on the glass tightened. His veins popped, and his jaw clenched. He was resisting. Admitting to this would be a death sentence. But something stronger than his will demanded an answer. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

"Truth."

He took a sip and gasped, eyes widening in horror. "What the hell is happening?"

For the first time, Ariana saw fear flicker in his gaze.

She didn't stop. "The recent downfall of your corporation has been because James Smith, Marcus's younger brother, suspects you and is targeting you."

Gerald's fists shook. His breathing came in ragged pants. His lips moved soundlessly as he fought against the unseen force. His glare burned into her, but she remained unfazed, waiting.

"T...Truth!" he spat out, the word tasting like poison on his tongue.

With a sharp motion, he smashed the glass against the floor, the shattering sound echoing in the silence of the balcony. Thankfully, they were secluded. No one had witnessed the exchange.

He turned on her with a murderous gaze. "Whatever you're doing to me... you will pay a heavy price."

Ariana tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Me? Mr. Gerald, as you've noticed, I haven't even moved from my spot. How could you accuse me of something so ridiculous?"

Gerald wasn't fooled. He didn't know how she had done it, but he knew she was responsible.

"Don't assume Luiss can protect you from me," he snarled. "Even after this downfall, my corporation is still steps ahead of yours. And you're in my territory right now."

Since he had consumed the truth serum, Ariana knew he wasn't bluffing. He meant every word.

She debated whether to press further when suddenly, a notification flashed before her eyes.

Side Task: Gaining the second male lead's destructive obsession. Completed.

Reward in inventory.

Her stomach dropped.

The fuck?!

Ariana's blood ran cold. She had read the entire novel. She knew precisely what destructive obsession meant. And she knew who had originally been the target of that obsession.

Without hesitation, she turned on her heel and vanished into the crowd, heart hammering in her chest.

She needed to get away. Now.

Rushing through the venue, she reached the elevator, pressing the button repeatedly as though it would make it arrive faster. When the doors finally slid open, she stepped in, her mind spinning with panic.

By the time she reached her apartment floor, her thoughts were so scrambled that she entered the wrong unit entirely.

The moment she realized, it was too late.

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Two hands snaked around her waist from behind, pulling her into a firm embrace. A deep, husky voice murmured against her ear.

"Running away so soon?"