Chapter 710

Daniela glanced at Nikolas, noting the storm clouds gathering in his expression.

A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

Nikolas looked uncomfortable, but for once, Daniela didn't tease him like she usually did.

Instead, she casually gestured toward the dishes in front of them. "If you're out of words, let's just eat in peace."

The food Daniela chose was surprisingly good. Even with anger simmering inside him, Nikolas found himself eating heartily.

"Carol, why are you just eating lobster?" Richard asked, puzzled. He noticed Carol sticking to lobster, Cedric focusing only on the fish, and Daniela not eaten anything.

Carol shrugged. "I've just been into lobster lately. You eat what you like."

A faint sense of unease crept into Richard's gut. He turned to Cedric. "You're only having the fish too?"

Cedric, ever composed, replied with a graceful smile, "Not really. But tonight, the fish is especially good."

As he spoke, he picked up a tender piece and held it out to Daniela. "This one's light on bones. You should try it."

Daniela said nothing and quietly took a bite.

Nikolas could only sit there, seething. Seriously? Did they really have to flaunt their lovey-dovey nonsense now?

If he'd known this dinner would be such torture, he would've stayed home. Why had he come just to stew in his own frustration?

Nikolas was so lost in his irritation that he kept shoveling food into his mouth, completely oblivious to the darkening look on Richard's face.

It wasn't until Richard bolted for the restroom that Nikolas felt something was off.

"What the hell did you put in the food?" Nikolas shot Daniela a sharp, accusatory glare.

But even as the words left his mouth, doubt crept in.

It didn't add up.

Daniela hadn't left the room. She'd ordered everything right in front of Richard. That was why they'd all felt safe diving in.

There hadn't been any chance for them to tamper with the dishes.

Before Nikolas could process anything else, a sharp pain sliced through his gut. He shot to his feet and bolted to the restroom.

Richard was already slumped inside, completely drained.

Nikolas doubled over too, barely able to stay on his feet.

"Nikolas!" The private room door burst open, and Kohen's voice rang out."Are you done yet? I've called someone to-"

Kohen froze in place, caught completely off guard.

His eyes met Daniela's in a moment of silent tension.

A thick, uncomfortable silence settled over the room.

Kohen gave a light chuckle, assuming Nikolas was just dawdling. "Daniela, we're here to join you for dinner."

Daniela stayed composed, gesturing casually toward the empty seats. "Please."

The waiter arrived promptly, placing tableware before them.

Nikolas, slumped inside the restroom, could only hear Daniela's serene voice filtering in. "Eat whatever you like Hesitant, Kohen picked up his fork, eyeing the dishes warily. "Where's my brother?" he asked with a polite smile.

Daniela answered smoothly, "He stepped out to take a call."

Kohen gave a slow nod,half-convinced.

Then Daniela added casually, "Didn't you say you were here to eat? Don't be shy."

Kohen blinked, momentarily stunned by her calmness.

Even Charles looked caught off guard.

Left with no better option, Kohen glanced at the half-eaten dishes, trying to guess which ones were safe.

Meanwhile, Nikolas mustered his remaining strength and slammed his fist weakly against the restroom door,desperate to warn Kohen and Charles about the tainted food.

But no one heard a thing.

Charles' effort was as useless as tossing a pillow at the door-no sound, no reaction.

Kohen had always liked the food here, but something felt off. Playing it safe, he used the excuse of wanting variety and ordered a few fresh dishes for himself.

From inside, Nikolas heard Kohen placing the order and felt a small wave of relief.

But the next moment, everything went black.

He had nothing left to give.

"Why's my brother taking so long?" Kohen muttered between bites, subtly watching the others' faces.

No one looked like they'd been hit with a heavy dose of laxative.

Daniela offered a faint smile. "Maybe something came up."

Charles turned to Carol. "You've got great taste, Carol. The lobster is seriously amazing!"But the moment he said it, both he and Kohen froze, their expressions twisting in sudden alarm.