Chapter 317: Chapter 317

The waiter’s face first turned pale, then slowly returned to normal, bringing a trace of joy.

During the latter part of the dinner party, people began to run to the restroom constantly.

At first, it was just two or three people, but as time passed, more and more started to go.

A few people clutched their stomachs, expressing in pain that they couldn’t continue eating. Seeing this, Elias Sinclair couldn’t demand anything further and dismissed the gathering early.

As soon as Quinn Lockwood got home, she rushed to the restroom, nearly staying up all night without sleep.

The man sat in his study, fingers lightly tapping the desk, finding the situation increasingly peculiar.

All the staff present at the dinner party called the manager to request leave, even Quinn Lockwood stated she couldn’t shoot her scenes tomorrow.

Realizing almost everyone at the dinner had issues, Joyce Kramer feared the waiter would betray her under the restaurant’s penalties, so she contacted him early, offering twice the amount she initially bribed him.

Elias Sinclair had Dr. Angus conduct tests on Quinn Lockwood, concluding she became dehydrated and weak from severe diarrhea.

"I’m fine, just exhausted. I’ll be okay after a nap. You should head to the office," Quinn Lockwood said, her eyes drooping, slightly faltering in her speech.

She was truly tired; last night’s ordeal was far worse than shooting night scenes.

His gaze settled on Quinn Lockwood’s pale complexion, Elias Sinclair’s narrowed eyes deep in thought.

This matter seemed more complex than it appeared.

If it was simply due to spoiled food, why was he unharmed?

Elias arranged for several expert investigators to probe into The Scarlinne Restaurant’s process.

From importing ingredients to cooking, to serving, every step and person involved were meticulously checked.

Finally, the investigation determined it wasn’t the food but the wine at fault.

During the latter part of the dinner, red wine served by Leon Chandler contained a substantial dose of laxatives.

"Sir, Leon Chandler didn’t spill anything despite our evidence; he claims ignorance," the lead investigator handed the analysis to Elias Sinclair, nodding respectfully.

He glanced at the document, his expression becoming cold: "Bring him over."

Elias Sinclair’s narrowed eyes glinted dangerously.

Investigators brought Leon Chandler in, who shivered upon seeing Elias Sinclair, quickly lowering his head, avoiding eye contact.

"Not speaking?" The man lifted his eyes sharply, fixing Leon Chandler with a piercing stare.

Elias Sinclair’s voice fell cold and severe on Leon Chandler’s ears.

Leon took two steps back, bowing his head even lower, refusing, "I don’t know."

The man’s brow furrowed, his gaze demanding, raising his hand slightly: "Tell the industry not to employ him."

"If anyone dares defy me, they might as well shut down immediately."

"Start with this restaurant."

Elias Sinclair’s fingers brushed his chin, recalling Quinn’s praise about The Scarlinne Restaurant’s soup, reconsidering.

"No need to close it. Have Kevin come over."

"Acquire it cheaply."

The man’s face was stern, his brows hinting a chill.

Leon Chandler was stunned by Elias Sinclair’s authority, sneaking a glance up.

But just one look, and he shrank back significantly.

Leon Chandler pursed his lips, revealing nothing, looking as if he remained truly innocent.

Back at the company, Elias Sinclair found the situation still fraught with doubt.

Everyone’s actions usually have motives and benefits.

Yet, Elias couldn’t fathom Leon Chandler’s motive; it cost him work and money without gain.

Pressing his forehead, Elias reviewed the sequence of events.

Behind Elias, Joyce Kramer, sensing him immersed in the analysis, worried inwardly.

"Sir, don’t strain yourself. Yesterday, those employees went for checks and are fine."

"Hmm." With a hand on his brow, Elias Sinclair responded lightly.

Joyce Kramer carefully studied Elias Sinclair, relieved he hadn’t suspected her, exhaling softly.

Meanwhile, after her IV drip, Quinn Lockwood rested with closed eyes on the bed.

Having slept for some hours, feeling largely recovered, Quinn Lockwood got up and strolled around the house.

The villa was silent, apart from her footsteps and the clock’s ticking—no other sound disrupted the serenity.

Quinn Lockwood sensed something amiss, usually home life didn’t feel this way. Dıscover more novels at NoveI-Fire.ɴet

It seemed... something was absent.

Quinn Lockwood pondered what was different.

Of course—the TV and laughter.

Nina Sinclair! Nina wasn’t downstairs watching TV.

An unsettling feeling rose within Quinn Lockwood; typically, Nina would be nestled on the couch, watching TV or reading a magazine.

Even if she went out, she’d text continuously about potential purchases.

Quinn Lockwood’s expression tightened, promptly returning to her room for her phone to call Nina.

But no answer came from the other end.

Setting the phone down to hang up, Quinn Lockwood faintly heard Nina’s ringtone from upstairs.

Panic set in, Quinn Lockwood swiftly sprinted upstairs, phone in hand.

"Nina, are you home?" The ominous feeling intensified, urging Quinn Lockwood to rush upstairs, even ignoring a lost slipper.

Following the ringtone to the third-floor exercise space, Quinn Lockwood found Nina collapsed on the floor.

"Nina!" Quinn Lockwood hurried over, lifting Nina, her face pale, extremely weak.

"Sis-in-law, I... I’m sleepy." Nina whispered as she fainted seeing Quinn Lockwood.

Quinn Lockwood was terrified, trying with all her might to carry Nina, but unable to lift her onto her back.

What should she do, what should she do!

Breathing heavily, Quinn Lockwood decided to seek help.

Pressing her phone’s quick dial, the display showed names of her two most trusted people: Cameron Grant, Elias Sinclair.