Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152: Take Me Somewhere Safe

Natalie finished the juice slowly, chatting with Albert, but suddenly, a strange sensation crept over her. Her hand holding the glass began to tremble. She swallowed hard, an unsettling feeling spreading through her.

Placing the glass down on the table, she glanced at her hands—her fingers were quivering, and the tips felt uncomfortably hot. A strange heaviness began to settle over her body, making her feel increasingly disoriented. She exhaled sharply, distressed.

"Are you alright, Natalie?" Albert asked, noticing her unease.

Natalie abruptly stood up. "I... need to... visit the washroom..."

"Hurry up, then," Albert said, but Natalie was already rushing away.

John, sensing something was off, followed closely behind. "Ms. Natalie, what’s wrong?"

Natalie didn’t answer and kept walking, heading directly toward the washrooms—she knew exactly where they were; this wasn’t her first time at the event hall.

Following her, John quickly pulled out his cellphone and sent a message. Natalie entered the washroom while John stayed outside, feeling worried.

Inside, she closed the door behind her and leaned over the washbasin, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was flushed, and whatever was in her drink was taking effect far faster than she’d anticipated.

She knew there was no way she could slip out of the event unnoticed—not with so many people and members of the media swarming the hotel.

She splashed water on her face repeatedly, trying to steady herself. I need to stay sane. This drug... it’s messing with my senses too fast.

Her breathing grew shallow, and her limbs began to feel heavy and uncooperative.

Snatching a few tissues, she dabbed her face hurriedly and stumbled out of the washroom.

"John..." she gasped weakly, her voice trembling.

John anxiously watched as Natalie leaned against the wall for support. "You’ve been drugged," he said, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Natalie gave a faint nod. "Take me somewhere safe... somewhere no one will see me."

Right now, John was the only person she could trust completely.

"Don’t worry," he assured her and reached out to help, but Natalie flinched. "Don’t touch me," she whispered firmly.

Just then, they heard a group of girls approaching the washroom.

"Briena looked like a fairy today."

"Ivan and she are the perfect couple."

Natalie’s anxiety spiked. "Let’s go," she urged, hurrying forward as best as she could.

John followed closely behind. If she hadn’t pushed him away earlier, he would’ve just carried her—it would’ve been so much quicker.

Natalie was struggling to walk, her breath coming in short, heavy gasps. Her steps faltered.

Without hesitation, John caught her. "I know what’s happening to you. But you need to trust me."

Natalie gave a weak nod and, this time, allowed him to support her and walked faster.

Her senses blurred, and even John’s touch started to feel strangely comforting—too comforting. She fought against the urge to lean into him, reminding herself, I have to stay sane. I can do this.

A hotel staff member—a woman—noticed them as they made their way through the hallway.