Sadie's heart raced. She had been caught off guard by Zayden's charm, even if just for a second.

Upset, she reached for her bag and swung it at him. All this drama because Holden wouldn't be near her!

In a huff, Sadie was about to leave the car. But Zayden was quick, pulling her back in no time.

He held her still, his face splitting into a grin.

“Why are you so fiery? I was just joking around. We haven't even started our conversation."

Sadie's eyes shot daggers at him.

“I'll not help you poison him!"

“Relax. This isn't toxic. It doesn't harm him. It's just a mix to mess with his memory, to deepen his forgetfulness," Zayden said.

Sadie's eyes moved to the bottle he held. She stayed on guard.

“If given a chance, would you really do nothing more than this?"

Zayden raised his hands, trying to soothe the situation.

“Believe me. It's a win-win."

“Why's it good for me?" Sadie's voice dripped with skepticism.

Zayden leaned in, his smile mysterious.

"From what I've heard, Holden's been seeing a hypnotist. Maybe he's digging up old memories. If he remembers everything, how do you think he'll react to you, the pretender?"

A wave of anxiety washed over Sadie. She remembered Holden's visits to the hospital but didn't know why he had gone there.

She looked at the pictures of Holden and Ariana. Slowly, she let go of the car door handle.

Peering at the little bottle in Zayden's grasp, she asked, "You're sure this won't put him in danger?"

"I'm sure," Zayden responded, giving her a calming smile. Inside, he was already celebrating. Taking this long-term would make Holden stupid. Then, the Fredrick family's wealth? All would be his for the taking.

Sadie's grip tightened on the bottle. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.