After starting the car, Jiang Yi left the Grand Lord's residence and headed toward Simon Lake.
Simon Lake was one of Eagle Country's three major lakes, located within the state of Simon.
With its picturesque scenery, the lake was a popular tourist destination, attracting not only domestic visitors but also many international travelers.
Recently, Simon Lake had gained even more fame, becoming a hotspot for social media influencers.
During the drive, Tracy kept chatting with Jiang Yi. Though her words seemed casual, Jiang Yi could sense she was subtly probing for information about him.
Knowing this woman wasn’t simple, Jiang Yi remained cautious, carefully considering every response.
An hour later, the car finally arrived at the lakeside road.
After parking, Jiang Yi led Tracy toward the shore.
The area was bustling—bars, luxury hotels, and various snack stalls lined the streets, creating a lively atmosphere.
Truthfully, this was Jiang Yi’s first visit.
Since arriving in Simon State, he had been swamped with work and never had the chance to explore.
**"So beautiful!"**
Tracy admired the scenery with a sigh of delight.
Jiang Yi nodded silently.
**"You know, I’ve wanted to visit Simon Lake for years but never had the chance. Today, I finally got my wish!"**
A seductive smile played on her lips.
**"How about some drinks? Enjoying the view with a glass in hand would be perfect!"**
Jiang Yi agreed and reserved a lakeside table at a nearby bar, ordering a few drinks.
Soon, Tracy began drinking with him.
Suddenly, Jiang Yi’s phone buzzed—a message from Grand Lord Barret with just two words:
**"Be careful."**
As Jiang Yi checked his phone, Tracy seized the moment to slip a small pill into his glass.
The pill dissolved instantly, leaving no trace.
Jiang Yi remained unaware.
**"Come, let’s have another!"**
Tracy raised her glass with a smile.
Jiang Yi took the drink and downed it.
Within moments, his body slumped weakly into the chair, as if boneless.
**"This stuff really works."**
A sly grin spread across Tracy’s face.
She then helped Jiang Yi to a nearby hotel room.
Once inside, she sat across from him, her previously innocent expression now gone.
**"Tell me, what’s your real name?"**
**"Jiang Yi."**
**"Good. The truth serum is effective."**
Satisfied, she continued, **"Can you really cure Lord March’s illness?"**
**"Yes."**
This wasn’t just Tracy’s question—it was Lord March’s.
His earlier delays had made March suspicious.
The truth serum was all part of Tracy’s plan to extract the answers March wanted.
**"Why are you treating Lord March? Were you sent by someone?"**
**"Do you have ties to the royal family?"**
**"No one sent me. I’m doing this to gain Lord March’s favor and secure my future."**
**"Aside from him, I have no connections to the royals."**
Tracy kept questioning him for ten full minutes.
Outwardly, Jiang Yi seemed completely under the serum’s influence—a mindless puppet.
But in reality, his mind was sharp.
The collapse had been an act.
Though he *had* ingested the truth serum, he’d used acupuncture to neutralize its effects.
Tracy, thinking herself clever, had no idea she was the one being played.
After the interrogation, Tracy didn’t leave.
Instead, she removed her outerwear and lay beside Jiang Yi.
To maintain his act, Jiang Yi stayed perfectly still.
---
The next morning, Jiang Yi "woke up" to find Tracy undressed beside him.
Feigning shock, he leapt from the bed and scrambled for his clothes.
**"Miss Tracy, what happened last night?"**
**"We drank too much and ended up here. Do I really need to spell out the rest?"**
She gave him a suggestive look before wrapping her arms around him.
**"I know you’re married with children, but I don’t mind. And I’m sure my godfather won’t object to us being together."**
Jiang Yi knew nothing had happened.
This woman was full of tricks—first the truth serum, now a honey trap.
Had he not been prepared, he would’ve fallen right into her hands.
He suspected this scheme was orchestrated by Lord March himself—to bind Jiang Yi tighter and ensure his full commitment to the treatment.
The entire thing was a setup from the start.
**"Buzz…"**
Tracy’s phone rang.
After answering, she turned to Jiang Yi.
**"My godfather is looking for me. I’ll see you tonight."**
With a parting kiss, she left.
Watching her go, Jiang Yi smirked.
She was undoubtedly heading to report to Lord March.
He wasted no time returning to the castle.
But the moment he stepped into the courtyard, he ran into Dongfang Mei.
It was too late to avoid her.
She leaned in, sniffed his clothes, and her expression darkened.
**"You reek of perfume. And there’s lipstick on your face."**
**"You didn’t come home last night—you were with a woman."**
**"Jiang Yi, how could you do this to me?"**
Her voice trembled with anger and hurt.
She had always trusted him.
Now, that trust was shattered.