Mr. CEO's Substitute Bride

At Violet Zimmerman’s residence, Joseph Lancaster also intended to leave, but as soon as he stood up, his body swayed.

Dizziness hit him hard, and his body became scorching hot. A surge of heat gathered within him, then rushed quickly towards his lower abdomen.

He was no naive youngster; the brothers taking turns offering him drinks last night already felt suspicious, but he hadn’t expected to be set up right in his own home.

Housekeeper Xu pretended to tidy up the tea set, but in fact, she was quietly observing. Seeing Joseph Lancaster with closed eyes, swaying, she secretly curled her lips into a smile.

Violet Zimmerman also noticed something wrong with Joseph and, enduring a splitting headache, propped herself up on the sofa and walked over.

"Joseph, are you all right?"

The worry and urgency on Violet’s face were noticed by Housekeeper Xu, who also put down the tea set and walked over to support Joseph’s other arm, feigning concern.

"Second Master, are you okay? Maybe you should go upstairs and rest for a bit?"

Joseph pressed hard against his temples, trying to clear his mind with pain, and forced out two words with great effort.

"No need,"

But seeing him in such pain, Violet couldn’t stand it and hurriedly instructed, "Housekeeper Xu, help me get the Second Master upstairs."

"Sister-in-law! No need!" Joseph once again struggled to refuse, but the two women already had each of his arms and were helping him up the stairs.

Aunt Zhang emerged from the kitchen carrying a bowl of hangover soup. Seeing Madam and Housekeeper Xu helping the Second Master up the stairs, she quickly placed the soup on the coffee table and hurried after them.

"Madam, what’s wrong with the Second Master?"

Joseph’s skin was naturally fair, and even when drunk, it turned a ghastly pale, but now, his face was as red as a cooked shrimp, and his hands scorching hot.

It was the first time Violet saw Joseph react like this, and she became flustered and continued supporting him upstairs with Housekeeper Xu, worrying aloud.

"I don’t know either, maybe it’s an alcohol allergy. Aunt Zhang, go get Evander and have him take a look."

"Madam, there’s no need to make such a fuss. The Second Master just drank too much; he’ll be fine after some rest."

Housekeeper Xu smiled reassuringly. Aunt Zhang responded, and just as she was about to head downstairs, she felt a weight on her back, accompanied by a startled cry from Violet.

Housekeeper Xu had deliberately lessened her grip on Joseph’s arm, causing him to sway and nearly stumble backward down the stairs.

Seeing this, Aunt Zhang had to turn back to help get Joseph up to the second floor.

The three women stumbled and struggled to get Joseph into Violet’s room. Though the drug was continually fermenting, Joseph hadn’t completely lost consciousness.

He braced himself against the doorframe, refusing to enter, frowning, and spoke in pain.

"Take me back!"

If he didn’t leave, he feared he might do something.

"Second Master, rest here for now. It’s not too late to take you back after Second Young Master comes and examines you."

Housekeeper Xu kindly advised. The small villa where Evander Lancaster lived wasn’t far, but it would take at least a dozen minutes on foot. Even if Aunt Zhang called him, given the time, he was likely already asleep... Changing clothes, getting ready, by the time Second Young Master arrives, things might have already occurred.

Housekeeper Xu was secretly plotting; no matter what, she had to complete the task assigned by the Master!

"Aunt Zhang, quickly go get Evander! Housekeeper Xu, make a bowl of hangover soup for the Second Master!" In a panic, Violet gave urgent instructions, and the two maids swiftly ran downstairs.

Only the two of them remained in front of the bedroom door.

Violet raised her hand to touch Joseph’s scorching forehead, showing her distress.

"Gabriel, what’s wrong with you?"

The cool touch was right beside him, and Joseph turned, directly pressing Violet against the door panel.