Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 412: Chapter 412

Zoe kept her cool through this sudden twist. Just moments ago, she had checked Shawn's pulse. From the erratic rhythm, she immediately understood the cause of his agitation—he'd been drugged.
She fixed her gaze on Shawn's deep, gleaming eyes and suddenly smiled, "Shawn, who would've thought the mighty legendary warrior could be taken down by such underhanded tricks? How embarrassing would that be if word got out?"
Shawn was writhing in burning agony. Yet Zoe couldn't resist teasing him.
Shawn swallowed painfully and said, "I'm only human. Mistakes are inevitable. Get out of here now. This drug is way stronger than I thought. Cold water won't help. I just have to tough it out until it wears off.
Zoe knew Shawn wasn't joking. Any drug that could nearly make the mighty legendary warrior lose control was no ordinary substance.
"Don't you remember who I am?" Zoe said. "With my skills as a doctor, even if I can't fix this completely right away, I can at least make it bearable for you."
Shawn shook his head, staggered to his feet, and headed for the bathroom. "Don't need it. If you want to help, just go now."
Although Shawn desperately wanted to take his relationship with Zoe to the next level, he definitely wouldn't do it under these circumstances.
To him, it would be an insult to Zoe and a betrayal of his feelings. Zoe was slightly touched.
Most men were just plain selfish. Put in a situation like this, they would immediately take advantage of any convenient opportunity to satisfy their urges.
Not only did Shawn avoid any hint of impropriety with Aileen, but he also sent her away without a moment's hesitation.
Even though Zoe made it clear she wouldn't resist, he didn't just lose control. 'Guess he really is a true gentleman,' she thought.
Zoe said softly, "Honestly, you don't have to send me away. We could, you know—"
"No," Shawn cut Zoe off sharply. He turned on the shower, letting the cold water pour over him. "Don't make me lose respect for myself. Just go, now."
Shawn's condition was deteriorating rapidly. At any moment, he could completely lose control, and no one could predict what he might do.
Shawn tore at his bathrobe, gasping in ragged agony—a clear sign the cold water had stopped working.
Zoe stepped boldly into the bathroom, her eyes locking onto Shawn in a sorry state. "You've been poisoned by a rare toxin. Its most dangerous effect is that it attacks your brain.
"If you try to tough it out, you'll not only lose control, but could suffer permanent brain damage—maybe even end up a fool."
Zoe took another step forward, her gaze sharp. "Do you want to end up foolish?"
Shawn stood under the shower spray, wiping water from his face. "None of this is your concern. Get out."
Zoe sneered, "Not my concern? Then who the hell do you think I am?"
Shawn was stunned for a moment.
Zoe continued, "I'm not just your girlfriend. I'm your fiancée. At a time like this, do you really expect me to just stand by and watch you turn into a fool?"
Shawn frowned, his vision blurring as he could barely make out Zoe's features. "That's not what I meant," he said, his voice strained. "I-I just don't want to hurt you—"
"Cut the noble act. Did I ever say I wasn't willing?" Zoe cut him off.
Seeing Zoe approach him, Shawn quickly reached out to stop her. "It's me—I just can't bring myself to hurt you," he said through gritted teeth.
Zoe shot back coldly, "But I will."
Zoe hadn't meant to do this at first, but seeing that Shawn would rather turn into a fool than even sleep with her, that just brought out her defiant side.
Except for those first few tough years, for Zoe, once she mastered the rules of this world and became powerful, she was always the one calling the shots. No one had the right to decide for her.