As the evening progressed, Alexander steered the conversation toward more intimate topics. He moved closer, let his hand rest on hers, looked at her with manufactured warmth.
Victoria responded, leaning into him, clearly believing she'd won. That Alexander had chosen ambition over loyalty, self-preservation over honor.
"Stay with me tonight," Alexander said quietly, taking the final step in his plan. He stood, drawing Victoria up with him. "Let me prove my commitment completely. Let me show you that you're all that matters."
Victoria looked up at him, her eyes slightly glazed from the wine and the poison already beginning to work in her system.
"You really have chosen me," she said, almost wonderingly. "You're really letting her go."
"I am," Alexander lied, pulling Victoria into his arms.
She came willingly, wrapping her arms around his neck, inhaling the poison he'd applied there (fourth dose), her face buried against his collar.
