?Chapter 1226:


    His eyes met Dani’s in a moment of silent tension.


    A thick, ufortable silence settled over the room.


    Kohen gave a light chuckle, assuming Niks was just dawdling. “Dani, we’re here to join you for dinner.”


    Dani stayedposed, gesturing casually toward the empty seats. “Please.”


    The waiter arrived promptly, cing tableware before them.


    Niks, slumped inside the restroom, could only hear Dani’s serene voice filtering in. “Eat whatever you like.”


    Hesitant, Kohen picked up his fork, eyeing the dishes warily. “Where’s my brother?” he asked with a polite smile.


    Dani answered smoothly, “He stepped out to take a call.”


    Kohen gave a slow nod, half-convinced. Then Dani added casually, “Didn’t you say you were here to eat? Don’t be shy.”


    Kohen blinked, momentarily stunned by her calmness. Even Charles looked caught off guard.


    Left with no better option, Kohen nced at the half-eaten dishes, trying to guess which ones were safe.


    Meanwhile, Niks mustered his remaining strength and mmed his fist weakly against the restroom door, desperate to warn Kohen and Charles about the tainted food.


    But no one heard a thing.


    Charles’ effort was as useless as tossing a pillow at the door—no sound, no reaction.


    Kohen had always liked the food here, but something felt off. ying it safe, he used the excuse of wanting variety and ordered a few fresh dishes for himself.


    From inside, Niks heard Kohen cing the order and felt a small wave of relief.


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    But the next moment, everything went ck.


    He had nothing left to give.


    “Why’s my brother taking so long?” Kohen muttered between bites, subtly watching the others’ faces.


    No one looked like they’d been hit with a heavy dose ofxative.


    Dani offered a faint smile. “Maybe something came up.”


    Charles turned to Carol. “You’ve got great taste, Carol. The lobster is seriously amazing!”


    But the moment he said it, both he and Kohen froze, their expressions twisting in sudden rm.


    A sudden, sharp pain tore through their stomachs like a punch to the gut.


    Kohen and Charles shot to their feet in rm.


    Without hesitation, they bolted to the restroom and yanked the door open with urgency.


    There, sprawled across the cold tiles, were Niks and Richardpletely drained and barely conscious.


    “Niks!” Kohen called out, panicked.


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