Chapter 76

Dahlia shot Evelyn a glance, fully aware Evelyn couldn’t hold her liquor well.
“Hey everyone, don’t worry about the bill today. This round’s on me.”
”
Then, she let Charles’ hand slip from her grasp and made her way back to her seat, grabbing a bottle to pour herself a full glass. Evelyn remained still, not moving an inch.
Dahlia’s gaze landed on Evelyn, and soon enough, so did their colleagues’. Feeling the pressure, Evelyn reluctantly picked up her glass and took a small, half-hearted sip. She wasn’t much for drinking and the glass she had earlier had already gone to her head. Dahlia downed her drink in one swift motion. As she set the glass down, she stumbled slightly and ended up in Charles’ arms, unsteady on her feet.
She leaned into him, massaging her temple with a hand, and looked up at him with misty eyes. Her voice was soft and inviting. “Charles, I’m feeling a bit dizzy. Let’s head home.”
The words “let’s head home” made it clear just how close they had become.
“Sure,” Charles replied.
He wrapped a supportive arm around her waist, guiding her out of the room. As he turned, his gaze lingered on Evelyn once more.
She kept her head down, never meeting his eyes.
Charles’ expression grew more intense.
…
Once Charles was out the door, everyone seemed to breathe easier. Even though they were curious about such a big shot, being in the same room with Charles had felt like a weight pressing down on them. They were finally relaxed and started drinking more freely.
Knowing her limits, Evelyn mostly stayed with the food, and no one pushed her to drink more.
Grace glanced over at Evelyn. She stood up, poured herself a brimming glass, and raised it to the group. “I’m thrilled to be part of Carlisle Jewels and work alongside all of you. I look forward to your guidance. Cheers!” Then, she knocked back her drink.
Everyone turned their attention to Evelyn. Unlike Grace, she only filled her glass halfway with the little wine left.’m looking forward to learning from you all.”
She finished her drink, feeling even more tipsy but keeping it under wraps.
The night was winding down, and soon, it was time to leave. Since they’d planned to drink, no one had driven to the venue.
Once outside, they hailed and shared cabs. Those heading in the same direction left together in one car.
“I’m heading the same way as you,” Grace said, sounding a bit out of it, as she opened the last cab full of female colleagues.
This left Evelyn with three male colleagues hanging back.
Once inside, Grace rolled down the window. “Take care of Evelyn for me and make sure she gets home safe.”
“Don’t worry,” one of them replied as the three men exchanged a quick glance.
“Thank you, but my friend’s just around the corner and will pick me up,” Evelyn said, which led them to
car and drove off.
back off. They hopped in
Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief. She knew she needed to find somewhere to sober up and fast.
…
In the parking lot, as Dahlia and Charles reached the car, Dahlia leaned against Charles, almost like she was made of water. Aiden promptly stepped forward to open the door.
Dahlia climbed in first. With the car’s heater on, she immediately shrugged off her coat, murmuring, “It’s so hot.”
She was clearly tipsy. Amid soft moans, she unbuttoned three
Sof her shirt, revealing a
swath of her pale skin tinged with the blush of alcohol.
She slumped against the seat, looking like she was inviting Charles closer. She was playing her cards, drawing Charles in.