Chapter 414
As the host, Eileen was expected to respond in kind, which would add another five bottles.
Once one person started, others quickly joined in. “I’d also like to toast to Ms. Curtis. I was considering terminating our contract due to rumors, but please don’t take it personally.”
“And me…”
“Me too! I haven’t finalized the contract with your company yet. It must be my assistant’s fault; he miscommunicated. I instructed that anyone from your company could sign.”
Eileen dismissed their excuses as mere fabrications. She saw right through them.
Raymond didn’t bother with a rebuttal. “Let’s skip the small talk. I’ll drink all the toasts for Ms. Curtis,” he said, downing each glass indiscriminately.
He wondered why Bryan had arranged for these individuals to pay their respects to Eileen through toasting. And he had to be the one to drink!
“Let’s move past previous issues and proceed with our contracts or arrange signings for those yet to do so,” Eileen stated.
Eileen hadn’t sought their toasts, but the attendees, fearful of causing offense, quickly raised their glasses, anxious that any hesitation might be perceived as a refusal to make amends with Eileen and incur Bryan’s wrath.
After numerous toasts, Raymond felt full but not inebriated. He excused himself to the restroom.
Eileen followed him, catching up just outside.
“What’s happening?”
Raymond shared, “Mr. Dawson was concerned about you handling such a tough crowd, so he had me prep them in advance. With his backing, who would dare cross you?”
Raymond was earnest and truthful.
Eileen had pieced together most of it already, but one question still lingered. “So, why did you still drink?”
Raymond paused, his expression innocent. “Mr. Dawson insisted they show their respect through toasts, but he didn’t want you to drink. That’s why I stepped in.”
Raymond sounded a bit bitter, but quickly added, “As your assistant, shielding you is part of my job. I can handle a few more drinks!”
“Alright, you head back first,” Eileen nodded at Raymond, then went to check on Julio.
In the next private room, Julio was alone, having ordered nothing.
Upon her entry, Eileen noticed that Julio was absorbed in his phone. A dim image of a woman’s photo flickered on the screen.