Nathan’s lips twitched.


    He knew that Mekhi was only putting on appearances, but he couldn’t be bothered to expose him there and then.


    “Make sure to match your words with your actions.


    Not that your intentions matter to me.


    You’re nowhere near strong enough to overthrow me.


    ”


    Mekhi froze.


    It took him a few seconds topose himself and muster another smile.


    Fortunately for him, Lucinda and Noelle returned just then.


    They paired up with their partners and entered the banquet hall one after the other.


    As soon as Noelle stepped into the arena, she was immediately taken to meet business tycoons and establish connections by Mekhi.


    It seemed that Mekhi was dead set in expanding her social circle.


    For the first few minutes, Lucinda kept an eye on them from a distance.


    When she was certain that Noelle wasn’t in any danger, she finally focused on her own business partners and took the opportunity to settle a deal.


    Meanwhile, in another part of the hall, Noelle was forced to toast each of the businessmen that she was introduced to.


    She had a fair alcohol tolerance, but after finishing ten sses of wine, she finally began to feel dizzy.


    When she was handed another ss of wine, she tly refused it.


    “I can’t drink anymore, Mekhi.


    I need to stop.


    ”


    Thankfully, Mekhi didn’t insist.


    Instead, he apologized to the magnate they were speaking to, a man named Quintin Hudson, and drank the wine on Noelle’s behalf.


    Then he turned to her with a smile.


    “Look at Mr.


    Hudson here.


    What do you think of him?”


    Quintin waited for her answer with a pleasant smile.


    Noelle squinted at him and realized that he was probably nearing forty years old.


    He was indeed good-lookingpared to his peers, but he couldn’t hold a candle to Cyrus.


    “Mr.


    Hudson is handsome and wise,” she said lightly.


    “A formidable businessman, indeed.


    ”


    Quintin preened at her praise, visibly pleased.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    “You’re quite right, Miss Shaw! But I must say, in addition to being a sessful businessman, I am also a thoughtful and generous lover.


    ”


    He was already reaching for Noelle’s hand when he said this.


    She hurriedly ducked behind Mekhi, instantly alert.


    “I have a boyfriend, Mr.


    Hudson.


    Out of respect for him, I must ask you to refrain from doing such things.


    ”


    Quintin smiled awkwardly and withdrew his hand.


    He walked away without another word.