With that thought, Shelia quickly distanced herself and, in a sugary tone, told Jacob, “I apologize, Mr.


    Perry.


    This mess is on me.


    I just wanted Lindsey and her partner to enjoy the party, never expecting them to be so brazen and spew such nonsense… If only I hadn’t invited them.


    ”


    Jacob, looking affectionate, pulled Shelia close and said, “You were just being nice.


    She’s fortunate to have a sister like you.


    But once you’re part of my family, cut ties with them.


    We can’t have them tarnish our reputation.


    ”N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    “Sure thing.


    ” Shelia snuggled into Jacob’s arms contentedly, and when he hinted at her uing marriage with him, she couldn’t contain her happiness.


    A smug look crossed her face as she nced at Lindsey.


    Meanwhile, Lindsey, gripping the edge of Domenic’s jacket, voiced her concern with a hint of nervousness, “Can you be certain? What if that’s the real wine?”


    They were in the Perry’s residence, and any slip-up by Domenic would not go unnoticed by Jacob.


    Plus, she was worried about what this meant for her own schemes…


    Domenic gave her cheek a yful pinch and chuckled deeply.


    “When have I ever been wrong?”


    Half an hourter, Jacob’s assistant hurried back and whispered urgently to Jacob.


    Jacob’s expression turned ashen instantly.


    “Is that what the expert said?” His eyes bulging, Jacob looked as though he wanted tosh out at the messenger.


    The assistant replied in a shaky voice, “Yes, those were the expert’s words, without a doubt.


    ”


    Reeling from the news, Jacob took a few steps back.


    “Mr.


    Perry, what’s the verdict? Is the wine real or not?” someone inquired.


    Jacob’s anger red as he threw his wine ss to the ground with a crash.


    “Damn it! I’ve been tricked!” he yelled.


    The room, once buzzing with chatter, went dead silent.


    Everyone’s attention was on him.


    Jacob wasn’t a wine expert; he just liked the expensive stuff.


    He had heard about the pricey Romanée-Conti and, without much thought, had a friend pick it up for him.


    But, it was a fake!


    The crowd caught on to Jacob’s rage and realized the mishap.


    “Looks like we’ve reached a verdict,” Domenic said, raising an eyebrow at Jacob.


    “Who’d have thought, Jacob Perry, of the elite Perry family, would serve fake wine? This could really smear your family’s name.


    ”


    “Did he choose a fake wine over losing face?”


    “He seems rich but easy to fool.


    ”


    “And who’s the man who spotted the fake Romanée-Conti right away?”


    “This man knew it was a fake, and Jacob didn’t, that’s quite something.


    ”


    Lindsey, amazed, turned to the man next to her, seeing him in a new, impressive light.


    “Have you had this wine before?” she whispered.


    “Just once, with my boss.


    It’s a taste you can’t forget,” Domenic answered, smiling slightly.