Greta took a step back, her cheeks flushing with panic. "I can''t drink alcohol."


    A mockingugh echoed through the crowd. "Oh,e on, who are you trying to fool? Everyone here knows there are only two types of women at these functions: the wives of the big bosses or their hardworking assistants. You''re clearly not Ms. Dawson''s wife, and you don''t seem eager to help him with his work, so what brings you here?"


    Greta felt her face burning with embarrassment.


    Cameron stepped in, trying to defuse the situation. "My wife had an unexpected emergency, so she asked her sister to fill in for her. Her sister isn''t in great health and can''t drink. Sorry for any confusion."


    Greta was just about to feel a sense of relief when the questions persisted, "Mr. Dawson, is your wife really unable to show up?"


    Cameron''s expression turned stern. "What exactly are you suggesting? Are you saying I don''t know my own wife''s situation?"


    "Mrs. Dawson was at my boutique earlier, excitedly picking out dresses for tonight. Are you sure she won''t be upset about the sudden switch?" the instigator pressed on.


    Cameron was secretly annoyed with Nellie for making her shopping spree so public and stirring up unnecessary rumors.


    The crowd watched Cameron with a mix of curiosity and amusement.


    In their circles, it wasn''t rare for men to have secret flings or sponsor young women through school, but everyone knew how to y the game. Bringing your spouse to these events to show a united front was the smart move. Cameron''s actions were now seen as a bit naive.


    Cameron was in a bind, so Greta quickly grabbed a ss of wine and drank it down in one gulp. She smiled and exined, "You''ve all got it wrong. Mrs. Dawson just found out she''s expecting, so she''s unable to attend events like this. I''m here to help Mr. Dawson handle the drinks."


    Her quick thinking immediately


    eased the tension. The crowd''s doubts about Cameron disappeared, reced by congrattions. "Mr. Dawson, congrats! You''re going to be a dad."


    From a corner came the tter of a


    wine ss hitting the floor. Everyone turned to see Nathan looking startled. His naturally aloof demeanor masked an unreadable indifference.


    Realizing he became the center of attention, he gracefully said, "Sorry about that, slipped right out of my hand." The crowd chuckled and murmured.


    "Mr. Nathan is all grown up now, and he''s bing quite the handsome young man," an elder remarked.


    "In a couple of years, it''ll be time for him to think about marriage. Wonder which luckydy will catch his eye."


    Cameron saw a chance to shift the focus. "Mr. Nathan, I have a sister, she''s eighteen, talented, and quite the beauty. If you''re interested, I could introduce you..."


    Nathan''s unreadable gaze lingered


    f.nBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    on Cameron. With a faint smile, he elegantly picked up two sses of wine and approached Cameron, offering one. "Thanks for the offer, Mr. Dawson. Let''s have a toast."


    Cameron eyed the full ss of alcohol, clearly hesitant.


    Before he could respond, Nathan passed the ss to Greta. "Looks like Mr. Dawson can''t handle his drinks. Maybe you should take care of this one for him."


    Greta''s face fell, but she had just said she was here to handle the drinks for Mr. Dawson, hadn''t she?