?


    York''s lips quirked up in a smirk as he followed her out.


    His girl was going through a rough patch. Wasn''t it his duty to show a little care?


    ...


    Back at the dinner, Dave was a shell of a man, forcing smiles and toasting the big shots.


    Leda had dumped him, and his threats held no water with her. This dinner was hisst shot.


    "...Mr. Harrison, we''ve met a few times, but today''s the first I''m privileged enough to propose a toast to you. I hope for your support in the future."


    In past dinners, Dave didn''t even get a chance to get close to the tycoons, much less toast them.


    Cliff gave a half-smile, arms folded, "Dave... was it?"


    "Dave."


    "Right, Dave. Got a decent tolerance for liquor, huh?"


    "Oh, just barely managing to keep up, you tter me."


    "I hear you''re gunning for the role of the third lead in Mr. Shaw''s new blockbuster series?"


    Dave''s expression turned serious: "What are you implying, Mr. Harrison?"


    "It''s not off the table. Right, Mr. Shaw?"


    Zander raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure what Cliff was ying at, but willing to go along."Of course."


    Dave''s eyes lit up.


    Cliff continued, "Just one tiny condition. Should be easy for you."


    "Name it."


    "Finish all the drinks on this table, and the role is yours."


    As soon as these words were spoken, the onlookers exchanged nces, eager for the unfolding drama.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Dave''s face fell. "Mr. Harrison, this seems a bit unfair."


    "Oh, it is. But you can choose not to drink. Just means the role goes to someone else."


    The table was a minefield of alcohol.


    Red wine, white wine, beer.


    Downing all of it was a death wish.


    Yet, Dave hesitated for only a moment before deciding-


    "I''ll drink."


    Cliff apuded, "Well done."


    As Dave started chugging, Cliff texted York:


    [Done as you asked]


    [Why mess with him, just because he was cozying up to your girl?]


    [I thought it was a casual thing between you two. Can''t take a joke?]


    After sending the messages, he got no reply.


    At that moment, York was following Leda into a bar.


    She really knew how to live it up.


    Ditched the puppy dog, and now she''s out dancing the night away.


    Some guy tried to hit on her.


    Leda nced at him, "Too old, not interested," and walked away.


    Leaving the guy fuming in ce.


    York, watching from a booth, was trying not to dieughing.


    "What''s so funny?" Leda kicked him lightly as she joined him, fresh from the dance floor, "Am I that amusing? You''re as old as he is. Laughing at him is likeughing at yourself."


    "??"


    She had a way with words.


    Leda sat down, getting herself a


    drink as if she owned the ce. Her


    sweat from dancing hadn''t even dried and she was still catching her breath.


    But this freedom felt amazing!


    "So, what''s up with following me here? Didn''t you have a dinner to attend?" she asked casually.


    "Boring. When did you notice me?"


    "When I entered the bar. You looking for me?"


    York raised his ss, a smirk ying


    on his lips, "Got bitten by my owne


    dog. Just making sure you weren''t crying your eyes out."


    "Pfft-over this? You think I''m that fragile?" "Isn''t every woman a little fragile at heart?"