Dahlia didn’t pick up the first two times. It wasn’t until his third attempt that the call got through.


    “Hey, Dahlia. Didn’t you tell me to treat you to dinner? Why aren’t you here yet?” Dustin asked.


    “About that I’m sorry, but something came up. I might not be able to leave any time soon.” Dahlia’s


    voice sounded strange.


    “It’s alright. Work is more important. Take your time. I won’t bother you.” Dustin answered


    understandingly despite the tinge of regret.


    Dahlia hummed. “I’ll treat you another day.”


    “Sure.” Dustin smiled. He was just about to hang up when he heard a familiar voice.


    “Dahlia, who are you calling? Hurry up. You’ve got to drink with me-”


    With a beep, the call ended.


    “Sir, when is Ms. Nicholson arriving?” the manager asked.


    “She has something to deal with, so she can’te. You can put everything away. I’m sorry, everyone.”


    Dustin smiled politely and got up to leave.


    Everyone exchanged confused nces. Why had the carefully nned dinner gone to waste?


    Meanwhile, inside a Barkarole Hotel room.


    “Mr. Langford, I can’t drink anymore. Let’s stop here tonight.” Dahlia waved her hands frantically as


    another


    ss of wine came towards her.


    Her face was flushed, and she was light–headed, her body weak.


    “It was quite hard to get your brother out of that mess. You can’t be that ungrateful, can you?” Luis held


    up his


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ss unhappily.


    “Just drink it, Dahlia. It’s just one ss.” Florence, who was sitting beside them, urged.


    They were here because they wanted to save James, so they had to make sure they pleased Luis.


    “But – Dahlia hesitated, troubled. Knowing her limits, she was sure she’d copse if she drank


    anymore.


    “I won’t force you anymore, Dahlia. This is thest ss.” Luis pushed the ss towards her once


    more.


    “See, Dahlia? It’s thest ss. You shouldn’t embarrass him.” Florence pressed softly.


    “Alright, I’ll drink it.” Taking a deep breath, Dahlia lifted the ss to her lips and downed the entire thing.


    As soon as the liquid settled, she felt herself getting dizzier. Her body swayed, and she almost tripped.


    With quick reflexes, Florence grabbed Dahlia to keep her still. “Mr. Langford, Dahlia is drunk. Why don’t


    I send


    her home.”


    “It’s fine. I’ve already booked a presidential suite for the two of you. She can just rest here.” Luis said


    with a smile.


    “Won’t that be too much trouble?” Florence questioned tentatively.


    “Of course not. We’ll be a family soon. You should go and rest.” Luis drew out a room card and passed


    it to Florence.


    “Thank you, Mr. Langford.” Florence nodded and helped Dahlia out of the room.


    “Let’s see how you’re going to escape tonight.” Luis cackled, seeing Dahlia’s retreating figure. He lifted


    his ss and took a big gulp before following behind the two women.