After a light meal, everyone started drinking. Toasts were inevitable.
Evelyn kept a low profile. She stayed quiet, her body hunched, trying to disappear. She hoped no one would notice her.
“Evelyn, let’s have a drink!” Chloe Parker, sitting across from her, said with a smile.
“To you, Chloe!” Evelyn quickly raised her juice glass.
“Shouldn’t you change that color?” Chloe asked, eyeing the juice.
“Sorry, I can’t drink,” Evelyn apologized awkwardly.
“It’s fine. Just a sip,” Chloe encouraged.
Evelyn glanced at Alexander for a moment. Finally, she switched to red wine. She clinked glasses with Chloe. “Thank you for taking care of me all this time.”
“You’re welcome,” Chloe replied.
Evelyn took a half-sip. She forced herself to follow suit.
If she skipped one, the other secretaries would notice. Especially Amy Harper.
Evelyn had to toast them one by one. She thanked each for their guidance.
“Evelyn, are you going to toast the whole table with that?” Grace Miller said with a grin.
“I... I don’t drink well,” Evelyn replied, embarrassed.
“It’s okay. I’ll cover you,” Grace said, pouring her a full glass.
Evelyn wanted to cry. But she could only say thank you.
“I’ll drink mine. You’re free,” Grace said, smiling.
Evelyn didn’t stand on ceremony with Grace. She just took a small sip. They were close enough.
Then came Amy Harper.
Evelyn was always grateful for Amy’s guidance and encouragement. This glass had to be drunk.
“Amy, I’ve learned so much from you during this internship. Thank you.”
“It’s your own hard work and sharpness. Keep it up,” Amy said with a gentle smile, clinking glasses.
“Thank you, Amy,” Evelyn replied, then drank half the glass. She wanted to finish it, but feared the next cup would make her dizzy.
After a round of toasts, Evelyn finally ate something to suppress the alcohol. She hoped she wouldn’t get drunk too fast.
Then she heard Amy motion to her. “Evelyn, you should toast Mr. Sterling.”
“Oh, right!” Evelyn was stunned for a moment, then answered. She turned to look at Alexander. She had deliberately skipped him.
She thought she could escape. But she couldn’t.
Amy didn’t know about their relationship. She only reminded her out of kindness.
After all, Alexander was the highest rank here. Everyone respected him. Skipping him would look bad.
Evelyn had no choice but to pour a small half-glass again. She said politely, “Mr. Sterling, thank you for your constant care.”
Her face burned.
Alexander’s answer was normal. But somehow, his words felt loaded.
“Should we drink the cross-cupped wine?” Grace said at that moment.
“Huh?” Evelyn was about to drink. She froze, staring at Grace.
The others heard Grace’s suggestion. Their eyes lit up, faces full of gossip.
“Fine. Since you’re suggesting it, should you cover the next round?” Alexander said calmly.
“Deal. I’ll treat everyone to karaoke later,” Grace said with a smile.
Cheers erupted. A good show was coming. Plus extra fun. Why not?
Everyone’s courage grew. They started coaxing, shouting for more drinks.
Evelyn was depressed. You’re all happy. But you’re embarrassing me.
Alexander glanced at Evelyn. She looked flustered. He turned to Grace. “I’ll drink with Mr. Sterling. Grace will treat us to singing later.”
Since Grace said that, Evelyn gave up. She picked up her glass and drank with Alexander.
When they had their wedding, they drank cross-cupped wine. That was months ago. She had forgotten how.
But under Alexander’s guidance, she finished it quickly.
Evelyn turned her glass over. She smiled at Grace. “I’m done. It’s your turn now.”
“Okay. I’ll call to reserve a box. After dinner, we’ll head over,” Grace said.
With this plan, everyone seemed more relaxed. They joked while eating.
Grace reminded Evelyn not to drink too much. Save some energy for karaoke. Family members were allowed.
Another round of cheers.
Soon, Evelyn felt sluggish. Her reactions slowed. The alcohol was kicking in.
She hadn’t improved since the last class dinner. Old habits die hard.
“Alexander, I want shrimp,” Evelyn suddenly said.
The noisy table fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Grace wore a playful expression. Alexander remained calm.
He picked up a shrimp and started peeling it. His movements were natural and practiced.
Whenever they ate together, Alexander peeled shrimp for Evelyn. It was reflexive for her now.
Alexander peeled the shrimp, dipped it in sauce, and placed it in her bowl.
Evelyn didn’t realize what had happened. She just picked it up and ate.
Alexander continued peeling. He asked calmly, “Why aren’t you eating?”
Grace almost laughed. Your husband and wife just dropped a bombshell. Everyone else was so shocked their jaws nearly hit the floor. What else could they do?
Everyone came back to their senses. They laughed and continued eating. But they murmured among themselves. What was going on?
Later, Alexander ordered hangover tea for Evelyn. She drank it obediently. The others kept eating and drinking, still murmuring.
After dinner, they headed to the karaoke bar. They booked a big box. Family members were called. It was livelier than before.
In the taxi, Chloe Parker asked Amy Harper in a low voice, “Amy, what’s the relationship between Evelyn and Mr. Sterling?”
“I don’t know,” Amy replied, equally puzzled.