Chapter 174 Chapter 174 CJoinFor A Drink! Linsey burst into laughter again.
It was a strange but pleasant feeling-being around Collin, even just talking to him, always seemed to lift her spirits.
"Well," she said, finally composing herself. "I should probably head back inside. It's not cool to keep my colleagues waiting" "Go ahead," Collin replied with a nod. He waited until Linsey ended the call before setting his phone aside.
By the tLinsey returned to the private room, her colleagues had already started eating Coen spotted her the moment she walked in and waved her over. "Linsey! Cjoinfor a drink!" The pungent smell of alcohol wafted towards Linsey as she sat down.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe had only been gone for a few minutes-how much had Coen managed to guzzle down in that short time? "Linsey, my dear," Coen slurred, a wide grin plastered across his face as he handed a glass of wine to Linsey. "We owe it all to you for snagging Anthea's deal. This one's for you!" Linsey eyed the brimming glass, Collin's earlier warning echoing in her mind. "Coen, I don't really drink. Do you mind if I pass?" To her surprise, Coen's expression soured instantly. He scowled at her. "Linsey, are you trying to makelook bad?" Cynthia, never one to miss an opportunity, jumped in with a sneer. "Linsey," she drawled, "you might have landed Anthea's deal, but let's not forget that she only gave us another shot because of Coen. Don't tellyou're taking all the credit?" Coen's scowl deepened at Cynthia's words.
He slammed his glass down on the table, the liquor sloshing over the rim. "Fine," he spat. "If our precious star designer can't handle a little drink, then forget it." Linsey shot Cynthia an icy glare. "Coen, that's not what I meant at all." With a resigned sigh, she picked up the glass and, gritting her teeth, downed the fiery liquid in one gulp.
The potent liquor scorched its way down her throat, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. The room started to tilt.
In the brief moment before the alcohol completely clouded her senses, Linsey had a sudden realization. Collin was right. She really couldn't hold her liquor.
Thankfully, Coen seemed satisfied with her compliance and didn't push her to drink any more.
After all, Linsey was the department's top designer, and even he had to acknowledge her value-and make concessions accordingly.
Chapter 174 CJoinFor A Drink! A short while later, Coen's phone rang.
After a brief conversation, he stood up and addressed the group. "Alright, everyone, enjoy the rest of your evening. The bill's taken care of. Something's cup, so I have to head out." The moment Coen left the room, the atmosphere instantly shifted. The tension dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief.
"Woohoo!" someone shouted. "Now that the boss is gone, let's really get this party started!" "Can you believe he paid the bill before the dinner ends?" another voice chimed in. "Was he afraid we'd order the entire menu?" "That cheapskate!" Someone else laughed.
The air in the private room grew heavy with the pungent aroma of alcohol.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLinsey, who had foolishly neglected to eat anything before drinking, quickly felt the alcohol taking its toll. The overwhelming smell of liquor churned her stomach, making her feel nauseous.
Unable to bear the stifling atmosphere any longer, Linsey quietly excused herself and slipped out of the private room, seeking refuge in the cool night air.
She found a quiet corner outside the restaurant and stood there, letting the cool night breeze wash over her face as she tried to regain her composure.
But she didn't feel better. Instead, the fresh air seemed to amplify the im effects of the alcohol. Her head spun relentlessly, her eyelids grew heavy, and the world around her swam in and out of focus.
Linsey shook her head, trying to fight off the encroaching drowsinessm Suddenly, a group of thugs appeared, their eyes gleaming with predatory intent.
"Well, hello there, gorgeous. All alone, are we?" One of the men noticed her flushed cheeks and glazed eyes, instantly recognizing her intoxicated state. "Feeling a little under the weather, sweetheart?" another man sneered, stepping closer. "Why don't we help you find a nice, cozy hotel room nearby?" The men exchanged leering glances, their intentions clear.
Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After