Trouble in Paradise

"Have you ever seen a popular celebrity who gets into rumors and still survives without a scratch? Are you hoping for my company to lose money?" Pete retorted.

Gabriela, who was adept at reading the room as expected from someone in the entertainment industry, nodded vigorously and returned to his side, playing the innocent flower. "Indeed, my relationship with Pete is entirely professional. Please don't spread false rumors."

Despite her words, she linked her arm with him and rested her pretty head on his shoulder. Her actions spoke volumes.

"You must be Ariana?"

Her bitterness was evident. She was clearly annoyed by the shift from being Pete's girlfriend to just a new rising star. Her tone was even more aggressive than Pete's. "You mentioned wanting to thank Pete. Is a single drink all you think his favor is worth?"

Pete was already upset from the time I had shown favoritism toward Neil in the detention center, and this question only aggravated him further, striking a nerve.

His expression quickly darkened, while Nicholas merely chuckled and took a sip from his glass. Nicholas faint smile seemed to suggest, "Ariana, if you beg me, I might help you."

The room Instantly fell silent. I frowned slightly and looked at Pete. "Pete, how do you want me to thank you then?"

I didn't like being indebted to others. If I could meet his demands, it would be better to clear the debt.

Pete's face grew more somber, and he stared at me in silence for a long time. However, it was Gabriela, sitting next to him, who spoke first.

"I remember Pete made you drink two bottles of vodka, as punishment. He said you got drunk and ran away. So how about you make up for those two bottles today?"

I looked at him and asked softly, "Is this what you wish for me to do?"

He exhaled deeply, and the sound was barely audible even to me, who was standing by the door.

I thought that if Silas were here, he would probably advise me that nothing could be solved without a little pleading, but pleading was exactly what I couldn't do.

I turned to Nicholas and asked, "So, should these two bottles of vodka be counted under your expenses

too, Mr. Hawk?"

I might have been crazy to seek his opinion, but his silence was the best answer he could give me. The bottles were shoved into my hands, and this time, no glass was provided. "Alright. If finish these two bottles, then all our debts will be settled. We'll have nothing more to do with

each other after that."

I called Yasmine to pick me up, determined not to repeat the previous drunken fiasco,

Remembering what Nicholas had done to me that night, my cheeks flushed, and I quickly took a sip of the

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alcohol to calm myself. I wasn't good at drinking and couldn't handle much.

Gabriela noticed I was struggling and mocked me. "Don't bite off more than you could chew. How dare you show off in front of Pete when you can't even hold your drink? It's really laughable! "Don't think too highly of yourself. Who wants to stay in touch with you?"

The grievances between Pete and me were none of her concern. I glared at her but didn't respond. She didn't deserve to know.

As I prepared to continue drinking, I suddenly felt a warmth on my wrist.

Nicholas grabbed the bottle from my hand and pulled me into his embrace. "Since it's a matter between my wife and Pete, I, as her husband, can't stay out of it. I'll drink this for her."