Chapter 55
gazed at her with a half–smile, saying, “If you don’t know how to drink, you can learn. Today, for your first lesson, allow me, your older brother, to teach you!”
His tone carrying a hint of intrigue. “Tear not. The wine is freshly uncorked, as you witnessed. No cause for concern. Once you conquer these eight glasses, your departure is assured. Otherwise, that door will seem an insurmountable feat.”
Then, his grip on Reese’s arm loosened.
Despite no one holding her, Reese’s feet felt anchored, a leaden weight preventing her movement.
She was very sure that if she did not drink, it was impossible for her to rush out of the room under the eyes of so many people.
She met James’s gaze earnestly. “Mr. King, can I genuinely leave after finishing this challenge?”
A mischievous grin played upon James’s lips. “I’ve never lied!”
Reese’s expression shifted s ubtly. “Very well. I’ll take your word for it.”
James’s eyes glinted momentarily, an enigmatic sensation coursing through him.
Reese’s stance remained unwavering as she approached the table, lifting a glass of wine. With a determined tilt, she drained it in a single gulp..
Laughter and cheers erupted within the private enclave, a boisterous celebration of her first sip.
Voices chimed in. “Cheers!”
A spectator even proclaimed, “James, she’s got quite the tolerance! She toyed with you, didn’t she?”
Yet James’s gaze remained trained on Reese, a wordless observation.
With her first glass complete, Reese poised for the second.
She had just finished drinking her second cup when she pinched the third cup when the door of the private room was suddenly kicked open from the outside.
Reese instinctively shifted her gaze.
And there stood Lukas, an aura of aloof indifference enveloping him as he entered, each step ushering in an unspoken chill.
A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionair
Code 55
James, too, was caught off guard. A taunting glint entered his eyes as he hatered with Luke tr Strakovski, punctuality suits you Mies Roberts appears to have a antique place in your heart
Reese’s brows knit. Caught in the conversational exchange between James and Lukas, the gene tucker’s identity.
Six years ago, the luminescent star of the jewelry realm had heen King family’s creations
Nonetheless, within that same time frame, Strakovski Jewelry surged onto the scene, swiftly toppling Ming family’s reign in the industry
Since then, every jewelry showcase has transformed into a duel of these titans–the King family and Strakovski Jewelry, with King family invariably relegated to the second spot.
Switzerland’s populace even coined the moniker “second in jewelry” for them.
These two entities had stood as fierce rivals for years, lending context to James’s apparent aversion to
Lukas.
Evidently. James’s earlier treatment of her was colored by the knowledge of her affiliation with Lukas’s establishment.
A clash of titans, with bystanders, swept into the crossfire.
Reese’s thoughts whirled, yet Lukas pulled her behind him before she could mull them further.
Lukas confronted James, standing tall: “James, the intent behind this escapes me. Targeting a designer – is that your notion of manliness?”
James’s gaze flicked to Lukas, a mirthful click of his tongue resonating. “Tsk, you’ve misconstrued the scenario. It was a mere friendly invitation to Miss Roberts for a drink. Should you question her yourself. she’ll attest to my innocence. No harm intended.”
Reese felt the weight of James’s gaze upon her. Her lips pressed in a measured silence.
Lukas’s eyes scanned the table, a glacial intensity engulfing his aura. “A ritual of drinking eight brandy glasses? Since when did that become the norm?”
Moreover, the vessel was sizable, resembling a beer bottle in form.
James chuckled dismissively as he glanced at Reese, then shifted his gaze to Lukas’s face, a sudden. disappearance of his smile, as he said, “Of course it is my rule, what’s the matter, Mr. Strakovski, do you have any objections?”
Lukas exhibited little inclination for further discourse. “I’m taking her with me. Spare me these covert maneuvers. Else, don’t be surprised if my response lacks decorum!”
& Perfect
and My Billiona
10.6%%%
After saying he turned around and
Suddenly, James caused tus arise Lake, po ng from
the canny day and the Miss Rohe
heard that you’ve caused que a ti in stand these pact for days only for a while. Is it penessary for you to escalate if (like tu? Do you want to challenge me firety
mir
Lukas halted his men. He turned around and lonked at James expressionledy. Do we really need to declare war between
?
Given their inherently adversarial relatiutup, such femalines were unnecessary
With that, Lukas left with his peoçõe
James, infuriated, swept the drinks off the table can the floor, curang fondly in the room. Take you
asshole
Unfortunately, Lukas didn’t even spare him another glance.
*
Chapter 56
