Chapter 54
James gazed at me 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. “Fear 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 fent.”
Then, his grip on my arm loosened.
espite no one holding me, my feet felt anchored, a leaden weight preventing my movement.
I was very sure that if I did not drink, it was impossible for me to rush out of the room under the eyes of so many people.
I 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!”
My expression shifted subtly. “Very well. I’ll take your word for it.”
James’s eyes glinted momentarily, an enigmatic sensation coursing through him.
My stance remained unwavering as I approached the table, lifting a glass of wine. With a determined tilt, I drained it in a single gulp..
Laughter and cheers erupted within the private enclave, a boisterous celebration of my 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 me, a wordless observation.
With my first glass complete, I poised for the second.
I had just finished drinking my second cup when I pinched the third cup when the door of the private room was suddenly kicked open from the outside.
I instinctively shifted my gaze.
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And there stood Lukas, an aura of aloof indifference enveloping him as he entered, each step ushering in an unspoken chill.
James, too, was caught off guard. A taunting glint entered his eyes as he bantered with Lukas. “Mr. Strakovski, punctuality suits you. Miss Lopez appears to have a unique place in your heart.”
My
brows knit. Caught in the conversational exchange between James and Lukas, I gleaned Lukas’s
identity.
Six years ago, the luminescent star of the jewelry realm had been King family’s creations.
Nonetheless, within that same time frame, Strakovski Jewelry surged onto the scene, swiftly toppling King 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.
Mediopolis’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 apparent aversion.
to Lukas.
Evidently, James’s earlier treatment of me was colored by the knowledge of my affiliation with
Lukas’s establishment.
A clash of titans, with bystanders, swept into the crossfire.
My thoughts whirled, yet Lukas pulled me behind him before I 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 Lopez for a drink. Should you question het yourself, she’ll attest to my innocence. No harm intended.”
I felt the weight of James’s gaze upon me. My 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 me, then shifted his gaze to Lukas’s face, a sudden
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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!”
After saying, he turned around and left..
Suddenly, James raised his voice. “Lukas, you’re going too far. I’ve just returned to the country today and heard that you’ve caused quite a stir in Mediopolis these past few days. I only invited Miss Lopez to sit for a while. Is it necessary for you to escalate it like this? Do you want to challenge me directly?”
nkas halted his steps. He turned around and looked at James expressionlessly. “Do we really need to declare war between us?”
Given their inherently adversarial relationship, such formalities were unnecessary!
With that, Lukas left with his people.
James, infuriated, swept the drinks off the table onto the floor, cursing loudly in the room, “Lukas, you asshole!”
Unfortunately, Lukas didn’t even spare him another glance.
Unspoken Farewell at 30.000 Fert
