Startled by his sudden action, Loraine did not pull away. Instead, she reciprocated the hug, gently


    rubbing his back in a soothing manner.


    Marco, intoxicated, buried his face in her neck, his rough stubble grazing against her skin.


    The strong aroma of alcohol was overpowering, and in that moment,


    Loraine felt a certain intoxication as well, despite not having consumed any alcohol.


    As Marco’s breaths turnedbored, he inadvertently brushed his lips against the base of her neck,


    evoking a soft gasp from Loraine.


    A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y


    “Um…”


    Her restrained, chilly, and fragmented whisper sparked an ambiguous tension in the air.


    Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    As Marco continued to kiss up her neck, Loraine was overtaken by a tremor. However, he persisted,


    showing no signs of releasing her.


    Just as the situation was about to escte, Loraine stumbled over a wine bottle on the ground,


    tumbling onto the rocking chair along with


    Marco.


    Snapping back to reality, Loraine swiftly pushed him aside and hastily straightened her disheveled


    clothes.


    Marco, pulled back into reality, gazed around the chaotic balcony and shook his head. Now was not the


    appropriate time for this. The timing and location werepletely inappropriate.


    “I let my desires control me. I’m sorry,” he apologized.


    Loraine, in an attempt to shift the awkwardness, suggested, “Let me fetch you some water to help


    sober up.”


    Marco had been drinking for quite a while, exposed to the cool evening air on the balcony, and she was


    genuinely worried for him. She assisted him back inside, provided him with water, and arranged for


    fresh clothing for his shower.


    Freshened up, Marco still appeared a bit disheartened, but he managed to regain his customary


    polished demeanor, looking much more presentable.


    Loraine then offered, “Would you like me to assist with dealing with the online gossip?”


    Marco had been her support in the past. Now, she wished to reciprocate.


    Marco shook his head and softly declined, “That’s not necessary. Your empathy is more than enough.


    Trust me, I won’t be easily ndered or pushed around.”


    Loraine paused momentarily before suggesting, “At least switch on your phone, so people don’t worry.”


    Heeding her advice, Marco switched on his phone. Immediately, a call from Carl came through.


    “Mr. Bryant, finally you picked up! Where are you? You…”


    Marco cut him off and calmly issued several directives. After writing them down, Carl informed, “Mr.


    Bryant, we’ve managed to quash the online rumors, but the board’s shareholders are pressing for an


    early meeting.”