After a few drinks, Sadie''s cheeks got a bit rosy. Joe topped off her ss with more wine.


    "I can''t drink too much tonight..." Sadie grumbled, frowning.


    "Sadie!" Amanda''s voice cut in just as Sadie was about to refuse. Amanda came over, ss in hand, ready to toast.


    Sadie quickly stood up with her ss. "Duchess Louis, I should be toasting you."


    Amanda gave a warm smile. "We''re all family; no need to be so formal. I just hope the kids grow up healthy and happy, and that you and Joe are doing well." Sadie felt a pang of guilt. No matter what, Amanda always put the kids first. Even if Sadie felt a bit slighted sometimes, she couldn''t deny Amanda''s kindness. "Come on, cheers!" Amanda said.


    "Thanks, Mom," Joe grinned.


    Sadie smiled and downed her drink.


    Amanda patted Sadie''s shoulder affectionately and reminded her, "Don''t drink too much. You still gotta watch the performance."


    "Okay, Duchess Louis," Sadie replied. As she was about to sit down, she identally bumped into the table. Joe quickly steadied her, showing his care. Barbara, who was serving nearby, saw this and had aplicated look on her face.


    "Joe, take good care of Sadie," Amanda instructed, "I''m gonna be with the kids."


    "Go ahead, Mom," Joe''s focus was all on Sadie, asking, "Sadie, want some water?" "Okay." Sadie nodded.


    Joe immediately asked someone to get her some water.


    Barbara brought over two sses of purified water and handed one to Sadie.


    "Wait a sec," Annika suddenly said, her tone sharp. "Give it to Joe first; he''s thirsty too."


    Barbara''s face stiffened. Annika took the ss from Barbara and handed it to Joe, then gave the remaining ss to Sadie.


    Barbara frowned at Joe, like she wanted to say something but held back.


    "Ms. Campbell, you''re blocking Ms. James'' view of the performance," Annika said deliberately.


    "Sorry," Barbara mumbled, moving away reluctantly.


    Joe didn''t notice and drank the water in front of him.


    Sadie didn''t drink the water Barbara gave her because Annika had secretly swapped it with another ss.


    Annika''s moves were so quick that no one noticed.


    When Amanda turned to look, she saw Sadie and Joe drinking water, and a secretive smile appeared on her lips.


    After a few opening acts, the mysterious magician finally took the stage.


    The kids cheered excitedly and gathered closer to watch.


    Noah and Mia''s attention was also drawn to the magician on stage.


    "Sadie, have some fruit," Joe offered, ever attentive.


    "Thanks." Sadie said, taking the fruit. The wine seemed a bit strong tonight. She''d only had a few sses and was already feeling tipsy.


    "Mr. Louis, Ms. James," a maid approached with a message. "Duchess Louis wants you two to toast Hubert!"


    "Oh, right, I almost forgot," Joe said, quickly grabbing his ss and helping Sadie up.


    The maid poured half a ss of red wine for Sadie.


    Sadie followed Joe to toast Hubert.


    Hubert was in a great mood tonight and had also had some drinks. But his drink was brought from home; he wasn''t used to wine. Sadie and Joe toasted him. "Hubert!"


    Hubert quickly stood up and said, "We''re all family, no need to be so formal."


    "It''s necessary," Sadie said gratefully to Hubert, "You were living a peaceful life in the mountains, and now, because of me, you''ve been running around from Newark to Country E and then to Country C. It''s been hard on you!" "Sadie, it''s what I should do," Hubert replied with a smile, "Your dad was kind to me back in the day, so I''m just repaying a favor. Besides, traveling the world with you has been quite enjoyable!"