Chapter 254


    "Really?" Renata looked slightly taken aback, studying me. "Not a sip? It''s red wine, a little can be good


    for your health."


    "Just this once, then! Can''t go against Ms. Renata''s wishes, can we?" I replied casually, "And best of


    luck to you, Ms. Renata!"


    Renata''s face lit up in delight. She raised her ss and we all mirrored her gesture, clinking our


    sses together before taking a sip.


    I watched them all drink before reluctantly raising my ss, I took a small sip.


    It had been a while since I had tasted this stuff, sour and unpleasant, hard to swallow.


    My reaction, however, was calcted.


    Sure enough, Renata noticed my tiny sip and instantly protested, pointing it out, "You can''t be serious,


    Mrs. Dawson! We all drank, it''s not right!"


    Catherine seemed a little irritated, reaching for my wine, "Don’t push yourself."


    I evaded her, "No need. I’m just not used to this stuff anymore." With that, I raised my ss and


    downed it in one gulp, then looked at Renata.


    "Mrs. Dawson, you''re a sport!" Renata apuded immediately.


    "If I weren''t, you wouldn''t let me be!" I added with augh. I was being rather blunt.


    Herughter grew brighter, "Men are talking about business, while we women have to enjoy ourselves!"


    Catherine shot back, "You sure arefortable with this, always apanying men in business, huh?


    Oh... by the way, where did you get that dress? It''s quite pretty."


    Renata flinched slightly, her gaze fixed on Catherine''s face. She probably didn''t expect Catherine to be


    so forthright.


    Everyone understood the unspoken joke, suppressing theirughter. Everyone knew the dress


    Catherine was referring to, was the one that had be popr after Renata''s scandal.


    Though Renata didn''t respond, her face paled slightly, and her gaze towards Catherine held a hint of


    hostility.


    Just then, Jan walked over with Jesper and Caleb, looking triumphant as he moved to my side,


    wrapping his arm around my waist, showing off our affection. "What''s this? Honey, you''re drinking?


    Don''t drink too much!"


    "For Ms. Renata''s hospitality, just this once!" I replied softly, looking at him. "Just a little to lighten the


    mood!"


    Janughed, reaching up to pinch my cheek affectionately, "Cheeky! One is enough! Don''t drink


    anymore!"


    His tone and words were utterly indulgent, even listening to it could melt you.


    I had to swallow my disgust.


    A sh of light passed by, probably a media outlet capturing the moment.


    I had forgotten, there were many media outlets here. I had to make good use of this.


    I looked at Jan, feigning shyness, "Stop it, everyone''s been drinking, not just me! If you keep this up,


    what will Ms. Renata think? It was her suggestion!"


    I intentionally put the ball in Renata''s court.


    Jan looked at me with indulgent affection, "Honey, everyone else is fine, but you''ve been weak.


    Don''t push yourself! You need to take care of yourself, no arguing!"


    Catherine joined in the fun, "Instead of ming her, why not keep an eye on Ms. Renata? Always


    stirring the pot! Her generosity might lead people to believe she''s the hostess!"


    Renata offered a dismissiveugh, "Ms. Damon, don''t make a fuss over nothing!"


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    "Am I?" Catherine looked at Renata, herugh sincere, "I haven''t mentioned your intentional spiking


    yet!"


    Renata looked innocent, "Mr. Dawson, I had no idea your wife couldn''t handle her drink!"


    "Only when Mr. Dawson says so, you believe, huh?" Catherine didn''t let her off, exposing her without


    hesitation.