billion book
Chapter 19
Lucas was stuck in a tough spot. With a determined gulp, he downed his glass of whiskey in one go. Before he could even set the glass down, another was thrust into his hand. And then another. And another.
Lucas had been feeling under the weather all day, and his headache had only started to ease by evening. Now, with a few glasses of booze in his system, the pounding in his head came back in full force. By the eighth glass, he was at his limit. He swayed, teetering on the edge of collapse.
Lucas wasn’t much of a drinker, and no one knew this better than Chloe. But she, on the other hand, could hold her liquor surprisingly well.
"Two more drinks? I'll take them," she said, stepping in after Lucas set down his glass. Without a word, she took the glass, tilted her head back, and knocked it back smoothly. Then she grabbed the last one.
Everyone watched in awe. It wasn't that unusual for a woman to hold her liquor, but the grace with which Chloe did it was something else. Her slender fingers wrapped around the stem of the glass, making it look like a piece of art. As she tilted her head back, revealing her elegant, swan-like neck, she drank with unhurried ease, exuding a natural, almost lazy grace. It was as if she wasn’t dealing with a challenge but rather enjoying a quiet celebration and savoring the moment.
When Chloe set the glass down, the crowd couldn't help but break into applause. Her expression remained unchanged, though a faint blush colored her cheeks, making her look even more vibrant and spirited. Like a stunning Damascus rose under the midday sun—absolutely captivating.
"We've finished the drinks, Mr. Connor. I trust you're satisfied now?" There was a hint of something more in her words.
Connor's face remained stony, if not colder. After a moment, a slight smirk tugged at his lips. "You two truly make a loving couple." Then, he turned and sat down, seemingly losing interest. Others quickly stepped up to offer toasts, and the moment passed.
Chloe helped Lucas back to their seats. Lucas felt awful. His stomach was churning, and he was on the verge of throwing up. He managed to stand. "I need to hit the restroom."
Chloe sat there, lost in thought, her gaze drifting to the main table. Suddenly, she felt something cold splash against her chest. A glass of red wine had been dumped all over her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I was just about to toast and tripped over the carpet," Lisa's fake apology followed.
Chloe looked up, anger flashing in her eyes. Lisa had done it on purpose. She saw Chloe steal the spotlight at the main table, drawing compliments for her genuine nature, wanted to bring her down and make her look foolish.
"Mom, what should we do? I’ve ruined Chloe's dress," Lisa said, turning to Leah.
Leah glanced at Chloe with a cold indifference. "Your sister has taken so much from you over the years. It's just a dress. She won't mind." Then, she took Lisa by the arm and left. As they walked away, Lisa turned back, smirking triumphantly at Chloe.
Chloe’s heart ached as she watched them leave. Her parents' betrayal cut deeper than anything Lucas and Linda had done. The night the DNA test results came out, Leah had slapped Chloe hard. Twice. "You’re that bitch's child? I've been cherishing my enemy's daughter all these years. Go to hell!"