Alexander shifted uncomfortably, the tension in the room growing thicker with every passing second. Jessica was Ethan’ wife, and Emily’s behavior—whether intentional or not—was undeniably crossing the line.
“She’s drunk,” Ryan interjected quickly, his voice defensive. “She doesn’t even know what she’s doing. How could she possibly know better?”
Bethany crossed her arms, unimpressed by Ryan’s excuse. With a derisive snort, she shot back, “Oh, really? Who’s to say she’s actually drunk and not just putting on a show?”
“You—” Ryan began, his irritation flaring, but he hesitated. He knew better than to push Bethany too far. Her identity and confidence made her a formidable opponent in any verbal exchange.
Before the tension could boil over, Ethan’ calm, emotionless voice sliced through the air. “What are you doing here?” he asked Jessica, his dark eyes locked on her.
Jessica met his gaze without flinching, her expression cool and composed. “I noticed someone I know and thought I’d come over to say hello.”
Ryan, eager to diffuse the situation—or perhaps to provoke Jessica—spoke up before Ethan could respond. “Well, now that you’ve done that, you can leave.”
Jessica’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned her head toward Ryan, her tone dripping with disdain. “Whether I stay or leave is up to me. Why are you interfering in something that doesn’t concern you?”
Ryan faltered, momentarily at a loss for words. His expression darkened as frustration flickered in his eyes. After a beat, he let out a cold laugh and said sarcastically, “Well, it seems like your new status has made you bold, hasn’t it? Nathaniel’s goddaughter sure knows how to throw her weight around.”
Jessica’s gaze turned icy, her voice a razor’s edge. “If you’re aware of that, maybe you should keep your mouth shut.”
Ryan glared at her, his jaw tightening. But with nothing left to say, he looked away in defeat.
Meanwhile, Ethan leaned back in his seat, watching Jessica intently. His expression remained casual, his eyes narrowed slightly in thought. He didn’t miss a single detail of her demeanor, noting how her actions contradicted her earlier words. She wasn’t here to “say hello.” Her jealousy was clear, though she masked it well.
As the tension between Jessica and Ryan simmered, Bethany decided to take matters into her own hands. She approached Emily, her patience wearing dangerously thin. “Miss Reed, wake up now,” she said, her tone sharp. “Let go of Ethan and behave.”
But Emily swatted Bethany’s hand away with a groggy groan. “Don’t touch me… Go away… I don’t want anyone else. Ethan… Ethan… I only want Ethan…” she mumbled, her words barely coherent.
Her flushed cheeks and half-closed eyes left no doubt that she was intoxicated. But whether her drunken behavior was genuine or exaggerated was another matter entirely.
Ryan stepped in to explain, his tone placating. “I apologize. Emily gets clingy when she’s drunk. It just so happens she was sitting next to Ethan today, and, well…” He trailed off with a shrug, turning to Jessica. “I hope you can understand, Mrs. Clark. Once she sleeps it off, she’ll let go of him.”
Jessica let out a soft laugh, the absurdity of Ryan’s words too much to ignore. Her amusement seemed to unnerve Ryan, who fidgeted under her calm gaze.
Beside her, Bethany glanced at Jessica, silently asking what she intended to do next.
Jessica stepped forward, her movements measured. Her sharp eyes swept over Emily before briefly meeting Ethan’ gaze. He held her stare, his dark eyes steady and unreadable. Ethan leaned back slightly, as if curious to see what she would do.
After a moment, Jessica broke eye contact and turned her attention to the wineglass on the table. “It seems Miss Reed really is drunk,” she remarked smoothly, her tone almost conversational.
“Of course,” Ryan replied with a cold chuckle, sensing her sarcasm.
Without another word, Jessica picked up the glass of wine. Her movements were deliberate, and before anyone could react, she tilted the glass, splashing its contents directly onto Emily’s face.
“Ahhh!” Emily shrieked as the cold liquid drenched her face and hair. She jerked upright, blinking in confusion, her drunken haze momentarily shattered.
Ryan and Alexander froze, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief. They stared at Jessica, their mouths slightly agape, struggling to process what had just happened.
Jessica, however, remained composed. She calmly placed the glass back on the table, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Well, look at that. Miss Reed is wide awake now, isn’t she?”
Ethan glanced at the wine that had splattered onto his sleeve. Instead of irritation, a flicker of amusement crossed his face. His head tilted slightly as he studied Jessica, intrigued by her boldness.
Ryan recovered from his stupor, his voice rising with anger. “Jessica! What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that to Emily? Have you lost your mind?”