Template placeholder with Chapter 61
Chapter 61:
The sight of a full bottle of red wine in Patton’s grip cast a shadow across Amelia’s face. For someone who rarely drank, even a single glass could leave her head spinning, and an entire bottle would be overwhelming. It was clear Patton was deliberately making things difficult for her.
“You’re going too far p>
From across the room, Carlee hurried to Amelia’s side, her eyes shooting daggers at Patton. Patton’s friends picked up on the tension and came to stand beside him. They didn’t know what had happened between Patton and Amelia, but they believed making a woman drink that much wasn’t right. They wanted to intervene, yet when they saw Patton’s angry expression, they held back.
“You think I’m being unfair? She showed up late in the first place! Besides, she was the one who said she would do anything to get my forgiveness. I’m not forcing her,” Patton said, fixing his stare on Amelia. Her silence drew a mocking smirk from him. “If this is too much for you, then you’re free to leave p>
“Let me get this straight—if I finish this bottle, you’ll forgive me for being late this afternoon, right?” Amelia interjected.
That bold response made Patton pause, but his surprise faded fast. He didn’t believe she would actually go through with it, so he replied, “You have my word. Drink it all, and I’ll let the matter go p>
R𝗲аd 𝗍𝗵𝗲 𝗅a𝘵𝖾st 𝗍𝗋𝗲𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗼𝗇
Right after hearing those words, Amelia took the bottle from his hand. Since it was already uncorked, she braced herself and began to drink. Landing her job at the Stewart Group meant everything to her; she didn’t want to fail at her first task.
Carlee’s heart pounded with concern, and Patton could hardly believe his eyes. He had intended only to make things difficult for Amelia, hoping she would give up. He hadn’t expected her to actually drink the wine.
Carlee’s worry was obvious. She thought about grabbing the bottle but didn’t want to jeopardize Amelia’s efforts. All she could do was watch anxiously.
As soon as Amelia drank, the sharp flavor burned her throat, making her cough. But she paused only for a moment before lifting the bottle again. Determined not to back down, she continued drinking. When she reached the halfway mark, Patton stepped up and yanked the bottle away.
Despite his lingering anger, he worried she might get sick after drinking so much wine. Finding her hand empty, Amelia blinked, then looked at Patton and said, “Mr. Carman, you promised. If you go back on your word now p>
“That’s enough. I said I’d let it go, and I will,” Patton interjected, his voice cold but resolute.
Despite feeling sick from the wine, Amelia felt a flicker of relief at his words. She took a deep breath and stepped toward him, eager to discuss the contract. But before she could speak, Patton added, “I’m willing to let your tardiness slide, but that doesn’t mean we’re moving forward with this deal. The contract’s canceled, and that decision is final p>
“Are you just messing with us?” Carlee, who had been by Amelia’s side, was ready to argue, but Amelia stopped her.
Patton didn’t stick around. He turned and left the room with Sammy at his side. The two actors sent Amelia a sympathetic look before following them out the door.
Frustration turned Carlee’s cheeks red as she watched them go. She turned to Amelia. “You’re really going to let them leave like that? Didn’t that mean you just drank all that wine for nothing p>
“Not entirely. At least Patton forgave me for being late today,” Amelia replied with a tired smile. Then she lowered her voice and asked, “Did you find what I asked for p>
“That bracelet is hard to find. But Monroe said he could get his hands on it, so it should be delivered here soon p>
Roughly thirty minutes later, a delivery man brought a small parcel to Carlee. Once she’d signed, Carlee opened it, revealing an ordinary-looking bracelet.
“You’re really sure this little thing is going to change Patton’s mind?” she asked, brow furrowed.
“He won’t say no to the deal after he sees it. The contract is as good as signed,” Amelia said, slipping the bracelet safely into her bag. “Let’s go. I’ll explain on the way p>
As the car rolled through the city, Amelia filled Carlee in on the bracelet’s backstory. It was the last design by the late designer Jackson Avila, with only three similar pieces in the world. During her background check on Patton, Amelia had discovered Jackson was Patton’s favorite designer. That made her certain he would change his mind after seeing the bracelet.
Since Amelia’s appearance at the Night Owl Bar had cut Patton’s dinner short, hunger caught up to him when he returned to the Kretol Hotel. He soon ordered food.
After a while, Amelia pushed a cart piled with dishes out of the elevator. She leaned close to Carlee and whispered, “Keep watch. If anyone comes, stall them for me p>
Carlee nodded and watched as Amelia stepped forward to knock on the door. When Amelia announced that she was from room service, Patton opened immediately. “Just set the food down and go,” he said.
Taking careful steps, Amelia entered. She placed the plates on the table, arranging them neatly before turning to look at Patton. He was just about to question why the delivery person hadn’t left when he recognized her. A sour look crossed his face.
“You again? Don’t tell me you’re following me now p>