“I’ll drink it!” offered Johanna, panicked.
Johanna did not know how to repay Genevieve after what the latter had done.
Brandy is unlike wine. The former has a higher alcoholic content.
Johanna could not allow Genevieve to drink it.
“No. Only Ms. Rachford is allowed to drink it.” Gabriel glanced sideways at Johanna. “You drinking it doesn’t count.”
Johanna was so furious that her face went pale.
“Why are you being so aggressive, Mr. Jimmond?” Steven, who was standing silently at the side, spoke up coldly. “Before Mr. Faulkner was unconscious, he and Ms. Wood had a great relationship. A lot of projects and collaborations with the Wood family were due to the generosity of Mr. Faulkner. How could the Wood family treat Mr. Faulkner’s wife so badly in return?”
In a demure manner, Gabriel explained, “It’s not me who’s being aggressive. Mr. Wood called and said that his sister was bullied when she was at the Central Group shareholders’ meeting, so much so that the baby in her stomach was kicking around. Not to mention that if it’s so easy to take Ambrosia’s staff away, other guests would start following in Mrs. Faulkner’s footsteps. Sooner or later, there would be no escorts left in Ambrosia.”
Gabriel pointed to the bottle of brandy on the table. “Mr. Wood said that as long as Mrs. Faulkner can finish this bottle of brandy, he would consider that an apology for his sister.” He turned his gaze to Johanna before adding, “And you’re free to take this woman away.”
Steven’s eyes darkened. “Make it two bottles. I’ll drink it in her place-”
“No need for that, Steven.” Genevieve cut him off.
Johanna was still under Ambrosia. No matter what, Xavier would have the last say in whether or not Johanna could leave. Moreover, Xavier could add to the amount any time he wanted.
At that moment, Genevieve was certain that Xavier was hell-bent on making things difficult for her on Marilyn’s behalf.
Nonetheless, she was unfazed, knowing that there would be other opportunities for her to take revenge. There was no rush.
Genevieve picked up the glass of brandy on the table and toasted Gabriel. “A bottle of brandy, am I right, Mr. Jimmond? I’ll drink it.”
With that said, she raised the glass to her lips and downed the liquor in one gulp.
The brandy burned her throat as she swallowed. Frowning slightly, Genevieve waited for the waiter to serve her another glass. Once the glass was refilled, she continued drinking.
At the side, Johanna looked on helplessly with tears in her eyes. She twisted her fingers together, upset.
As she was halfway through the bottle, Genevieve felt her stomach starting to get upset and her body beginning to heat up. Despite the pain and discomfort, Genevieve persevered, determined to finish the bottle.
Once she had finished the final glass, Genevieve tipped the glass over to prove that she had drank everything.
“Well-played.” Seeing that Genevieve finished every last drop of the brandy, Gabriel passed her the IOU as agreed upon and let them go without a hitch.
It was only after they had exited the club did Genevieve rushed toward a corner and threw up. Her body shook as emptied her stomach, causing her to support herself on the wall.
“Genev!” Johanna rushed forward and rubbed Genevieve’s back. Tears streamed down her face as she apologized, “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. Are you okay?”
After vomiting, Genevieve felt much better.
She tossed Johanna a dismissive wave while rinsing her mouth with the water that was handed to her by Steven.
Johanna allowed Genevieve to lean on her body for support. As they were walking, Johanna was still sobbing her heart out. “You’re too kind, Genev. I shall never forget your kindness to me even if I die and reincarnate!”
Johanna sniffed. “I shall now honor you as I will a parent. Don’t worry, I will repay the forty million to you as soon as possible…”
Genevieve chuckled at Johanna’s words. “Please don’t honor me like a parent, that’s just weird. It’s alright, Johanna. We were friends. Besides, I could pay the amount just fine. It’s not like I was going out of my way.”
“You’re the best, Genev.” Johanna rubbed her head against Genevieve. “I shall forever be indebted to you!”
The pair of old friends continued to chat as they made their way to the hotel.
Upon reaching the hotel, Steven retired to his room while Johanna stayed with Genevieve.
Genevieve led Johanna to take a shower while she ordered some food.
As the server brought the food to the room, Johanna had just gotten out of the shower. Upon seeing the food, she immediately started shoving food down her throat.
Between bites, Johanna complained to Genevieve. “Ever since I was locked in that brothel, they only fed me a bowl of pasta these past two days. I’m absolutely famished.”
Genevieve swallowed a forkful of pasta before asking, “Didn’t you say your father is a very homely man? How did he become a gambling addict?”
“It’s all his friends’ fault.” Johanna’s movement slowed down as her face fell. “When I was still in high school, Dad came to Xedells for a business trip. When he was here, he was invited for a few rounds of gambling. Once he started, he could no longer stop. Because of that, Mom and Dad used to argue a lot. In the end, they divorced each other.”
