Love Unspoken

Off to the side, Quinn stood with an air of awkwardness, oblivious to the stir her presence was causing.

Her gaze swept over the influential men gathered around her, and the fact that Alexander hadn't simply excused himself indicated their importance.

Galen, ever the diplomat, proposed a change of pace. "Why don't we continue the merriment with Alexander and myself joining the drinking? As we've already established, this is a social gathering. Let's keep business out of it." A ripple of agreement spread through the crowd. "Indeed, we almost forgot that today is just a social event," someone echoed.

"Let's keep the drinks flowing," another voice chimed in.

Glasses were raised in toast, but the middle-aged man, Stellan, interrupted the cheer. "Since when do we drink without discussing business? Alexander mentioned earlier that if he wins, I'll work with him at no profit." "If I win, I don't want your rates to increase by five percent. Instead, how about having your assistant here escort me home tonight? That's a fair request, isn't it?"

His words, though seemingly innocent, carried a weighty implication that wasn't lost on anyone. This cunning man had noticed Alexander's reluctance to let Quinn drink and had crafted a ploy around it. Quinn's lips pressed together in a tight line, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Alexander.

silent for a moment before responding. "Stellan, your tastes

response. "If we're not talking business, we've got

and wide to attend this gathering, and we don't want to dampen

countered, "Wouldn't I be taking advantage of you then, Stellan? How about this: if you can finish all the drinks on the table, I'll give you an additional fifty

evident. "You're not drunk,

course not," Alexander replied. "Including your companion here, I see you both can hold

If the assistant couldn't handle it, so be it; Stellan stood to make almost all of the profit, essentially getting a complete discount from Alexander-he'd barely be making anything himself. Grinning, Stellan said, "Alexander, you've made this promise in

crossing his legs. "Of course

for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Ronan,

grabbed a bottle of liquor, unscrewed the cap, and began

the bottle in one go, someone immediately applauded. "Impressive tolerance. Stellan, your assistant