?Chapter 181:


    Sadie had assumed that a gathering for the design department would be held at a restaurant.


    However, Jordyn led her to a karaoke bar in a bustling district instead. The neon lights of the karaoke bar shed rhythmically, and loud music red from inside, contrasting sharply with the type of dinner gathering Sadie had envisioned.


    Upon entering the private room, Sadie was dismayed to find it filled exclusively with male colleagues—many of whom were visibly overweight, some sporting potbellies—engaged in raucous drinking games. The atmosphere was more rowdy than professional.


    A sense of unease washed over Sadie. She discreetly pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Alex, hoping for some support or advice.


    Meanwhile, back at Wall Group’s CEO office, Noah was wrapping up his day. He had just finished sending an email when he nced at the wall clock and noted it was six in the evening. He stood, ready to leave, but as he passed by Sadie’s office and noticed its emptiness with the lights still on and an unfinished design draft on theputer screen, his brow furrowed in concern.


    He summoned Samuel. “Where is the design department? They’re leaving this early?”


    Samuel appeared equally perplexed. “I’m not sure either, sir.”


    Just then, Tina happened to walk by with a stack of documents. Catching sight of Noah, she quickly chimed in, “Mr. Wall, the design department is at a gathering event tonight.”


    “A gathering event?” Noah’s voice carried a hint of suspicion. “I wasn’t informed about this.”


    Tina hesitated before responding, “It seems… it’s organized by Jordyn.”


    A subtle shift flickered across Noah’s expression. He turned and left the office without another word. Tina watched his departing figure and let out a quiet sigh.


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    Meanwhile, back in the chaotic atmosphere of the karaoke bar’s private room, Sadie found herself encircled by several male colleagues, each one pressing her to drink. Despite her polite refusals, their persistence intensified.


    Jordyn observed from a distance, a smirk curling her lips as she relished Sadie’s evident difort, her eyes shimmering with spite.


    “Come on, Sadie, just one more drink!” urged a colleague, raising his ss. The strong scent of alcohol mingled with his cheap cologne, overwhelming her senses.


    “I really can’t drink anymore,” Sadie implored, angling her body away to avoid his proximity.


    Another colleague chimed in, snatching the ss from Sadie’s grasp and filling it with more liquor. “Oh,e on, it’s just one drink. What’s the big deal?”


    Sadie’s expression tightened as she noticed an unusual, overly sweet odor emanating from the drink.


    She discreetly ced the ss down, scanning the room.


    Maintaining herposure, she declined once more. “I’m really sorry, I have something important to take care ofter.”


    “Something important?” Another colleague scoffed, reaching out to touch her face. “Sounds like an excuse to me.”


    Sadie dodged swiftly, avoiding his hand and the ufortable situation escting around her.


    Sadie took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the anger surging within her. A sudden wave of heat flushed through her body, and her mind became foggy. She quickly realized something was off about the drink she had taken.


    “Oh,e on, everyone. Let’s not get so worked up,” Jordyn intervened with a sharine tone, feigning peacemaking. “We’re all colleagues here. Why make things difficult for Sadie? How about we y a game instead? Loser takes a drink. What do you say?”


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