?Chapter 148:


    She was worried that the two men, both proud and half-drunk, might end up arguing. If things got heated, it could ruin their friendship—and more.


    Elliott smiled faintly. His eyes locked on Dn’s, a spark of challenge there. Then, he turned to Christina. “Thanks for letting me crash.” Dn’s expression didn’t change. He held the van door, refusing to move.


    Christina swayed slightly. The alcohol was catching up fast. Her head ached. She felt the dizziness building. There wasn’t time for this. She furrowed her brow, hesitated, and then took a step forward.


    Christina reached out and gave Dn’s sleeve a gentle tug, as if coaxing a favor out of him. Her voice softened, smooth and calm. “Everyone’s had a little too much to drink. As the host, I should make sure everyone gets home safe. Let’s take care of each other, okay?”


    Dn nced down at her. His expression stayed cold, but her clear gaze held his attention, cutting through the fog of alcohol. Her voice, sweet and calm, had a way of slipping past his guard.


    “Okay?” she repeated, drawing the word out with a small tilt of her head. She tugged his sleeve once more, just a little.


    Dn’s throat moved as he swallowed. His heart skipped. Did she even know how cute she looked right now? In an instant, his firm resolve crumbled. He said nothing, but let go of the car door. It was a quiet surrender.


    Christina beamed. Her smile lit up her face, yful and carefree. Feeling bold, she blew him a teasing kiss.


    Dn’s mouth curved just slightly. She was impossible to resist like this. And he didn’t want anyone else to see it. “Get in the car,” he said, his voice low. Without missing a beat, he took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “You’ll catch a cold.”


    “Thank you.” Christina smiled, hugging the jacket close. The warmthforted her.


    She hupped, her bnce swaying. With Dn steadying her, she clumsily climbed into the van.


    Elliott stepped up to follow, but Dn blocked his way.


    “Backseat’s tight. Take the front,” he said coolly. Without waiting for a response, he climbed into the car and firmly shut the door behind him.


    Elliott narrowed his eyes. “It’s a business van—it fits three just fine.”


    Still, he didn’t argue further. He circled around and got in the front. He knew if he hesitated even a moment longer, he’d risk being left behind entirely.


    Meanwhile, in the other car, Davina and Ralphy had already reached the mansion. With arms slung over each other’s shoulders, they stumbled through the door,ughing like lifelong friends.


    Ralphy suddenly stopped in his tracks. Davina, caught off guard, tripped over his foot. She pitched forward, about to fall. He reacted on instinct. He grabbed her hand and pulled her close.


    The tipsy Davina crashed into his chest. Their eyes met. The air shifted. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe something else—but their faces slowly drew closer.


    Just as their lips nearly touched, Davina suddenly gagged.


    The moment shattered like ss.


    Clutching her mouth, she groaned, “I can’t—ugh…”


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