So that was it. His grandmother was in town, and he couldn''t face her without his wife. That''s why he''de looking for her.


    "The doctor said Grandma''s blood pressure has been high thest couple of days, so you''d better not make a scene,” Felix added as a helpful reminder. "Keep up."


    With that, he walked off.


    ire fumed for a moment but ultimately followed him.


    For no other reason.


    She was only going with him for Grandma''s sake.


    Noreen waited in the private room for a short while before receiving a text from ire.


    “Babe, I''m noting back to your ce tonight. Don''t worry about me. I''lle groveling tomorrow."


    Noreen thought for a moment and replied, "Stay safe."


    She couldn''t figure out how ire had gotten involved with the Quigley family of Northcrest, let alone how she was married to Felix, the head of the family.


    It was all too surreal.


    With ire gone, Noreen had to keep Jenniferpany and continue drinking.


    She hadn''t been to many parties in recent years, and her tolerance for alcohol was shot.


    Even Jennifer noticed and teased her, "You used to im you could drink anyone under the table. I was so envious of your tolerance back then. You know, for people in our line of work, being able to hold your liquor is a really useful skill."


    Noreen had to agree.


    A high tolerance for alcohol was definitely an asset during business engagements.


    In some circles, there was even an unspoken rule that a deal could be sealed over a few drinks.


    "I''ve been so focused on my studies these past few years and haven''t been managing projects myself. With fewer client dinners, my tolerance has naturally gone down."


    At the same time, Noreen advised Jennifer, "While being able to drink is a soft skill


    in business, you have to take care of your health. I ruined my stomach lining back in the day."


    Jennifer sighed. "I know you''re right, but when you''re in the business world, can anyone truly stay unscathed?"


    Then she asked curiously, "So you''re saying you trained yourself to have a high tolerance? Can you share your methods? I could teach my team."


    Methods...


    Noreen thought back. "First, know your limit. That way, you can pace yourself during events and torto stay within that range. Your body''s resistance to alcohol will gradually increase, and so will your tolerance."


    Jennifer looked troubled. "But during those


    businents, you''re so busy talking


    Who has the presence of


    mind to keep track of how much or what they ve had to drink


    Her words made Noreen pause.


    It was true that it was easy to lose track.


    Back then, it was Seth who had always reminded her when she was reaching her limit.


    So, you needed someone to keep an eye on you.


    During the period she was building her tolerance, Seth had always been with her at those functions.


    It was only after she could truly hold her own that she started going to events by herself.


    She hadn''t paid it much attention at the time, but the memory surfaced now.


    For years, Noreen had deliberately blocked out everything rted to Seth.


    But tonight, for some reason, people kept bringing him up, forcing her to remember things from the past.


    An inexplicable wave of irritation washed over her, and she found herself drinking more.


    "Jennifer, I''m going to the restroom," Noreen said, getting up unsteadily.


    The model beside her immediately offered, "Sweetheart, I''ll go with you."


    There was a restroom in the VIP room, but Noreen wanted to get some fresh air to clear her head, so she went to the one outside.


    When she came out of the restroom,


    she saw the model was still waiting for her she leaned against the wall and told himzily, you can go back. You don''t need to stay with me I''m just going to get some air.”


    She started walking toward a nearby balcony, but the man followed her.


    Noreen swayed. "You don''t have to follow me. I''m not drunk."


    Just as the words left her mouth, she stumbled and almost fell.


    Then, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her.


    "Thanks," Noreen said, her vision blurry. She turned and squinted at the person.


    He was backlit, and she couldn''t see him clearly, only a general outline.


    She smiled. “You know, you look a lot like my ex-boyfriend."