?Chapter 243:


    Vincent paused and pulled back his hand, which had been ready to stop the drink. He wasn’t sure how much alcohol Katelyn could handle. She had been to bars a few times before, so she probably had a decent tolerance. A light drink like this shouldn’t be enough to knock her out.


    Katelyn had already brought a lively energy to the room. Vincent grinned and announced, “This month, everyone in the design department will get triple your usual bonus. Keep that energy and drive going strong. The rewards will always be there for you to earn.”


    The room burst into cheers once more.


    Vincent had a reputation for being tough in the way he managed things, but he never messed with the bonuses. He knew what motivated most people—they worked hard for money, and keeping them loyal and motivated was important. He made sure the payment was worth it.


    Katelyn sat back in her chair and turned to Vincent with a bright smile.


    “Thank you, Mr. Adams. Your generosity just makes you even more irresistible,” she bantered. She was well aware that Vincent’s words were meant to help her gain the team’s trust. No matter how persuasive someone might be, words alone couldn’t drive a team’s ambition. A bigger bonus would be the best motivator.


    Vincent, who rarely showed a lighter side, replied, “Oh, really? Was there ever a time I wasn’t charming?”


    The unexpected remark took Katelyn by surprise. She had heard Vincent joke around before.


    After a moment, she replied, “Mr. Adams, you’re always charming. That’s why they call you the ‘National Dream Lover.’”


    Vincent’s brow furrowed slightly.


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    “National Dream Lover? What was that about?”


    One of the employees managed to muster the courage to exin, “Mr. Adams, you might not be aware of this, but there’s an online poll in Granville every year for the most desirable man. You’ve been winning for years, and that’s how you got the title.”


    Vincent nodded slowly and leaned back in his chair.


    The dinner continued.


    After the young employee’s bold move, the others grew braver and started offering their toasts. Katelyn didn’t hesitate and epted every single one. The wine had a light, fruity taste without any harshness, which she found quite enjoyable.


    Vincent eventually lost track of how many sses she had and asked, “How well can you handle your alcohol?” Katelyn smirked and held up one finger.


    Vincent looked puzzled. “One ss?”


    Katelyn shook her head, still holding up the finger.


    “One bottle?” he guessed again.


    Katelyn raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. When he couldn’t figure it out, she decided to give him the answer. “I meant that I can drink for one whole night without stopping.” Her cheeks had turned rosy, adding a soft blush to her cheeks. Her usually sharp eyes now had a hazy look from the alcohol. With one hand propping up her face, her smile was both bright and slightly teasing. Her expression carried a yful, almost mischievous charm.


    While drunk, Katelyn had an allure that seemed natural, as if she was captivating without even trying.


    Vincent’s mind drifted back to the time when Katelyn had been…


    “Don’t overdo it, tomorrow,” he warned.


    “It’s fine, as long as everyone’s having a good time!” Katelyn replied, waving her hand with a dramatic flourish. Her usual restraint was nowpletely gone.


    The room cheered in response, and Vincent decided not to stop her again. The celebration was meant for everyone to enjoy, and stepping in would just ruin the mood.


    He nced at Katelyn, noticing the bright smile on her face. Before the whole switched-at-birth situation hade to light, she had been this cheerful. Then, everything had changed, and a shadow seemed to hang over her. Now, that shadow had finally lifted, and she seemed to be in the light again.


    Vincent thought it might be time to make the Bailey family face some real consequences.


    Meanwhile, Lise hurried to Neil’s office as fast as she could.


    Her face was pale, and she looked utterly worried.


    After the press conference, Neil had walked out without waiting for her—something he had never done before, not even when he was angry.


    He wasn’t answering her calls or replying to her messages, and Lise felt her anxiety growing by the minute.


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