Chapter 926:
These past three years had solidified into Hamiltonâs and Patrickâs collective belief system.
That evening, the four of them had polished off two cases of beer.
Fueled by the liquid courage, Patrick threw out a suggestion.
âMerely drinking loses its charm after a while.
How about we spice things up with a game? Whoever loses has to call Mr. Greenâ¦â
Harlee, not known for her tolerance to alcohol, had once drowned her sorrows in booze when Rhys fell off the cliff.
Even a few shots back then had been enough to get her heavily intoxicated.
By the time Patrick proposed the game, Harlee had already downed four beers and was feeling buzzed. She responded with a relaxed nod.
âA game? Sure, why notâ¦â Harlee failed to recognize the name âRhys,â her mind reflexively drowning out the echo of those letters, as if submerged in her intoxicating haze.
Hearing his name was like a jab to the chest.
Her head pounded with relentless drunkenness, compelling her to purge his memory entirely.
Patrick caught the subtle shift in Harleeâs demeanor, his empathy sparking a passionate determination to bridge the gap between Rhys and Harlee.
Yet, just as Patrick readied himself to speak, Harleeâs voice, heavy with disinterest and fatigue, quenched his burning enthusiasm.
âIf you find losing appealing, go ahead.â
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These words struck Patrick, rendering him momentarily mute. Throughout all the years heâd spent with Harlee, she had consistently outshone him, her talents vast and varied. She was truly a marvel in all she undertook.
Biting back a sigh, Patrick whispered to himself with a shake of his head, âRhys, Iâm sorry. Thereâll be another opportunityâ¦â
The thought of returning home, tears clouding his vision yet again, was more than Patrick could bear.
Thirty minutes later, after enjoying a round of drinks, the group prepared to leave.
Harlee, having consumed five or six beers, was nearly drunk but kept up a composed front. She had driven herself and disliked others handling her car, opting instead to call a rideshare.
Noel made no move to offer her a ride home.
Patrick and Hamilton shared a look before saying, âNoel, arenât you going to drive Harlee home?â While they didnât want Noel replacing Rhys, they were concerned about Harlee traveling alone.
Noel offered a slight smile.
âHarlee prefers to return by herself now.â
Harlee echoed his smile, confirming his statement. She indeed favored solitude now and hadnât even planned on returning to the Sanderson family estate.
âNoel, you still know me so well,â Harlee said, her voice tinged with the warmth of intoxication.
Noel returned her smile, his eyes filled with caring.
âJust be safe on your way back, and let me know when you arrive.â
It was late, and naturally, Noel was concerned about Harlee heading back alone, but he respected her wish for solitude. Throughout the evening, she had maintained a guarded demeanor, her smiles shadowed by underlying sorrow.
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