Remembering Markâs fragile health, she knew he couldnât afford even a sip.
She gulped down the wine hurriedly.
Her cheeks were a rosy hue post-drink, rendering her even more enchanting.
Roger Medina, the initial instigator, found his sobriety hastening back.
Heâd not only toyed with the Fowler patriarchâs daughter but had also slighted Mark.
Recognizing the gravity of the moment, he was about to say something, but Mark interrupted him.
He declared, his voice resonant, âI will fully fund this play myself.
â
Rogerâs anxiety surged, mot over potential profit loss, but the realization that heâd crossed Mark, a man renowned for his resilience.
Eager to invest but wary of the terrain, Roger observed Markâs Lack of immediate action.
Instead, Mark offered a subdued smile, advising, âMr.
Medina, no need to vie with me this time.
Aim for the next project.
Simon has an abundance of compelling scripts.
â
Simon, regaining his wits, hastily concurred.
Roger exhaled in relief, though cold sweat drenched his back.
As Mark engaged Roger in conversation, he effortlessly took control of the situation.
This apparent usurpation irked Cecilia.
In a silent protest, she consumed several more glasses of wine, her assistantâs attempts to intervene proving futile.
The assistantâs glance darted towards Mark, aware of the history he shared with Cecilia.
Initially, Mark sought to dissuade her, but he soon relented, allowing her to indulge.
The wine, of decent quality, wouldnât induce immediate inebriation.
However, Cecilia consumed half a bottle in the end, sufficient to impair her senses.
As they prepared to depart, Mark assured her assistant, âIâll ensure she gets home safely.
â
The assistant, though hesitant, acquiesced.
Once Cecilia was settled in the car, Peter made a move to accompany them but reconsidered, sensing the intimacy of the moment, and instead closed the car door behind Mark.
As the window ascended slowly, Markâs gaze rested on the inebriated woman beside him.
Her black hair cascaded freely, and she was adorned in a simplistic long dress, clutching an overcoat.
Her profile was a blend of sophistication and innocence.
Touching her face, Mark felt its feverish heat.
Hearing Ceciliaâs distressed murmurs, he surmised her emotional turmoil was the impetus behind her excessive drinking.
Having severed ties with Thomas, was she nursing a heartache?
A twinge of anguish gripped Mark, but he steeled himself, recognizing their current realit