Seraphina smiled and didn't seem to care about the people around her, just looking intently at Ike. At first, Ike was somewhat cautious, but seeing Leandro engrossed in conversation with Ira, he gradually relaxed and began to toast Seraphina continuously.
Seraphina, however, was a champion drinker. She matched Ike drink for drink, until his vision began to blur. Yet, she remained unperturbed.
Naturally, Ike was not about to let her drink him under the table without a fight. He signaled to those around them to toast Seraphina. Suddenly, members of the Whitman family were coming up to toast, making the atmosphere lively. Seraphina accepted all the toasts. Feeling she had drunk enough, she took out her phone and texted Balch: Can you send a driver to pick me up?
A few minutes later, Balach replied with a single word: OK.
Seraphina, smiling at the message and rubbing her forehead, looked up to find Leandro's deep, calm eyes on her.
Throughout the night, Leandro had been chatting with Ira. Now that he seemed to be done, he lit a cigarette, silently watching her.
Taking a deep breath, Seraphina rose, holding her glass aloft.
"Mr. Reynolds, I never thought I'd have the chance to share a table with you. It's a real honor." Her words slurred slightly, her gaze slightly blurry. The earring on her ear shone, catching attention just like her gaze. "This one's for you."
Before Leandro could react, Seraphina had already downed her drink.
A hint of awkwardness flashed across her face as she turned to Ike, saying, "Mr. Reynolds is still as cold as ever."
Hearing this, a slightly tipsy Ike laughed. Ira gave Seraphina a longer look.
Leandro, however, just puffed on his cigarette, his usual calm undisturbed.
"Mr. Reynolds may be cold, but I'm not!" Ike slurred, slinging his arm around Seraphina's shoulder, whispering in her ear with a smirk, "Whatever you give me, I'll drink. Even if it's poison."
Seraphina laughed.
…
As the dinner ended, Seraphina was the first to leave.
She knew she had reached her limit and needed to leave immediately to get home safely. Nevertheless, Ike was hot on her heels, insisting on taking her home. As she was halfway out, Ike pulled her back into his arms.
"Why are you running?" Ike asked, his eyes glassy. "Didn't you want to see how much I could drink?"
He began to laugh at his own words. Seraphina joined him, "I said I have a second round to attend. If you really can handle it, come with me!"
With that, she broke free from Ike and continued to make her way out. Ike wanted to follow, but was stopped by Ira.
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