Chapter 103

"Hey, Ms. Laurier! What a coincidence!"

"Theodore's in there. I'll take you to him!"

"Don't worry, it's fine! They're all old friends!"

Before Penelope could protest, Michael had enthusiastically steered her into the private room. Under the curious gazes of everyone present, he pushed her right next to Theodore, gesturing for her to take the empty seat beside him.

Theodore's smile had been relaxed, but the moment she sat down, it vanished. His expression hardened, his face turning grim.

Was she not welcome?

The sudden shift left Penelope in an awkward position, unsure whether she should stay or leave.

The others at the table were busy trying to figure out who she was. They remembered her from the LnF Group's annual gala, where she had also sat at the main table next to Theodore. For it to happen twice meant she was someone important.

"A beautiful woman joins us, and suddenly everyone gets shy?" a young man with glasses joked, breaking the tension.

The others seized on the lighthearted comment, and the room's lively atmosphere quickly returned. The smart ones knew that even if they didn't know her background, it was best not to offend her.

But where there were smart people, there were also fools. One man, not recognizing her and assuming she was just some woman with no connections, decided to have a little fun at her expense.

"Ms. Laurier, right? Let's get acquainted. I'm Jason Olson. You've heard of AN Buildings Company? That's my family's business."

Penelope looked at him. Dressed in a shirt that revealed two heavily tattooed arms and with his hair dyed a garish green, he had the air of a street punk, a stark contrast to the polished, executive look of the others.

"Mr. Olson, a pleasure," Penelope replied politely.

That was it? Just a polite greeting?

Feeling disrespected, Jason grabbed an empty glass, filled it to the brim with whiskey, and slid it in front of her.

"Here, a toast to Ms. Laurier." With that, he downed his own glass in one go.

When it came to drinking, Penelope wasn't easily intimidated. But as she reached for the class, she felt a sharp gaze on her. She instinctively glanced at Theodore and saw his expression had grown even colder.

So, he's angry because I'm drinking?

She coughed. She had, in fact, promised him she would stop.

"Not going to indulge me, Ms. Laurier?" Jason sneered when she didn't pick up the glass.

"I'm sorry, but I can't drink anymore tonight."

Jason's brow furrowed. "You looked like you'd already had a few. Why is it that when you get to our table, you suddenly can't drink? That doesn't feel very respectful."

"I..." How was she supposed to explain this? She could definitely drink more, but now she didn't dare.

"Fine, you don't have to. A beautiful woman deserves special treatment, I get it. But we have our pride too! So how about this: if Ms. Laurier gives one of us a little kiss, we'll forget all about the drink!"

"Jason, don't cause trouble!" Michael shot him a warning glare.

Jason just clicked his tongue. "Don't get me wrong! I'm not saying she has to kiss me. She can pick anyone here Think of it as a little party favor I'm arranging for all of your content

Michael was about to intervene, but a thought stopped him. He shot a look at Theodore.

Theodore was still smoking, his eyes lowered, looking completely detached from the scene unfolding around him.

So calm? He doesn't care at all? Impossible.

Curious to see his reaction, Michael swallowed the words he was about to say.

At the mention of a "party favor," the other men at the table got excited and started egging Jason on.

Penelope smirked. So, they were trying to put her on the spot? What a pathetic little trick. She'd closed countless deals over countless drinks and had seen it all.

She stood up, first pouring herself a cup of water. She raised it to the room. "With this water, I'd like to offer my apologies to everyone."

...