Chapter 483
He cautiously glanced at the rearview mirror.
The boss was resting with his eyes closed.
He didn't dare ask any more questions.
The night was deep.
Pedestrians hurried along.
The cold wind cut to the bone.
People pulled their collars tight.
Wishing they could hide entirely inside their coats.
But inside the bar, it was lively and warm.
The music was deafening.
Figures swayed on the dance floor.
The cold air was shut out completely.
Mia Lawrence sat alone in a corner.
Her gaze fixed on the stage.
Her best friend was singing on stage.
Light enveloped her.
Everyone only saw her radiant glow.
Only Mia knew the weight she carried.
Last time she was drunk.
Anna Ross revealed too many worries.
Those long-suppressed secrets.
Made Mia's heart ache.
She hated being powerless to share the burden.
All these years.
Anna had carried everything alone.
Thinking of this.
Mia's eyes grew warm.
She tilted her head back and downed a strong drink.
Her throat burned with a fiery pain.
She smiled bitterly.
Bad moods and alcohol really don't mix.
"Drinking alone?"
Julian Garnache offered her a tissue.
He sat down beside her.
Mia hurriedly wiped the corner of her mouth.
She straightened her disheveled hair and collar.
She didn't want him to see her in such a state.
"Julian, you got here so fast?"
On the phone, he said he'd be delayed.
Julian looked toward the stage.
The corner of his mouth lifted.
"I wanted to see you both sooner."
"Is that not allowed?"
Mia froze.
She stared at him blankly.
Wondering if she'd heard wrong.
Did he just say he wanted to see her?
Julian felt uncomfortable under her gaze.
He touched his cheek.
"Is there something on my face?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"N-no! Nothing!"
Mia flustered and turned her face away.
She wanted to drink to hide her embarrassment.
But she raised an empty glass.
Julian chuckled softly.
He signaled a server.
He got her a fruit cocktail.
"Try this."
"Lower alcohol."
"You have work tomorrow."
Mia took the glass.
She took a small sip.
Her eyes immediately lit up.
"Delicious!"
She took two more sips.
Completely in love with the flavor.
Julian also picked up his glass.
His gaze turned to the stage.
"Anna's shift is almost over, right?"
Today he had no mind to run his bar.
He left the work to his staff.
He rushed over here.
"Yeah."
Mia looked toward the stage.
Dance floor lights swept over her friend's profile.
"Waiting for her to finish."
"Taking her for some good food."
"Been too busy lately."
"Haven't had time to spend with her."
Julian was silent for a moment.
Finally, he asked the question on his mind.
"Isn't Anna working at Lowell Corp?"
"Why does she still work at the bar?"
Lowell Corp pays well.
It's what many people dream of.
She shouldn't need the money.
Mia lowered her head.
Remembering her friend's complicated, tangled life.
She sighed silently.
On the other side of the bar.
Noah Watson followed his boss step by step.
Watching the reveling young people around them.
He quietly inhaled.
Youth is wonderful.
They can indulge freely.