Chapter 190
A faint smile touched Julian Winston's lips as he followed her.
His girlfriend just went through a breakup. He ought to show some concern.
...
Dylan returned to the private room, utterly dejected.
He forced a smile and continued toasting the executives.
Olivia Lopez had dumped him and wasn't swayed by his threats. This dinner was his last chance.
"...Mr. Sterling, I've long admired your reputation. Finally, I have the honor to toast you today. I hope for your guidance in the future."
In the past, he wouldn't even have been allowed near such an occasion, let alone offer a toast.
Charlie Lowell casually crossed his arms. "Your name was...?"
"Dylan."
"Right, Dylan. You can hold your liquor?"
"You flatter me, Mr. Lowell. I can manage a few glasses."
"I heard you're angling for the supporting male lead in that blockbuster IP series Mr. Sterling is holding?"
Dylan tensed. "What are you suggesting, Mr. Lowell?"
"Giving it to you isn't out of the question. Right, Mr. Sterling?"
Mr. Sterling raised an eyebrow. He didn't know what game Charlie was playing, but he played along. "Of course."
Hope flickered in Dylan's eyes.
Charlie: "There's a small condition, though. Simple for you."
"Please, go ahead."
"Finish every last drop of alcohol on this table, and the role is yours."
The room instantly filled with amused, expectant looks.
Dylan's face fell. "Mr. Lowell, you're making this difficult."
"Exactly. I am. Don't drink if you don't want to. We'll find someone else."
The table was laden with drinks.
Red wine, white liquor, beer.
Drinking it all would leave him half-dead.
Dylan hesitated for only three seconds.
"I'll drink."
Charlie applauded. "Excellent."
As Dylan tilted his head back and started guzzling, Charlie took out his phone and texted Julian.
[Did what you asked.]
[All because the guy put his arm around your girlfriend's shoulder?]
[I thought it was a fake relationship? An open arrangement? Can't handle it?]
The messages got no reply.
At that moment, Julian was following Olivia into a bar.
Unbelievable.
She dumps her boy-toy and immediately comes here to party, happy as can be.
A man approached her, trying to chat her up.
Olivia gave him a quick once-over.
"Too old. Not interested." She dismissed him and walked away.
The man stood frozen, his face darkening with anger.
Julian, sitting in a booth, was laughing so hard he could barely sit up.
"What's so funny?" Olivia came over from the dance floor and kicked his shoe. "That hilarious?"
"Pretty hilarious."
"You're about as old as he is."
"?"
"Laughing at him is like laughing at yourself."
"??"
Her comebacks were always precise.
Olivia sat down and poured herself a drink.
She'd just finished dancing. Her skin was still damp with sweat, her breathing slightly quickened.
The feeling of letting loose was utterly satisfying.
"Why'd you follow me? Dinner over?" she asked casually.
"Boring. When did you spot me?"
"Saw you as soon as I walked in. Need something?"
Julian swirled his glass, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Worried the dog you raised might bite you, and you'd hide away crying."
"Pfft—That? You think I'm that fragile?"
"Aren't all women a bit delicate?"
"You're wrong about that. I can't speak for others, but me—my heart is hard as iron."
Julian couldn't help but laugh again.
"Tch, why do you keep laughing?" Olivia complained.
"Should I cry instead?"
"Go ahead. I'll pass you a tissue."
"..."
Julian pulled out his lighter.
Olivia held out her hand.
He handed it over, thinking she'd light his cigarette for him. Instead—
Smack!
She slapped his hand away. "I want a cigarette! Why are you giving me the lighter? You're so clueless..."
Julian: "?"
He lit his own cigarette first, learning his lesson this time. He leaned over and lit hers for her.
The flame flared, illuminating her face.
She lowered her head, her red lips closing around the filter, leaving a faint lipstick mark.
Julian was momentarily mesmerized.
"Hey, put it out."
"...Right." He pocketed the lighter.
They stayed at the bar for two hours, finishing a bottle of dry red. It was past midnight when they left.
Both had been drinking and couldn't drive.
Olivia tried to book a driver. The app showed 36 people ahead of her.
She stared at the screen.
"Don't bother. At this hour, on this street, waiting an hour would be lucky."
"Then I'll get a cab and pick up the car tomorrow."
But—
The taxi queue was even worse!
Olivia was completely defeated. Suddenly, an idea struck her. "How are you getting back?"
Julian: "I'm not."
"What do you mean?"
"See that hotel across the street?"
Olivia nodded. "Yeah. So?"
"It's mine."
"And?"
Julian: "Why not just stay at the hotel? Going home is a hassle."
Olivia's eyes lit up with understanding. "Makes sense. I'll stay here tonight."
"Ahem—"
What did she mean, 'stay here'?
Julian nearly choked.
Olivia had more.
"What are you standing around for? Let's go! Get a room!"
Laughing, she crossed the street. The night breeze lifted her hair. Long legs, a slender waist, carefree and radiant.
Julian hurried after her. "Hey! Slow down! Watch for cars!"
At the hotel front desk, Julian said, "Get her a room."
"Right away, sir."
Olivia: "What about you? Not getting one?"
Julian: "I have a permanent suite here."
He could stay anytime.
"Then get me one too."
Julian laughed in disbelief. "You really don't stand on ceremony?"
"As your officially recognized girlfriend, shouldn't I have at least that much privilege at your own hotel? Aren't you embarrassed otherwise?"
She was utterly unapologetic.
"Fine," Julian wasn't stingy. "Reserve a permanent suite for her."
The same compensation as his.
Olivia smiled. "That's more like it..."
They took their key cards to the top floor. Their rooms were opposite each other. They swiped in and went their separate ways.
Julian finished his shower and was about to turn in when a knock came at the door.
"Sir, this is Danielle, she's new." The hotel manager smiled, leading a woman in.
"Danielle, be attentive. Take good care of Mr. Winston."
"Yes, Manager." The woman spoke with shy, demure sweetness, her voice dripping with honey.
Julian: "?"