Chapter 51 The Mouse and the Cat

Claire’s POV

I froze at the sound of Peter’s voice. Now, every cell in my body would automatically go into battle mode, eyes vigilantly locked onto him as he approached.

“You can head out, Anne. I need Claire to stay,” Peter said with a slight smile as he glanced at Anne.

Anne left reluctantly, looking back at me with a concerned gaze. Everyone in the office knew Peter’s schemes all too well.

His keeping me behind, I thought, surely can’t be for anything good?

Peter flashed me a smile, clearly up to no good.

“You really are impressive, Claire,” he appraised me. “A sales pitch that the Rock pack and the Brown family have been trying to clinch for years, and you nail it on your first try! Outstanding!”

I responded indifferently, “You asked me to stay just to discuss this?”

“Of course not,” Peter cleared his throat. “There’s a dinner tonight, and you’re coming with me.”

I glared at him with disdain.

Unperturbed by my distaste, Peter’s smile didn’t waver. He knew I hated such events, yet he insisted on using them to torment me.

“Ah, the truth is, I’d rather not ask you,” Peter sneered insidiously. “But who else is as beautiful as you in this company? Sometimes being too pretty can truly be bothersome!”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t go,” I rejected him coldly. “My husband is waiting for me at home. I have to…”

“Go home and cook for him?” Peter scoffed. “What, can’t your husband fend for himself?”

"Watch your tone, Peter," I glared at him, "How my husband manages his life is not your concern, but if you dare to upset me again, he'll beat you until you can't take care of yourself!"

Peter's face darkened, and he dropped the subject, "Anyway, Mr. Simmons specifically requested your presence at this dinner party. I'm just the messenger! If you skip it and offend the clients, you'll have no place in this company."

After saying his piece, he stormed off. I watched his retreating back with fury, gritting my teeth.

Despite my reluctance, the stake of my job meant I had to compromise for now. So, I sent a message to Colin and dragged my weary feet toward the Crystal Hotel.

Upon entering the private room, I spotted a man with movie-star good looks sitting at the head of the table and was momentarily taken aback.

I hadn't gotten a good look at him that day outside the Brown Group building, but now, face to face, he really did live up to Anne's words – he was even more handsome in person than in his photos.

Kevin was also surprised to see me. When I approached, he froze, standing up abruptly with a brief look of astonishment.

"Jayden and Peter were being all mysterious before I walked in, saying I'd be accompanied by a beauty tonight, and it turns out to be you?"

I pursed my lips, trying to smile, and walked toward him, "You must be Kevin?" I nodded slightly, "My name's Claire, I work in sales."

"Oh, right," Kevin nodded, somewhat tongue-tied.

I saw Jayden and Peter share a sly smile and immediately became wary. What scheme were they plotting now?

"Claire, what are you spacing out for?" Jayden hinted with a look, "Go pour Kevin a drink!"

Reluctantly, I moved next to Kevin, but as I was about to pour the drink, he panicked, waving his hands and stuttering, "No, no, no! Don't... don't go to so much trouble..."

We were all caught off-guard.

Kevin gave an awkward smile, his forehead beading with sweat, his hands unsure of where to go.

Peter looked at me again, "Come on, toast Kevin a glass!"

So, I poured a glass and drank it down.

"No, you shouldn't do this!" Upon seeing me empty the glass, Kevin quickly filled his own and hurriedly gulped down three drinks.

"We shouldn't just focus on drinking!" Jayden chimed in again, "Come on, Claire, serve Kevin some food!"

But before I could even pick up the cutlery, Kevin hastily insisted, "I can do it myself! I wouldn't dare trouble Miss Watson!"

Jayden frowned, sensing something amiss with the situation, yet unable to pinpoint it. I also sensed Kevin's anxiety; he seemed incredibly nervous around me.

Rumors had it that Kevin was a ladies' man, accustomed to many women; even if he were interested in me, his nervousness seemed excessive.

Jayden and Peter exchanged a glance and excused themselves to go have a smoke, leaving the private room.

I had just had a rather strong drink, and since I’m not great at holding my liquor, I started to feel dizzy as the alcohol took effect. I looked apologetically at Kevin, "Kevin, I need to step out for a moment."

"Sure, go ahead," Kevin responded. I smiled and walked out; my steps slightly unsteady.

I had intended to get some fresh air at the entrance of the hotel, but as I turned a corner in the lobby corridor, I overheard the two of them whispering.