Chapter 201 The Testing Dinner 2
Anna noticed that the atmosphere at the table suddenly became a bit eerie.
The crisp clinking of glasses sounded particularly jarring in the silence, like a prelude to an impending conflict.
The dishes on the table were barely touched, yet they had already lost their warmth.
The surrounding air seemed to solidify, making it hard to breathe.
After drinking that glass of wine, Anna felt a bit dizzy. She sensed that the walls around the dining area seemed to be closing in, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression.
Caleb heard Colin's words and gripped his wine glass tightly, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. His gaze was as sharp as a sword, piercing straight at Colin.
Caleb's lips twitched slightly, showing that his inner anger was on the verge of exploding, but in the next second, he regained his calm demeanor.
Colin admired Caleb's composure. He had intended to provoke Caleb, but Caleb's tolerance seemed to be greater than he had anticipated.
Did Caleb like Anna? But even when Caleb saw him bullying Anna, he said nothing.
If Caleb didn't like Anna, why did he keep pestering her? What exactly was Caleb up to?
Caleb also realized that Colin had come tonight to cause trouble, not to discuss cooperation.
Colin pretended not to know about Anna and Caleb's relationship, leaving Caleb unsure of Colin's intentions. Was he here to show off or to test him?
Caleb observed Anna's attitude towards Colin. They didn't seem like a couple, so he figured Colin was probably here to test him.
It didn't take long for Caleb to realize that Colin was testing him on behalf of Sterling.
It seemed it wouldn't be long before he had to reveal his true identity. He was quite looking forward to it.
'Sterling, my brother, are you looking forward to it too?'
Caleb immediately perked up. "Mr. Rivera, you're right. Everyone knows that the heir of the Rivera family sets the rules in Harborvale. I'm not sure what kind of cooperation you're referring to?"
As Caleb spoke, he slowly poured another glass of wine and placed it in front of Colin.
"I poured this glass myself, Mr. Rivera. If you drink it, we can discuss cooperation. If you don't, then I'm afraid tonight's gathering will end here."
Colin chuckled nonchalantly and leaned back in his chair. "What? Mr. Hayes, are you threatening me?"
Anna watched the table, shrouded in silence, as Colin and Caleb locked eyes, invisible sparks flying between them.
Colin leaned forward and picked up the wine glass. Anna thought he was going to drink it, but Colin suddenly slammed the glass down on the table, spilling the wine.
He stood up abruptly, causing his chair to fall over with a loud crash.
Anna quickly stood up to smooth things over. "I'll drink it. I'll drink it for Mr. Rivera."
Anna immediately picked up the wine glass and drank it without a word.
Caleb's expression changed instantly. He wanted to say something to Anna, but in front of Colin, he remained silent.
Anna pushed Colin back into his chair and whispered angrily, "What's wrong with you? You're not here to discuss cooperation; you're here to cause trouble, aren't you?"
Colin laughed and said, "Mr. Hayes, how about my assistant? She may not be great at her job, but she's very protective of me. I rarely have to drink myself when I'm out; she always drinks for me. You know, it's hard to find an assistant who cares about her boss these days."
Anna heard the provocation in Colin's words and pinched him secretly, signaling him to stop talking.
Colin, however, grabbed her hand, sometimes playing with it, sometimes squeezing it.
Anna was furious, but she couldn't say anything and could only give him a professional fake smile.
The tense atmosphere at the table eased a bit, but Caleb's expression changed again.
He pretended to be indifferent and said, "It seems Mr. Rivera has found a good assistant. But as a man, letting a female assistant drink for you might not sound good. I've heard that you're always considerate of women, but tonight, it seems that rumor is false."
Colin's face darkened. Caleb's words clearly implied that he was heartless and didn't treat Anna as a person.
Unexpectedly, he was rebutted. Colin sneered inwardly and ignored Caleb's words.
Instead, he turned to Anna and asked with a smile, "Do you think it's embarrassing to drink for me?"
Anna gave a professional fake smile and respectfully said, "It's not embarrassing. It's my honor to drink for you, Mr. Rivera. It's my job."
Colin was very satisfied with Anna's answer. He turned to Caleb and asked with a smile, "Mr. Hayes, would you like another drink?"
Caleb naturally didn't want Anna to drink, so he had to give up.
Caleb put down his wine glass and said, "It seems you have no intention of discussing cooperation tonight. Why not just state your purpose directly? Maybe I can help you, Mr. Rivera."
Colin hadn't expected Caleb to have such little patience. He hadn't even pushed him that far, and Caleb was already showing his cards.
Colin lazily leaned back in his chair and said, "Mr. Hayes, what are you talking about? My purpose is very clear. I do want to discuss cooperation with you. But it seems you're the one who doesn't want to discuss cooperation, as you keep making my assistant drink."
Caleb was a bit confused by Colin's words, but he quickly steadied himself and said, "Mr. Rivera, it seems we won't be able to reach a cooperation agreement tonight."
Colin nodded indifferently and said, "Yes, it seems we won't be able to cooperate. How about letting my assistant have a few more drinks with you? Maybe the cooperation will be reached while drinking?"
As soon as he said this, Colin felt a sharp pain in his thigh. He pretended not to care and glanced at Caleb.
Without thinking, Caleb said, "No need. I think Anna has had enough. Let's end tonight's gathering here."
Colin nodded nonchalantly and then said something shocking, "How about I let Anna accompany you for the night, Mr. Hayes?"
This made Caleb pause, and he looked at Colin sharply, trying to discern the truth in his words.
Although Anna had been drinking, she was still conscious. Hearing that Colin wanted to send her to Caleb, she immediately smashed the wine glass on the table in anger.
The loud crash in the silent atmosphere was like a thunderclap, making Colin's heart tremble.
He knew he had gone too far and immediately smiled, "Mr. Hayes, I apologize. It seems my assistant is unwilling. Please feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening. This one's on me."
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