Chapter 8 How Unlucky
Gabriel was about to toast to the mustachioed gentleman, who laid his hand on Teresa. Teresa suddenly covered her mouth as if she was about to throw up.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom." Without a moment's delay, Teresa covered her mouth, leapt from her seat, and hurried towards the exit.
Gabriel watched her flee, and an unexpected sense of relief washed over him. The man named Suzuki was still puzzled, received a gentle clink of glasses from Gabriel, who gave a smile and toasted in the island nation's language, "Mr. Suzuki, let's carry on."
Suzuki regained his composure, smiled back, lifted his glass, and resumed the festivities.
Teresa has a good tolerance for alcohol, so normally she wouldn’t have any problem. However, the old man's advances had been so repulsive that made her feel so sick.
She stood in front of the mirror, began to puke. This wasn’t only for what the filthy man did, but also for the fact that she got so scared of the situation..
The events of the previous night, coupled with the recent unwanted touch, sent shivers down her spine, leaving her trembling and vomiting uncontrollably.
After some time, she finally started to feel better, her tears fell down unwillingly.
But she couldn't afford to break down. She couldn't just abandon the gathering halfway. If the mustachioed gentlemen were to take offense, and if Gabriel and the Capital Construction Vice President became angry, it would a huge trouble for the Bennett family.
This was the first time her brother had entrusted her with such a responsibility, and she couldn't let him down.
After drying her eyes and splashing water on her face, Teresa steeled herself to return to the fray.
"Planning on going back?" The low, cool voice, tinged with a smoky scent, greeted her as she exited the restroom.
Startled, Teresa turned to see a sharply defined face with a mocking smile.
"Why am I so unlucky? Every time I'm at my lowest, it's you I run into," she seemed so frustrated.
She had hoped that Gabriel, as Liam's friend, would be somewhat supportive.
But he hadn’t been at all.
From the start to her abrupt departure, Gabriel had maintained one stance, which was allowing the two men to torment her without intervention.
"Every time?" Gabriel questioned. As he exhaled a plume of smoke, he queried, "I haven't wronged Teresa. Why the sudden anger?"
Teresa stubbornly refused to reply.
"Teresa!" At that moment, a familiar voice called out.
Turning, she saw Liam approaching rapidly, a sight that filled her with immense relief.
"Liam." The tears she had been holding back fell freely, like pearls scattered from a broken necklace.
"You're still recovering; why did you drink so much?" Liam sounded very concerned.
Teresa wrapped her arms around Liam's neck, burying her face in his chest, and began to sob uncontrollably.
Liam, feeling her tears, his heart twinged with pain, lifted her into his arms and addressed Gabriel, who stood a short distance away, "Gabriel, I understand Teresa was compensating for a staff error, entertaining your clients. Please handle this. She can't drink any more; I'm taking her home."
With those words, Liam carried Teresa away.
Gabriel, leaning against the wall with a casual air, his cigarette glowing in the dim light, remained silent, his dark eyes reflecting a sea of unspoken thoughts.
