Chapter 232 She Hadn't Returned
At the Restaurant
Adam had been drinking with his seniors for a while, but Riley still hadn't come back. Starting to worry, he excused himself to go to the restroom and stepped out to call her.
Riley, lost in thought and nearly asleep, was jolted awake by her ringing phone.
She blinked, disoriented, before answering without checking the caller ID. "Who is this?"
Adam was surprised. "It's me."
Riley snapped awake, realizing she had forgotten something important.
"Where are you? Why have you been gone so long?" Adam asked, concerned.
Riley suddenly remembered she was supposed to get back to the dinner after the academic exchange meeting. She had planned to return after a cup of coffee but ended up being sent back to the hotel and forgot all about it.
"Sorry, Adam," she quickly apologized, "I wasn't feeling well and came back early. I forgot to tell you. Can you apologize to the others for me?"
Adam sighed in relief. "It's okay. I was worried. Just rest if you're not feeling well. I'll explain to them."
After a few more words, he hung up.
Back in the private room, everyone looked at him. "Where's Dr. Monroe? Why isn't she back?"
Pouring himself a drink, Adam lifted his glass, remarking, "Dr. Monroe wasn't feeling well and went back early. She asked me to apologize. I'll drink on her behalf."
He downed the drink in one go.
Everyone said it was fine, though they were a bit disappointed they didn't get to interact more with Riley.
Riley's absence reminded everyone it was getting late. Many were already drunk.
Zachary stood up. "Let's call it a night. We'll gather again when we can."
After a few more words, everyone gradually left.
As the youngest, Adam politely saw everyone off before leaving last.
After leaving the restaurant, Adam took a cab back to the hotel.
Even though it was late, he knocked on Riley's door.
Riley was his responsibility, and he felt bad for not taking better care of her.
After knocking with no response, he remembered her drowsy voice on the phone and figured she must be asleep. He decided not to disturb her and went to his own room next door.
Adam had also had quite a bit to drink and felt dizzy.
As he opened his door, he heard another door closing. He turned and saw the door to the room next to Riley's closing, with a familiar figure quickly disappearing.
But the door closed too fast, and Adam didn't get a good look, so he didn't think much of it.
Returning to his room, Adam called the front desk for a glass of anti-alcoholism drink, quickly tidied up before retiring for the night,, with intentions to check on Riley in the morning.
