Chapter 826: Not a Boyfriend?
Stella caught on quick and cut in before Hannah could spill the beans, "Oh, that dude? Just a regular guy friend, nothing special."
She said it with zero guilt, just pure confidence.
They were gonna split anyway, so he was just another guy friend!
If Charles found out Hannah was engaged, knowing his personality, he'd back off even if he liked her. All her hard work would go down the drain. No way she was letting that happen.
Hannah was taken aback, staring at Stella in shock.
"Regular guy friend? What's Stella even talking about?" Hannah thought.
Stella patted the back of Hannah's hand and kept giving her the side-eye, trying to signal her without Charles noticing.
Hannah was totally confused.
Charles raised an eyebrow, "Just a regular guy friend?"
Catching Stella's look, Hannah had no clue what she meant, so she just smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, just a regular guy friend!" Hannah said.
If Austin knew she called them just friends, he'd flip out.
Good thing he wasn't here.
Otherwise, she'd have no idea how to explain.
Knowing Charles was sharp and might not buy it, Stella quickly added, "Yeah, just a regular guy friend. I know him too! He's a senior from our department! There was some club stuff, and he came to see Hannah. Now that it's sorted, we decided to grab a late-night snack."
Hannah was baffled. She had no idea Stella could spin stories like that. No wonder she was in the journalism department. Even Hannah couldn't keep up with her.
Stella's story made sense. Since Hannah didn't argue, Charles bought it and relaxed a bit.
He didn't know why, but hearing they were just friends made him feel better. Still, he noticed something was off.
Stella was worried Charles would keep asking questions.
If he did, even if she could keep lying, Hannah might crack.
If Hannah spilled the truth, all her efforts would be wasted.
Stella rolled her eyes, raised her hand, and shouted, "Hey, boss, bring us five cold beers!"
Hannah was shocked, "Why are you drinking now?"
Stella waved it off, "We're celebrating! Why not? It's just beer. I won't get drunk."
Then she looked at Charles, "I know you're not into cheap beer, but just this once? For me?"
Clearing up the misunderstanding put Charles in a good mood, so he smiled, "Just a little."
Seeing him agree, Stella was thrilled. When the waiter brought the beer, she poured everyone a glass.
Stella raised her glass to Charles, "Charles, Hannah's my best friend. In nineteen years, I've never had a true friend; she's the only one. We've only known each other a short time, but we click. She treats me well, and I treat her well! So, thanks for looking out for her. Cheers!"
Charles clinked his glass with hers.
"No need to thank me. I hired her because she's good at what she does. I like capable people! If she messes up or slacks off, I won't tolerate it," Charles said.
After a sip of beer, he frowned.
The beer tasted weird.
But it wasn't undrinkable. He could handle it.
"You don't get it, there are so few guys who understand women now! They always think we should stay home and be housewives," Stella said, throwing shade at Hannah's fiancé, Austin.
Charles raised an eyebrow, confused. "Why can't women work? Anything a guy can do, a woman can too! My mom and sisters are killing it in their fields. Couples should respect and support each other. If they really love each other, they should have each other's backs."
Stella gave him a thumbs up. "Charles, any girl who marries you is gonna be super lucky. I can't stand arrogant guys."
Charles caught on to her game and shot her a warning look.
Hannah had been quiet, but Charles's words hit her hard.
Why couldn't Austin be more like Charles, who actually got her and supported her?
She didn't believe women should just rely on men.
And she definitely didn't think women should give up their careers and social lives after getting married.
Before college, this idea wasn't as strong. But now, being in the journalism department she loved, the conflicts with Austin were getting worse.
If only he were like Charles. She wouldn't have to sneak around to find an internship.
Lost in thought, Hannah ended up drinking too much.
She wasn't a heavy drinker, and Austin almost never let her drink, so after just one bottle, she was tipsy. She didn't want a repeat of last time and stopped herself from drinking more.
Stella and Charles had a bit too much too.
Stella couldn't handle her liquor and passed out on the table.
Charles, with his high tolerance, downed two bottles without feeling a thing.
Seeing Stella out cold, he nudged her, "Stella, you okay? Let me take you home!"
Even drunk, Stella remembered her mission. She shot up from her chair and said loudly, "No need, I'll grab a cab. You take Hannah home."
Hannah, feeling dizzy, stood up quickly but almost fell.
Luckily, Charles was quick and caught her.
Hannah gave him a sweet smile, "Thanks!"
Charles was puzzled.
Why did that smile feel... different?
Hannah shook off his hand, wrapped her arm around Stella's neck, and leaned on her.
"No way, it's too late for you to go home alone! You're too pretty. What if something happens? Let Mr. Watson take you home! I'll go home alone. I'm not pretty, so I won't attract any bad guys."
Stella, already dizzy, almost collapsed with Hannah leaning on her.
She steadied herself on the table, making it easier for Hannah to lean on her.
"No, I still gotta set you up with Charles! How can I let you go home alone? You go with Charles, I'll take a cab. Hannah, have a great night with Charles."
Charles's eyebrow twitched.
Even drunk, Stella was still playing matchmaker!
Hannah rubbed her face on Stella's shoulder.
"No, I don't feel safe leaving you alone. I'll take you home first."
Stella mumbled, "Take you, take you home."
They kept pushing each other.
Charles's mouth twitched.
Seeing people around them starting to stare, he gritted his teeth, grabbed each of them by the arm, and dragged them to his nearby Maybach, opened the door, and shoved them inside.
"Both of you, zip it. I'll take Stella home first, then Hannah!"
"But..." Stella and Hannah started to protest together.
Charles cut them off, "No buts! Just sit tight!"
He slammed the car door shut, not wanting to hear another word.
They drank so much but couldn't handle it.
Seriously, what a mess.
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