Chapter 12

Annie thought Carl and Brandon were close friends, but it turned out that Benjamin introduced them. It seemed that Carl's intention for setting up this gathering was not just to introduce her to some friends; he also wanted to get a project from Brandon. However, this was good news for Annie as discussing the project would take some time, and she could use that time to figure out how to leave.
Thinking of this, Annie relaxed her tense body slightly.
Just as she let out a sigh of relief, Carl beside her suddenly raised his chin at her and said, "Drink up."
Annie couldn't pretend anymore and had no choice but to pick up the glass and drink it all in one go. She rarely drank alcohol because Brandon didn't like the taste of it, so she never touched it before.
Drinking such a strong liquor made tears stream down her face.
Carl quickly hugged her and patted her back while helping her catch her breath.
Brandon's cold gaze fell on their hands, embracing each other. Through teary eyes, Annie seemed to see murderous intent in his eyes. But when she refocused on him again, there was nothing in his eyes except indifference.
Annie laughed at herself; Brandon only saw her as a substitute and never cared about her feelings or expectations anyway.
"Sitting here doing nothing is boring. Why don't we play a game?" Sophia suggested, with interest growing among everyone present.
"What game?" they asked curiously.
Sophia took out several decks of cards and placed them on the table.
"Whoever loses has to remove an item of clothing."
"That sounds interesting," Carl agreed immediately while others followed suit.
Benjamin worried that Brandon might not be comfortable with such games, so he looked at him sideways before saying: "Brandon, if you don't want..."
Before Benjamin could finish speaking, though, Brandon took the deck offered by Sophia, asking: "How do we play?"
Benjamin was stunned. Brandon always avoided such places and activities, but today he agreed to come just because Carl mentioned a woman who looked like Miss Sterling. Not only did he come along obediently, but now he was also patiently playing games with them. This was too unusual.
Sophia explained the rules and then gathered everyone to draw lots for teams.
Annie sat stiffly on the sofa, feeling unsure of what to do next.
Just as she hesitated about how to refuse, Sophia seemed to sense her thoughts and spoke up first: "Everyone who came has to participate. Miss Hart wouldn't want us all disappointed, would she?"
As soon as Sophia finished speaking, everyone's gaze turned towards Annie.
Feeling uncomfortable under their scrutiny, Annie had no choice but to join in.