Chapter 383 Drunken Misconduct
Even though Zachary wasn't really into politics, he knew business and politics were always intertwined. Being a big shot in Dreamopolis, he had a huge network. Someone might recognize him and remember her bold Facebook posts. If someone got a bit too tipsy and spilled the beans, she'd become quite the talk of the town.
Winona pulled out her phone and texted him: [Park the car a bit farther away.]
Zachary didn't reply for a while, and the smoke stopped drifting out of the window.
Winona still felt uneasy. Taking advantage of the distraction, she slipped out.
As soon as she stepped out of the restaurant, Zachary spotted her in the rearview mirror. He reached for the window control, but before he could roll it down, Winona jogged over. Just as his face was about to be seen, she said, "Roll the window up."
A bit confused, Zachary rolled the window halfway up and asked, "Is the banquet over already?"
"Not yet, probably another two hours. They just ordered more wine. Don't wait here, it's awkward if someone sees you."
Zachary pouted, looking like he'd been wronged but had to suck it up. "We're a couple, what's there to be embarrassed about?"
"Everyone at the dinner is a big deal in our industry. They don't even drive a Maybach. If they see me getting picked up in one, what will they think?"
She was already under the microscope for being young. Her work on restoring an antique crown had ruffled some feathers. Now, being an appraiser at a public event had ticked off even more people. The event didn't make money, but it did bring fame.
If someone was cool, they wouldn't care. But if they were like Daniel, who got jealous easily, they'd definitely spread rumors that she was riding on a rich guy's coattails.
Zachary might be a bit clueless about romance, but he was sharp in business. He got what Winona was worried about and sighed, "I'll wait for you in the parking lot."
Winona asked softly, "Have you eaten?"
Zachary reached out to touch her face and said, "Go back in, it's not good to keep the seniors waiting. Drink less."
When she came over, he could smell the strong scent of alcohol on her.
Winona wasn't great with alcohol. She was trying hard to keep everyone's respect. If she got drunk and let loose, all her efforts would go down the drain, and she'd definitely piss off a lot of people. Imagining a leader going home with scratches on his face and footprints on his pants, Zachary couldn't help but rub his waist, remembering the kick that almost broke his back.
Winona hurried back to the private room, thinking she was slick and no one noticed. But before she could even sit down, someone piped up, "Winona, was that your boyfriend? You should invite him to join us."
Blushing, she replied, "He's just a friend. He heard I was here and offered to give me a ride home later." She covered her face, adding, "I don't handle alcohol well. Last time I got drunk, I ended up chewing on the landscaping grass. He's just worried I'll embarrass everyone."
The room went dead silent.
That was putting it mildly; she basically went nuts when she drank. Someone who was about to clink glasses with her quietly set their drink down. The event was in two days, and no one wanted any drama.
One person left to use the restroom, which seemed normal. Winona didn't think much of it, but when they came back, they brought Zachary with them.
Winona was speechless.
She had a mouthful of water and didn't know whether to swallow or spit it out.
"Let me introduce everyone, this is Mr. Bailey from the Bailey Group," said the person with the highest status in the room. He had been sitting at the head of the table, but as soon as Zachary walked in, he immediately gave up his seat, saying, "I went to the car to get something and ran into Mr. Bailey. Totally worth it."
He thought he might score some points for managing to invite Zachary so easily.
Zachary wanted to sit next to Winona, but seeing she was the only young woman in the room, he didn't want to start any gossip. So, he took the seat that had been left for him.
That seat was directly across from Winona, the farthest away, but he could see her with just a glance.
In such a small setting, Zachary was at ease and even had time to text Dylan: [Buy me a car worth around a hundred thousand dollars.]
Dylan replied: [For Mrs. Bailey? Any specific requirements?]
He thought Zachary wouldn't drive a car worth a hundred thousand dollars, but Winona might need something low-key for work.
Dylan was asking about specific features, but Zachary's mind went somewhere else. Seeing the words "specific requirements," he immediately thought of the handcuffs in the bathtub cabinet at Regal Oaks, and some inappropriate images flashed through his mind.
Zachary: [Make sure it has enough space, and the back seats can fold down into a bed for two.]
Dylan thought he might be misunderstanding and slapped his forehead. How could he let his dirty thoughts taint the always cold Zachary? It couldn't be what he was thinking.
Dylan: [Got it, but if you're going camping, I suggest Mrs. Bailey get a tent.]
Since Zachary walked in, Winona had been eating with her head down. Suddenly, someone said, "I just realized, Winona looks a bit like Mr. Bailey's ex-wife that the media exposed before."
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