Chapter 967 Vincent Coaxes the Drunken Selene
Selene rarely wore dresses, especially ones this beautiful and obviously expensive.
After hesitating for what felt like forever, she looked at Vincent. "How do I look in this?"
Vincent raised an eyebrow. "It's fine, I guess."
Selene could tell he wasn't exactly enthusiastic.
"Are you really taking me?" she asked, pointing to herself.
Vincent was already walking toward the door. "Let's go. We're going to be late."
Selene followed him, wobbling slightly in her unfamiliar heels.
Vincent noticed her struggling with the high heels and was about to stop so she could take his arm, but before he could, Selene stumbled right into his chest.
She'd just showered, and she smelled nice—not of perfume, just the clean scent of ordinary shower gel.
But somehow, it was intoxicating.
Selene's ears turned bright red as Vincent offered his arm.
Not understanding the gesture, she grabbed his wrist instead, clutching it so tightly it hurt.
Vincent winced at the finger marks on his wrist and spoke through gritted teeth. "What did my wrist ever do to you?"
Selene quickly let go.
"Take my arm. You'll need to do the same at the reception," Vincent instructed.
Selene nodded eagerly.
"What exactly am I supposed to do tonight?" she asked, wondering about her role.
"I can't handle much alcohol," Vincent warned her, implying she'd need to look after him if he drank too much.
Selene's eyes lit up with understanding.
If the boss couldn't hold his liquor, then as his companion, she'd have to step up and drink on his behalf.
Taking care of him properly meant avoiding prison, after all.
At the hotel function room, the gathering included several Silverlight City officials and Ethan.
Ethan had brought Liam along.
And Vincent had brought Selene.
The moment Selene spotted Liam, she felt tears welling up.
Unaware of what Selene had been through, Liam gave her a thumbs-up. "Impressive! You've come this far in just a few days. Vincent must really trust you to bring you to something like this."
It was, after all, quite a high-profile event.
Selene wanted to pour her heart out to Liam but caught Vincent's displeased look and hurried back to his side.
Brandon had arrived with Bradley, who looked much healthier than the last time they'd met.
Love truly could work wonders on a person.
Bradley now had a better complexion and stronger presence.
He gave Selene a warm, gentle smile.
Selene stared, entranced. How could such a gentle, handsome man already be taken?
Noticing her starry-eyed gaze at Bradley, Vincent remarked coldly, "Stop staring. He's wanted by someone. You're not."
Selene shot Vincent a resentful look.
How could he be so cruel?
His words had stung her twice in one sentence.
"Bradley, such a promising young man. I met you once before. Are you seeing anyone?" one of the officials asked with obvious matchmaking intentions.
"Yes, I am," Bradley answered confidently, deliberately turning the wedding band on his finger.
"His partner is exceptional—cooks wonderfully, keeps a perfect home, talented at everything," Brandon chimed in.
Ethan rolled his eyes, thinking he'd never met anyone with a thicker skin.
Liam chuckled, whispering to Ethan, "He's talking about himself, isn't he?"
"Who knows," Ethan replied flatly.
The official nodded approvingly. "Wonderful, Bradley. You're a lucky man."
Under the table, Bradley kicked Brandon playfully.
Having finished with Bradley, the official turned to Vincent.
Surrounded by such promising young men, the official was clearly hoping to promote his daughter—any match would be a good one. "What about you, Vincent? How are things with Lily? Any engagement plans?"
Vincent smiled politely. "No immediate plans for engagement or marriage. We'll see."
With all the officials present, everyone raised their glasses. "It's wonderful to have such talented young people here today. Let's have a drink."
When the officials raised their glasses, everyone followed suit.
Vincent took a sip and paused in surprise.
This wasn't alcohol—it was water.
He turned to look at Selene beside him.
Her expression clearly said: Don't thank me, I secretly switched it for you.
Vincent finished his drink with resignation, warning Selene not to pull any more tricks.
When the server came to refill their glasses, Vincent discovered Selene's scheme.
Each time his glass was filled, Selene would swap her water glass with his wine glass.
She was drinking all the alcohol herself.
Vincent initially wanted to stop her, but seeing her getting tipsy, her face flushed to the ears, he found it amusing and decided to let it continue.
As the rounds of drinks continued, Vincent remained sober while Selene was nearly collapsing.
"Is Selene feeling unwell?" Bradley asked quietly.
Vincent joked, "She gets drunk on water."
Bradley looked skeptical. "Is that even possible?"
Vincent smiled, looking at Selene who had passed out against his shoulder. "Well, she's drunk now, isn't she?"
Finally, the gathering ended. Ethan personally escorted the officials home, continuing to network for the Cunningham Group's benefit. He'd been busy with this lately, attending dinners and drinking sessions.
Until the Cunningham family matter was resolved, Ethan wouldn't have a moment's rest.
Vincent had no time to worry about Ethan's affairs. Once everyone had left, he picked up the thoroughly intoxicated Selene.
"Home," she mumbled.
Vincent smiled. "Yes, home."
Home? It was a strange word—one he hadn't heard directed at him in a long time.
Liam had assumed Selene was drinking water and was impressed by her apparent sacrifice, pretending to be drunk. He wanted to take her home, but Ethan called him to help drive the officials back, so he had to leave.
"Vincent, you jerk, you bastard..." Selene kept throwing insults at Vincent throughout the journey.
The entire journey, Selene's mouth never stopped insulting Vincent.
She couldn't keep still either, constantly fidgeting.
Vincent had initially planned to leave Selene in the car, but seeing how much she'd drunk, he worried she might hurt herself and carried her the whole way.
For someone of Vincent's height, Selene was small, thin, somewhat cute and endearingly clumsy, clinging to him like an octopus. He found it rather amusing.
Vincent, feeling unusually playful, tilted Selene's chin up and lowered his voice. "Is Vincent really that bad?"
Selene, nestled in Vincent's arms, replied defiantly, "Bad. He wants to send me to prison."
Then she burst into tears.
Vincent realized he had genuinely frightened her and felt regretful. He could only try to comfort her. "It's okay. I won't send you to prison."
He was actually comforting someone—a first.
The driver in front was shocked too.
Even with Lily, Vincent had always been obviously distant and cold. He'd never spoken to anyone with such tender indulgence.
"Vincent, you jerk..." Selene continued to mutter restlessly.
"Okay... I'm a jerk," Vincent conceded.
"Vincent, you big meanie!"
"Mmm... I'm mean," Vincent smiled slightly.
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