Chapter 11

I've talked until my lips are about to go dry.

"Mr. Clair, these are just my humble thoughts. I hope you don't mind. After all, I'm just a small assistant. My perspective is not even a fraction of yours."

Hearing this, Clair smiled.

The smile was faint, but like a spring breeze, it eased the tense atmosphere in the car considerably.

He nodded slightly. "Your words may be naive, but there are some points worth recognizing."

Looks like I barely passed.

I felt relieved, my back almost soaked with cold sweat.

Thinking back on what I just said, I couldn't even remember the specifics. I just said whatever came to mind, all from the heart.

The car soon arrived at the dinner location, an upscale private club.

I followed closely behind Clair, walking into the private room.

Several people were already seated in the room. When they saw Clair enter, they all stood up to greet him.

Clair handled it smoothly, his every gesture showing the demeanor of someone in power.

I stood quietly behind him, trying to minimize my presence, but I recognized a few rich kids and socialites among them, all people from Clair's circle.

So tonight was Clair's private gathering. Then why did he want me to come along?

Just then, someone noticed me, their eyes teasing. "Clair, this is rare. You actually brought your girlfriend?"

Someone else chimed in, "I heard your villa finally has a lady of the house. I suppose it's this beautiful lady here?"

"But Clair, your taste is getting more and more unique."

That comment almost made me lose my composure.

Fortunately, Clair calmly explained, "She's my assistant, Susan."

Everyone understood.

Since I wasn't Clair's girlfriend, they naturally didn't pay much attention to me. But Clair pulled out a chair for me. "Sit here."

They exchanged glances again.

The first guy, acting all buddy-buddy, put his arm around Clair's shoulder. "So when are you going to bring your lady around for us to meet?"

I recognized this rich kid—Dean, a famous playboy in their circle.

Rumor had it that this playboy changed girlfriends as fast as he changed clothes.

But while Clair was close with Dean, he wasn't a playboy himself.

"Maybe later." Clair's response was casual.

I wasn't sure what Clair thought about his girlfriend. He would give her a gift on Valentine's Day tomorrow, but didn't bring her to this private dinner tonight.

Maybe that's just how men are.

Or maybe I just don't understand men since I've never been in a relationship.

"Clair, tonight won't be a waste. I knew you were coming, so I specially brought some red wine my grandfather's been saving for ages. Have a few more glasses." Dean brought out the wine like presenting a treasure, pouring Clair a glass first, his eyes bright as he urged, "Quick, quick, taste it!"

Clair took a sip and savored it carefully, then nodded slightly. "Not bad."

Despite it being just two words, Dean was thrilled.

"I told you you'd like it!"

"Come on, let's drink until we drop tonight!"

Clair glanced at me.

I immediately got the hint. Blocking drinks for Clair was probably my main purpose for being here tonight.

I picked up another glass of red wine. "Mr. Dean, Mr. Clair has a meeting early tomorrow morning. How about I drink a couple with you instead?"

Learning that Clair had a meeting tomorrow morning, Dean seemed a bit disappointed. "But tonight's my birthday. At least finish the glass you have."

"No problem. The rest, leave to my assistant." Clair raised his glass and toasted Dean.

I was a bit stunned.

He made it sound like I could really hold my liquor.

I said I'd drink two glasses, and that's all I could manage. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten so drunk that crazy night when Clair happened.

I lowered my voice. "Mr. Clair, I'm sorry, but I actually can't hold my liquor at all. Two glasses max."

Clair frowned slightly. "You can't hold your liquor?"

To make Clair believe me, I had to exaggerate a bit. "Right. If I get drunk, I might do something really terrible to you."

But Clair just smiled.

"Like what?"

My brain short-circuited, and I blurted out, "I might jump on you."

"Clair, your little assistant is so funny!" Dean overheard and burst out laughing. "But with your assistant's tiny frame, she'd be the one getting jumped, right?"

The others laughed along.

I could tell Dean's laughter was just because he was simple-minded.

As for the others, they were laughing at my overestimation of myself, at my wishful thinking.

I smiled awkwardly. Why did I say that? But Clair isn't mad, is he?

Who knew? Clair poured wine into my empty glass.

"As my assistant, you'll have to attend all kinds of drinking events with me. Tonight, practice building your tolerance."

When the boss says so, what else could I say?

I took the glass with both hands. "Yes, you're right."

But Clair suddenly frowned, as if not very satisfied with my answer.

I didn't think much of it and tilted my head back, downing the wine in one go.

Dean was very supportive, leading the applause. "Clair, I really can't tell. Your little assistant has such guts! Says she can't do it, but her actions are so direct!"

"Come, come, let me pour you another!"

Dean filled my glass again with his precious wine.

I glanced at Clair, feeling my vision already getting blurry. He seemed even angrier?

I must be seeing things.

I picked up the glass and kept drinking, one after another. I don't know how long I drank, but I just blacked out, my forehead dropping onto the table as I passed out.

……

I got drunk quickly, which wasn't a big deal to anyone there.

Dean continued pouring for Clair. "Now no one's blocking drinks for you. Let's see what you do!"

"That's it for tonight. I'm leaving." Clair's handsome face darkened slightly. After saying this, he helped my completely wasted self up.

Dean tried to help, but Clair stopped him with a look. He awkwardly withdrew his hand, thinking Clair's possessiveness over this little assistant was a bit too strong.

At that moment, I was too drunk to walk steadily, so Clair simply picked me up and carried me out of the room.

His burning gaze fixed on my flushed cheeks.

But his brow remained furrowed, as if dissatisfied with my earlier show of bravado.

After settling my drunk self in, Clair was about to leave when I somehow reached out and grabbed him.

I didn't even know I kept mumbling, "Don't go, I can still drink more, I can do it... Mr. Clair, I can... I'll be your best assistant..."

The corners of Clair's lips curved up unconsciously.

Suddenly, the burning heat throughout my body made me instinctively pull at my collar. "Hot, so hot."