Chapter 12: Trying Tonight
Vincent suddenly thought of Bethany.
She hadn't replied to his messages all night. He wondered if she was busy with work or with her fiancé.
"You're overthinking it," Vincent walked to the bar and poured a glass of whisky for Stanley.
Stanley took the glass, grinning mischievously. "Then you must be yearning for love."
Vincent gave him a cold look and said, "Do you think I'm like you, thinking with what's below the waist?"
Stanley clicked his tongue. "Yes, we're not the same. After all, you're still a virgin."
Vincent's expression darkened.
Strictly speaking, he had experienced the taste of love, just not to the final step.
He casually swirled his glass of whisky, listening as Stanley continued eagerly, "You're almost done with work, right? Come with me to a party tomorrow. There will be many wealthy ladies there. I'll introduce you to some."
Vincent raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "You flew all the way from Klodon City to find me just for this?"
"What else?"
Stanley looked worried. "You're almost thirty, but you never had a girlfriend. I know you have high standards and keep yourself pure, but others might think you're gay."
Vincent grew impatient. "I just got back to the country, and I'm swamped with work. Where do I have the energy to chase after women?"
Stanley took a sip of his drink and said, "I just got back too, but it didn't stop me from having fun. Besides, with your looks and wealth, women would throw themselves at you. You don't even need to chase."
Indeed, Vincent was handsome, wealthy, and a big shot in the medical research field. What woman wouldn't be infatuated with him?
Little did they know that there was indeed someone Vincent needed to woo.
Suddenly, Vincent's phone vibrated.
His hand paused mid-swirl. A hint of anticipation flickered in his eyes. Vincent casually opened his phone to check, and it was indeed from Bethany.
[Just got home after shopping. So tired. Tomorrow, I'll attend a party with my fiancé. I'll try the treatment then.]
"Try the treatment."
Her words angered Vincent.
It had only been two days of training, and Bethany was already so eager to try it with Clinton.
"No way," Vincent thought.
Stanley hadn't noticed Vincent's displeasure yet and continued persuading, "Just consider it a way to have fun. Come with me, and if you happen to meet a girl you like, sweet love will come. Besides, even if you don't fancy anyone, expanding your social circle won't hurt."
Vincent poured himself another drink and interrupted Stanley's babbling, "Is the Riddle Group's heir going?"
"Let me check for you." Stanley took out his phone and soon had an answer.
"Are you looking for that guy called Clinton Riddle? Danny says he's notorious for partying. He wouldn't miss an occasion like this."
A deep sound emanated from Vincent's throat. "Fine, I'll go with you."
Stanley grew suspicious. "Just a rich kid, shouldn't be more important than saving face for me. Why are you looking for him?"
"You'll see." Vincent brushed him off.
Clinton was just a nobody.
The person he wanted to see was Bethany.
The next day, at night.
In a mansion on the outskirts of the city, lights were ablaze, and the air was filled with revelry. It was a gathering of the elite.
Everyone was mingling and having fun, but Bethany stood alone in a secluded corner, absentmindedly swaying her highball glass.
She wore a nude backless cocktail dress, her long hair coiled into a bun, and a layer of weariness adorned her beautiful face.
Throughout the night, Clinton dragged her around, ostensibly introducing her as his fiancée to everyone, but in reality, he was using her as a trophy to flaunt.
It was quite annoying.
Vincent shifted her steps, intending to go to the terrace alone to clear her mind. But as she turned the corner, her phone rang.
It was from Alvin.
She answered, and he asked, "I haven't asked you in the past few days. How's your treatment going?"
"It should be fine," Bethany replied.
"Then since you are drinking tonight, try it with Clinton later," Alvin said shamelessly.