Chapter 218 Fragile Kiss

Matthew could see right through Elizabeth's expression, but instead of pushing her, he just smiled indulgently.

Nola watched the two of them, thinking their atmosphere was perfect for a lifelong relationship.

With so many great suitors for Elizabeth, Nola was having a hard time choosing a suitable son-in-law!

Raymond, not wanting to see any more, just focused on his meal.

Alice jumped in at this point, teaming up with Alan to lighten the tension.

Everyone started eating and chatting, and it finally felt like a normal birthday party.

Knowing there would be several men attending, Nola had prepared some red wine in advance. When she brought it to the table along with a decanter, Raymond, who was in a bad mood, poured himself a full glass and downed it in one go under Elizabeth's watchful eye.

Alice's eyes widened as she saw Leandro, not to be outdone, pour himself a glass and drink it all.

Alan quietly stepped back, and Elizabeth instinctively tried to stop Matthew when he raised his hand to pour himself some wine.

She didn't like the idea of the men competing in drinking at this moment; if they wanted to drink, they could go to a bar. A little wine at a birthday party was fine, but this was too much.

But Matthew had anticipated Elizabeth's reaction. He blocked her with his other hand and smiled slightly.

"Guests are here, and you ladies shouldn't have to drink with them. I'll do it."

Matthew filled his glass and drank it all in one go.

But this drink carried a different meaning than the previous two. Matthew's words had a host-like tone, making it clear what position he saw himself in.

The table was filled with an undercurrent of competition and tension, ready to erupt at any moment.

Raymond, not willing to back down, poured himself a second glass and drank it without hesitation.

The wine in the decanter was almost gone, and Nola, rarely seeing the men compete like this, didn't stop them. Instead, she brought out the remaining wine.

Elizabeth pulled Alice aside, deciding not to bother with the men at the table.

"Let's just eat and then go chat."

Alan, who couldn't afford to drink like that since he had to work in the afternoon, ate a little and then joined Elizabeth and the other women on the couch for a chat.

Seeing Nola so close, he felt nostalgic and started sharing stories about her past.

Elizabeth, hearing these stories for the first time, listened quietly with Alice.

Nola reminisced about her days as the CEO of the Skye Group, feeling like it was a lifetime ago.

She had been a strong, decisive businesswoman, leading the Skye Group to great success and earning a stellar reputation as an outstanding young female entrepreneur.

But those days had passed, and now Nola spent her time gardening and cooking at home.

Nola and Alan both felt a sense of nostalgia, contrasting sharply with Nola's current peaceful life. The four of them chatted animatedly, and when the topic ended, Elizabeth glanced back at the table.

Leandro was passed out, and Matthew and Raymond were still competing.

But Raymond looked like he was barely holding on, while Matthew sat straight and steady.

It wouldn't be long before it was over.

Matthew would push himself to the limit rather than admit defeat; it was in his nature.

Raymond and Leandro was feeling awful for the rest of the day after drinking so much right after lunch.

With the meal nearly finished, Alan offered to help.

"It's still early for work. I'll take Mr. Carter and Mr. McCall home. As for Mr. Moore..."

Elizabeth stood up. "I'll handle him."

Raymond and Leandro were completely drunk, and when Alan helped them to the car, they were too out of it to know who was helping them.

Matthew, relatively more sober, leaned on Elizabeth as they left the villa, smiling down at her.

"How did I do?"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "You did great. You're going to feel it later."

Matthew had brought his assistant, who was waiting by the car.

Seeing Matthew being helped out, the assistant quickly ran over to take him.

"Thank you, Ms. Perez. I'll take it from here."

As he was about to help Matthew away, he felt a nudge on his arm.

The assistant paused for a second, then turned back to Elizabeth with a serious expression.

"I think I need some help, Ms. Perez."

Without thinking much, Elizabeth reached out to help, noticing how much more muscular Matthew seemed.

Under his thin white shirt, his muscles were clearly defined, exuding a strong physical presence.

When the assistant went to open the car door, Matthew's full weight leaned on Elizabeth, his body heat radiating through his clothes.

Elizabeth suddenly felt warm, her mind filled with memories of their intimate moments.

It had been a while since they had been together, not even a kiss.

Elizabeth had just finished her period and was feeling a bit restless.

But now wasn't the time. She shook off her thoughts and pushed Matthew into the car.

Matthew collapsed onto the soft seat, looking uncomfortable as he opened his eyes and reached out to her.

"If you've forgiven me for before, can you give me a hug?"

Matthew looked vulnerable, making Elizabeth want to comfort him.

She had planned to refuse, worried Nola might see.

But seeing Matthew like this, she couldn't resist and leaned in to hug him gently.

Matthew opened his eyes, savoring the familiar softness of her embrace, and couldn't help but plant a gentle kiss on her cheek.

The kiss was sudden, driven by Matthew's emotions.

Elizabeth was taken aback, but when she looked down, she saw Matthew's fragile expression, like a wounded puppy.

Compelled by an unknown force, she leaned in and kissed Matthew on the lips.