Since Harper had discussed the postponement of the divorce with Joseph, she no longer dwelled on it, hoping to peacefully get through this period.
However, Joseph still worked long hours every day, leaving home early in the morning and not returning until late at night, and they rarely crossed paths.
One evening after work, Harper took the initiative to invite her colleagues out for dinner. She felt bad about the last time, which had been disrupted by Rocky.
After the meal, with everyone in high spirits, someone suggested going to a nearby bar.
Harper didn't want to be a wet blanket and thought it might be a good way to relax.
The bar had a great atmosphere with the loud music and dreamy lighting. Everyone soon relaxed and Harper was less inhibited.
"Let's have a toast!"
Justin Adams, one of her colleagues, poured a drink for everyone.
When it was Harper's turn, she waved her hand and said, "I can't drink, so please go ahead."
Justin raised his voice. "It's okay. It's fun to come out and have a good time. You can drink as much as you want."
Evelyn Carter, another colleague, chimed in, "Come on. Let's all have a good time."
Harper felt embarrassed and said, "I'm afraid you'll regret saying that once I'm drunk." She reluctantly took a sip, feeling a bit awkward.
As the night went on, everyone continued to make toasts, welcoming Harper to the design department.
Patrick, who had been watching her, handed her a bottle of water and asked, "How are you feeling? Is it okay?"
Harper whispered, "I think I've had enough. I might get a little crazy if I get drunk!"
Patrick smiled and said, "Don't worry, no matter what happens, I'll make sure you get home safely."
Harper looked at him helplessly and said, "Alright. I'll go for it." After all, she didn't want to feel left out in her new team.
As the night went on, Harper felt a sudden rush of excitement, as if she were on the verge of breaking free. She couldn't help but laugh and became more talkative.
Her colleagues had already started dancing to the music, so Harper stood up and headed straight to the dance floor.
Meanwhile, at a table in the back of the bar, Joseph finished the last drop of his drink. He checked the time, put on his coat, and said, "It's about time to go."
Eric, who was with him, stood up and looked around, feeling a bit unsatisfied. "What's the point of going out with you? We finish our drinks and then leave. It's so dull!"
Joseph ignored him and headed toward the exit.
"Wait for me," Eric said. He reached out to grab Joseph's hand, and pointing toward the dance floor. "Do you see what I see? I think that girl dancing in the middle is Harper."
Joseph paused, turned around, and followed Eric's gaze. Instantly, his brow furrowed.
It was indeed Harper, dancing in the center of the dance floor.
It was Harper's first time clubbing, and she didn't really know how to dance, just moving to the rhythm.
The alcohol had already gone to her head, and the hot air in the bar had turned her face red.
Harper was completely unaware that Joseph was on the other side, watching her with a displeased expression.
"I feel like I'm going to throw up."
Harper was a bit out of it, and her dancing was making her dizzy.
Patrick moved closer and reached out to steady her. "Do you want to go to the bathroom? I can help you."
Harper, feeling a bit dazed, looked up and smiled foolishly. "Okay, thank you!"
Patrick felt a flutter in his heart as she smiled. Quickly turning his head, he carefully supported her toward the restroom.
From Joseph's perspective, he only saw Harper smiling at the man, and then the two of them heading toward the restroom.
Eric didn't notice Joseph's dark expression and tense jawline. He reached out and patted his shoulder, trying to lighten the mood.
"Harper is quite something, huh? She's so efficient! She hasn't even divorced yet, and she's already found her next boyfriend."
Joseph lowered his gaze and gave him a cold glance, sending a shiver down Eric's spine.
Before Eric could say anything, Joseph had already removed his hand and followed Harper to the restroom.
Just as Patrick helped Harper to the entrance of the women's restroom, he asked with concern, "Are you sure you can go in by yourself?"
"I'll be fine!" Harper nodded. "I'm okay!"
Patrick, seeing that Harper could at least stand straight and her eyes were clear, felt relieved and entered the men's restroom.
Harper stood still for a few seconds before closing the door and walking in.
In the stall by the door, there were some sounds of intimacy. Harper's mind was a bit muddled, and it took her a while to realize what was happening. She instantly felt awkward and quickly walked to the farthest stall.
As Joseph approached, he only saw the closed door of the restroom. He furrowed his brow and took a step forward.
At that moment, the background music in the bar switched to the next song. In that brief moment of silence, Joseph heard a faint sound coming from the restroom.
He blinked in disbelief, and then a surge of anger rushed to his head.
'What is Harper doing? How dare she?' He thought.
Joseph raised his hand and couldn't help but slam it against the wall.
The pain made him calm down, and his fingers, with distinct knuckles, slowly clenched, his gaze becoming colder.
After a while, the restroom door finally opened from the inside.
Harper had just been retching into the toilet, but nothing came out, and she felt her head pounding.
Her face was now flushed, and a mist of intoxication clouded her eyes. Her usually rosy lips were now moistened with a few strands of wetness.
As soon as Joseph saw her like this, the coldness in his eyes became even more intense.
He was so angry that he stared at the woman in front of him without blinking.
Harper took a few steps forward before noticing him and curiously asked, "What are you doing here?"
Before Joseph could speak, he saw her shake her head and mutter in confusion, "Did I drink too much and start hallucinating? It's so strange! I suddenly saw Joseph, but how can there be two of him?"
Joseph's Adam's apple moved, and then he directly lifted Harper.
"What are you doing?"
Harper felt nauseous being carried on his shoulder.
She struggled with all her might. "Who do you think you are? Put me down! I'll vomit all over you!"
Joseph sneered, "Shut up."
Although Harper was drunk, the voice was so familiar that she could tell who it was no matter what.
So, she stopped struggling, and her remaining subconsciousness felt that this man seemed very angry.
Joseph walked quickly. When Patrick came out of the restroom, he only saw the backs of the two from a distance. He recognized the clothes Harper was wearing, but the man didn't look like any of the colleagues who had come today.
Patrick was taken aback for a moment and immediately stepped forward to catch up.
But when he reached the door, he didn't see a trace of them. He quickly took out his phone and called Harper, but no one answered after several attempts.
Patrick looked at the phone that couldn't get through, feeling increasingly annoyed.
The man who took Harper away was somewhat familiar.
Who could it be?