Watching Leona Grant’s somber expression, Vivian Yates pressed on. "I don’t rember them knowing each other. Chase Lynch, the new CEO of the Lynch Group... I only t him during our last collaboration with Norwing Company. He’s ruthless, steady, a rising star. Rumor has it he’s not interested in won, but now he’s so gentle and doting with Annabelle. Could the two of them possibly be..."
As soon as the words were out, she acted as if she’d said too much and quickly covered her mouth. She frantically waved her hands and backtracked, "No, no, no, that’s not what I ant! That’s not what I ant at all! I just an... maybe we’re misunderstanding them!"
’The more you say, the more you can screw up.’ Vivian Yates realized she had misspoken again. She pursed her lips, her eyes wide with innocence, her gaze drifting between Leona Grant and the table where Annabelle was sitting.
Leona Grant’s brow furrowed deeply, her expression dark as she looked at the supposedly innocent Vivian Yates.
’So it wasn’t just her. Even soone as supposedly innocent as Vivian Yates could see it.’
’Maybe Annabelle Linton and this Chase Lynch really did have so kind of sordid relationship.’
Leona Grant’s face was grim as she stared at Vivian Yates. "What are you trying to say?"
Looking at the clearly furious Leona Grant, a flash of jealousy and calculation crossed Vivian Yates’s eyes.
She bit her lip, choosing her words carefully before explaining, "Leona, last ti I went to the Grant Family’s ho to pick up a proposal, I couldn’t help but overhear the staff talking... They said you and Annabelle are getting divorced after tomorrow. And that Grandpa only agreed because Annabelle got on her knees and begged him. So, that just got thinking... maybe those two..."
Having said just enough, Vivian Yates cleverly fell silent.
Leona Grant’s gaze darkened as she looked at Annabelle Linton, whose smile was as radiant as a flower. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes.
’Annabelle Linton, you’ve really got so nerve.’
...
A server carefully poured drinks for Annabelle Linton and Chase Lynch, their eyes shifting between the two. ’Heavens, what a perfectly matched couple!’
After pouring the drinks, the server walked away with a completely smitten expression.
"What exactly did you an in your text?" Annabelle Linton asked, frowning.
’She hated dealing with these rich and powerful types.’
Chase Lynch pointed to the drink in front of Annabelle Linton and said with a smile, "Guess what this is. If you guess correctly, I’ll tell you."
Without a mont’s hesitation, Annabelle Linton raised the glass, tilted her head back, and downed the contents. She set the glass back down, the entire sequence executed in one fluid motion—simple and crisp, yet exuding an indescribable mix of dominance and languor.
After elegantly dabbing her lips, Annabelle Linton said coolly, "A custom mix. Vodka, grape juice, a splash of whiskey, peach juice, tequila, grenadine, soda water, mint, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Now, you can answer my question."
Chase Lynch clapped his hands in amazent. "Completely correct," he praised sincerely. "You’re incredible. Truly worthy of a top bartender from Cerotte Bar."
Annabelle Linton’s frown deepened, and she eyed him with suspicion.
Cerotte Bar was the largest bar chain in the world, with hundreds of millions of franchises globally. When Annabelle Linton had worked as a bartender, it had been for them.
She had heard that Leona Grant loved custom-made drinks, so she had learned mixology and eventually beca one of the world’s top ten bartenders.
’But how did he know all that?’
Annabelle Linton crossed her arms. "Don’t tell you guessed all of that," she asked coolly.
Chase Lynch gave her a warm smile. "Back when you were working at the Seraphine Cerotte Bar, I was fortunate enough to have a drink you mixed personally. It was excellent."
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