Chapter 79

I had already reserved a private room at a fancy restaurant. On the table for ten, I put out the Bordeaux I had brought along. It was the wine Jared left at home, and I used it as a favor.

Of course, the few wine-loving top executives stared right at the bottle, eager to get a taste. “Mr. Holcomb and Mrs. Holcomb seem close. Mrs. Holcomb, you’re lucky.”

“Yeah, Mr. Holcomb’s young and successful, and he spoils you. You’ve got a good thing going.”

I was tired of these polite compliments. If Jared and I didn’t keep up appearances, nobody would know we hadn’t talked in three days or had any intimacy in over a year.

Jared carried himself like a powerful man. Wearing a black shirt, he looked even more distinguished. Every move showed his confidence.

“Help yourself, everyone. Victoria will need your support going forward. Let’s eat,” Jared said with a smile, backing me up a bit.

Everyone started drinking. Someone poured wine into my glass. I reached for it, but suddenly a big hand blocked it. Then Jared said, “She’s not drinking. We’re trying to have a baby.”

Right after that, everyone looked at us with a knowing glance. I looked at Jared and thought he was nuts. “Mrs. Holcomb, you’re lucky. You and Mr. Holcomb will have a healthy baby.”

“You two have great genes. Have more kids, don’t waste it.”

I quietly put down my glass. Then, right away, I picked up Jared’s glass and smiled, “Pregnancy prep? Once we build the Harmonia Hotel brand and make it big, then we’ll think about another baby.”

I downed Jared’s Bordeaux in one go. I saw his face go pale instantly. Nobody noticed the quiet battle between Jared and me. They just thought it was a playful moment between a couple.

The wine made my head spin. I quickly got up and headed to the bathroom. I really couldn’t keep up; the consequences hit fast.

“Ugh…” I tried hard to throw up the wine but failed. My face flushed bright red, my eyes shiny. I looked in the mirror and gave a bitter smile.

Someone nearby was washing his hands. Jared’s face appeared next to mine. His eyes cooled down a bit. “Don’t you know your limit? Don’t be so reckless next time.”

“I’m fine,” I said, splashing cold water gently on my face. “Thanks for worrying.” My politeness made Jared mad. He ignored me and went back to the private room.

I took a deep breath and went back. As soon as I sat down, Jared’s phone rang on the table. I glanced at it without thinking. It was Tracy’s name.

Jared grabbed his phone, pushed the door open again, and left. A few minutes later, he came back and told me, “Company stuff came up. I have to leave.” Several executives stood to see him off. Jared waved and left.

The rest of the dinner went on. Those who wanted to drink still drank happily, but some women’s looks toward me suddenly changed. Their eyes showed sympathy mixed with some amusement.

I understood. Jared’s favoritism toward Tracy was completely obvious now. I, the nominal wife of Jared, naturally became their dinner gossip.