Chapter 312

Lina Sweeney's face went from red to pale. Her lips trembled. All she could say was, "I'm sorry." After all, she had been the one to utter those words, and she had failed to keep her promise.

"You screwed me up," he said.

Silence again filled the car. She didn't know how long it took before the car stopped. Lina Sweeney followed Hadwin Stephenson out, only to find herself at the same mansion he'd brought her to yesterday.

The memory of being locked inside last night stopped Lina Sweeney in her tracks.

"Why, are you afraid to go in?" Hadwin Stephenson turned to look at her.

She tugged at the corners of her mouth, attempting a smile. "We can just talk outside. It's all the same."

Hadwin Stephenson offered a half-smile. "Lina Sweeney, I have many ways to keep you here if I want to, and I can guarantee that it won't be easy for Jason to save you this time."

Lina Sweeney was stunned. She hesitated, then gritted her teeth. Who cared? If he was going to hurt her, then— Lina Sweeney took several brisk steps forward.

Hadwin Stephenson smiled faintly and followed.

As they entered the mansion, Hadwin Stephenson pointed to a couch. "Sit."

Lina Sweeney sat down obediently, like a primary school student.

Hadwin Stephenson went to the bar and began mixing a drink. Soon, a rainbow-colored cocktail appeared. He held the glass up to her. "Here, I remember you used to enjoy this."

She was indeed guilty. The alcohol had tasted like fruit wine then, so she hadn't thought it would be strong. Who knew she'd get drunk enough to do that? Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so awkward with him.

"No, thank you. I'm not thirsty." She offered a faint smile.

He raised an eyebrow. "I worked hard on this. You really won't drink it?" He took her right hand and pressed the glass into it, almost forcing her to hold it. "I didn't learn mixology to be a bartender, but I picked it up over the years. I only know how to make this one, though. Isn't it funny?"

Lina Sweeney listened, unsure what to say. The cocktail felt heavier in her hand.

"You still won't drink it?" he asked, staring at her.

She pursed her lips. Fine, she would drink it. The worst that could happen was getting drunk, and… he could take his revenge, but… "What's going on between us has nothing to do with my parents. You can take your anger out on me any way you want, but don't bother my parents."

He looked at her. She seemed ready to risk everything. His thin lips formed the words, "All right."

Lina Sweeney threw back her head and drank the cocktail in one gulp.

It was the same drink, but it tasted completely different. Why had it seemed so good before, and so bitter now?

"Is it good?" he asked, watching her intently.