Chapter 56

The Mr. Smith began. Quinn wanted to explain that she couldn't handle her alcohol, but before she could, Jeremy tossed back his drink.

"I've downed it," Jeremy said, wiping his mouth.

Quinn felt helpless and turned to Cameron, hoping for help. However, to her surprise, he remained detached, observing the situation like a spectator. Time. If she had to drink, she would simply have to deal with it; it was a situation she had no say in.

Clenching her teeth, she raised her glass, shut her eyes, and downed the drink. As the wine went down, she felt an intense heat in her chest that overwhelmed her.

"Ms. Lawson, you have quite the tolerance for alcohol," Jeremy praised, pouring himself another glass and refilling hers. "This next one is to celebrate..."

Another drink? Quinn blinked, wide-eyed and stunned. She wanted to refuse, but he raised his glass again, forcing her hand. She lamented her fate; she had no choice but to drink.

As the second glass went down, she felt her head spinning as warmth spread through her body. Still, Jeremy showed no signs of stopping. Then came the third, fourth, and fifth glasses.

Quinn slumped over the table when the last bottle was finished. She was completely incapacitated.

"Ms. Lawson, don't sleep! Let's have another bottle," Jeremy urged, trying to rouse her.

For the first time, Cameron spoke, his voice cold and menacing. "That's enough."

Jeremy's demeanor changed instantly. He looked up with a hint of fear. "Mr. Sutton, I'm so sorry! I didn't realize Ms. Lawson couldn't handle her drinks. It's all my—"

"Mr. Smith's reckless behavior isn't a new occurrence, is it?" Cameron remarked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Jeremy's head dropped in submission.

"By the way, my grandfather played a significant role in establishing the Ascend Group. Why is it a problem for the company to take the Sutton surname now?" Cameron drummed his fingers rhythmically on his wine glass.

Jeremy's face drained of color, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggled to maintain composure.

"Imperial Group is powerful enough. Why bother with a small company like Ascend Group?" he replied, trying to dismiss the matter.