Chapter 665: A Dinner Party (4) Out of Control

"Fuck," Susan muttered, silently scolding Manuel. He simply ignored her. She could hold her liquor, but navigating this group of older men was proving difficult.

As she was about to leave, a man spotted her. He rushed over, enthusiastically ushering her back to her seat. "You finally returned, Miss Phillips! We've been waiting. You don't seem drunk. Let me offer another toast." He refilled her glass to the brim.

While drinking, she inwardly cursed Manuel's inconsiderateness. A few drinks later, Manuel reappeared, sitting beside her with an impassive expression. He seemed perfectly normal. Where had he been?

"Mr. Johnson, I thought you'd left," Stephen Stern, a City Hall official, chuckled.

"Mr. Stern, you jest. I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. I just received an important call; we spoke for a while," Manuel explained.

"An important call? Girlfriend?" Stephen inquired.

Manuel denied it.

"Seeing anyone?"

"I'm busy. No plans in that regard," Manuel replied.

"It's different," Stephen countered. "You're young. Career is important, but if you meet a good woman, seize the opportunity."

Manuel nodded, uninterested in the topic.

"My daughter just graduated and is taking a City Hall exam. She might even take my position someday. When you have time, meet her; offer some advice."

"My honor," Manuel replied.

Susan listened without emotion, understanding Stephen's attempt to introduce his daughter to this promising young banker. She drank little afterwards, waiting for the dinner's end, remembering Manuel's earlier advice in the restroom about her health.

After 9:00 PM, the private room's atmosphere cooled as the guests became increasingly inebriated. Just as Susan thought she could leave, someone announced, "Mr. Stern, it's early. I've booked a private room at a club; let's continue drinking."

"It's getting late…"

"Nonsense! The night's young. I've arranged cars." The man insisted.

Stephen clearly wanted more drinks, glancing around. The others readily agreed: "Yes, it's early. Mr. Johnson and Miss Phillips are still sober. Let's have more drinks." Stephen, thus persuaded, agreed. The others followed suit, including Susan and Manuel.

They shared a car. A cool breeze blew through the open windows. Shivering, Susan frowned. "Manuel, close the window; it's giving me a headache."

He didn't move. Angry, she reached for the button. As she neared, he snapped, "Move over!"

Enraged, Susan felt he treated her like some animal.

"I want the wind," he said, glancing at her before turning away. The driver, initially prepared to close the window, hesitated.

Susan, furious, deliberately pressed close to him, even rubbing against his body, confident he wouldn't hurt her. She boldly touched his abs, impressed by his physique.

"Ah!" Susan cried out.

The driver flinched, unsure what was happening.

"It hurts!" she exclaimed. "Let go! I won't touch you."

Manuel gripped her hand tightly, threatening to crush it. She resisted, his grip tightening. His sharp gaze made her want to submit. Just as she thought her hand would break, the pain vanished. Before she could pull away, he pressed her against the seat.

Susan's eyes widened; he must be drunk. Then, his kisses rained down on her, fervent and passionate.

"Emmm…"

Nearly smothered, she couldn't relax. His hands roamed her body, her resistance melting until she yielded to his touch.

The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, shocked but quickly averting his eyes, assuming it was a lovers' quarrel.