Tonight, Adam had been losing continuously; luck wasn't on his side, and the cold lines on his handsome face clearly indicated his displeasure. Carly, seated beside him, studied her cards. A fruit platter filled with fresh, seasonal fruits lay beside her. She reached out with a delicate hand, picked a plump purple grape, peeled it, and held the glistening, juicy flesh to Adam's lips.

Without looking away from his cards, Adam opened his mouth and ate the grape. She nestled closer, her movements soft and graceful, catching the seed he spat out in her palm. Carly seemed the perfect wife, attending to his every need.

One of the young heirs at the table laughed. "Only Mr. Alvarez could have Mercity's number one beauty catering to him like this."

Another chimed in, "They say fortune in love means misfortune in gambling. No wonder Mr. Alvarez has been losing all night."

Carly gave a playful pout, her lips curving into a coy smile. "All you do is tease me."

Outside the door, Celine watched. This was the first time she had seen Adam socialize and play cards with his friends, bringing Carly along. A pang of bitterness surged through her.

Adam lost again. He threw his cards on the table with a brusque movement and shoved his chips toward the center. "Split them among yourselves," he said.

Benjamin and the other two men grinned. "Thanks for your generosity, Adam!" Benjamin exclaimed.

Another wealthy heir joked, "Mr. Alvarez is throwing money around tonight!"

Adam remained emotionless, leaning back lazily in his chair, exuding detached boredom. Carly looked at him lovingly. "Adam, are you tired?"

"I think he's losing interest," someone said.

"Carly, do you want to help with that?" another chimed in.

The wealthy heirs began to make a commotion. Carly smirked as she poured alcohol into a glass. "Adam, want a drink?"

He merely looked at her. Carly, basking in the attention, boldly climbed onto his lap. She shifted higher, leaning forward with her hands braced on the back of his chair, effectively pinning him.

Adam, who had been reclining lazily, showed a flicker of interest. He raised an amused eyebrow. Carly smirked teasingly, gently biting the rim of a wine glass. Tilting it, she let the red liquid flow.

Adam chuckled softly, parting his lips to receive the wine.

"Wow!" Benjamin exclaimed, starting a commotion that the other wealthy heirs joined. "Carly really knows how to feed Mr. Alvarez wine, doesn't she?"

"Look, Mr. Alvarez actually smiled! No wonder Carly continues to hold his favor so effortlessly."

The luxurious private room buzzed with excitement. Celine stood silently outside. Amidst the teasing and laughter, Carly's cheeks flushed as she gracefully slid off Adam's lap, returning to her seat.

Adam said little, but his left arm rested casually on the back of Carly's chair, pulling her into his embrace. The others continued their teasing, while Carly playfully scolded them. Adam watched with a doting smile.

Celine admitted that Carly was clever. She understood that a man like Adam, revered and served everywhere, needed flattery. Carly handled the atmosphere perfectly.

Celine decided she didn't want to watch anymore; she didn't want to torture herself. That was Adam and Carly's world, one she couldn't enter.

"Hailey, let's go."

"Celine, wait a minute. Look, Melody is here too," Hailey said.

Celine noticed Melody, who had been sitting on the couch, joining the teasing with delight.

Melody chuckled. "Adam, Carly, since everyone's in such a good mood, let me tell you a joke."

Carly's face lit up. "What kind of joke?"

Melody smirked. "It's about Celine!"