Adam asked Celine to propose a toast, leaving her momentarily speechless. Donald, equally perplexed by Adam's intentions, wondered if Adam harbored feelings for Celine. If so, he knew he'd have to step aside; he couldn't compete with Adam.

"Why are you still sitting there? Go raise a toast to Mr. Alvarez," Donald urged.

The other businessmen chuckled. "I've seen many students eager to toast Mr. Alvarez, but this is the first time I've seen someone actually get the chance," one said. "Hurry up. Don't keep Mr. Alvarez waiting," another added.

Everyone turned to Celine, prompting her to toast Adam. Perplexed, she nevertheless approached him with her glass. "Mr. Alvarez, I toast you," she said.

She stood tall while Adam remained seated, condescendingly eyeing her as if she were a commodity. Noticing her reluctance, he smirked and asked, "Who are you? Do I have to drink to your toast?"

The room erupted in laughter. "Indeed," someone said. "Mr. Alvarez doesn't drink just any toast from just anyone."

Celine was speechless, frozen with her wine glass, realizing Adam was playing a trick on her—inviting her to toast him only to embarrass her. She glared at him and turned to leave, but tripped over the carpet, screaming as she fell, her eyes tightly shut.

She imagined Adam mocking her fall, but then a strong arm wrapped around her waist, gently pulling her up. She found herself in a reassuring embrace.

Looking up, she saw Adam's face. She stumbled and landed against his thighs, his invigorating masculine scent a stark contrast to the cloying smell of the businessmen around them. He possessed a unique charm that defied the typical business world.

Adam looked down and inquired, "Was that intentional?"

Everyone burst into laughter again. "Today's students are intelligent. They're using different tactics to win over Mr. Alvarez," one commented. "It seems this student really wants to marry Mr. Alvarez. She's quite ambitious," another added.

Celine's cheeks burned with shame and fury. Deep down, he knew she hadn't fallen intentionally. Yet, he seemed to be seeking revenge for her altercation with Carly; perhaps hatred fueled his relentless teasing.

She glared at him, attempting to rise from his lap, but Adam tightened his grip around her waist, holding her. "Who are you?" he asked again. "Say it out loud."

Celine's heart raced. Did he want her to reveal their marriage, or was he simply mocking her again? She struggled to free herself.

"You'll have to beg me," he said.