Chapter 51

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch. "Which Mercity socialite will win Mr. Lynch's heart? Let's find out!" the group exclaimed.

Nathan rose and walked toward Celine, his choice unwavering. Carly and Tracy's expressions shifted. Adam, holding a cocktail, maintained a poker face, but his handsome features were icy. Robin, the happiest of them all, exclaimed, "Wow! Could Mr. Lynch have fallen for Celine?"

Celine looked up at Nathan. Having just ended things with Adam, she had no intention of starting another romance and didn't want to give Nathan false hope. Nathan leaned down, his handsome face close to hers.

"Mr. Lynch," Celine began.

Nathan winked and whispered, "Celine, play along. It's just for the game. You wouldn't want me to face a penalty, would you? Do it for the medicinal oil."

Celine felt trapped, wishing she could return the oil. Robin cheered, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Nathan gently cupped Celine's face and leaned in, their lips nearly meeting. Adam watched, his grip on his cocktail glass tightening until his knuckles turned white.

The crowd erupted as Nathan and Celine kissed. Carly fumed, tugging on Adam's sleeve. "Adam, look! Celine seduced Mr. Lynch!"

Adam's eyes narrowed as he watched. Nathan kissed Celine, the group roaring with excitement. Celine broke the kiss, her cheeks flushed, burying her face in Nathan's arm. He looked down; her eyes shimmered as she glanced at him shyly.

The sight was unbearable for Adam. He realized Celine could be soft and alluring, a side he'd thought was his alone to see. He began to believe she'd truly lost interest in him. The wealthy heirs cheered again. "Mr. Lynch, you promised a three-minute kiss! That was only a minute!" "Keep going! We want more!"

Nathan gave Celine a gentle look. "Celine is shy. Don't overwhelm her." He picked up a bottle of liquor. "I'll take the penalty," he said, and began drinking.

The wealthy heirs teased Nathan and Celine mercilessly. Carly and Tracy watched as Celine became the center of attention, their own pursuit of Adam reduced to a joke. They felt she didn't deserve it.

Before Carly could continue berating Adam, a glass shattered. Adam had crushed his glass, the shards cutting deep into his palm. Blood dripped onto the floor.

Carly gasped. "Adam, your hand! Get a doctor!"

(The final sentence "Act Fast Free Bonus Time is Running Out!" is unrelated and should be removed.)