Chapter 352

Shermaine wasn't sure if Brice was the man she had saved in Eskaria five years ago, but it didn't matter. Saving lives was second nature to her.

Molly decided not to bring it up tonight. There was no rush. For now, she was relieved Bruce wouldn't side with her siblings. With that weight off her shoulders, she could finally relax and enjoy the banquet.

“Molly,” Roy’s voice cut through her thoughts.

Molly turned, momentarily startled. She had almost forgotten about him. Finding him still waiting obediently, she asked, “Hungry? Let’s get you something to eat.”

Roy nodded. “A little.”

“Follow me.” Given Molly’s status, countless men vied for her attention. Yet, none appealed to her as much as Roy. His boyish charm stood out, and frankly, she usually found men irritating, avoiding them whenever possible. If they became too annoying, she simply ignored them.

As she sipped her wine, she ruffled Roy’s pink hair, soft and fluffy under her fingers. “Slow down. You’ll need room for all the drinks you’re about to handle for me.”

Roy grinned, his little fangs peeking out. Molly’s perfume enveloped him, turning his ears crimson. He kept his head down, fearing he might lose control and hug, or worse, kiss her.

He didn’t eat much, saving space for alcohol.

Molly didn’t actually overwork him, but by night’s end, Roy was still thoroughly drunk. Unlike Joshua, who could outdrink anyone, Roy’s tolerance was pitiful. Now his face burned scarlet, his movements sluggish.

Still sober, Molly crouched beside him as he slumped on the floor. “You did well. Let’s get you back.”

Roy blinked blearily at her outstretched hand and then pressed his cheek into her palm.

Molly froze, then laughed. “Roy, you’re just like my husky. I’ll introduce you sometime.”

Roy licked his lips, emboldened by liquor. “I could be your pet, too. Just say the word.” Drunk as he was, he had no filter left, saying everything he normally wouldn't dare.

Molly’s eyes narrowed. “What do you even see in me?” She had noticed his infatuation from day one.

“I don’t know,” Roy mumbled, his drunken gaze hazy. “I liked you the moment I saw you. I’ve never been like this before.”

Molly thought, ‘So I’m his first love?’

The thought inexplicably pleased her. “Up you go, sweetheart,” she said, dropping the subject as she helped him stand.

Roy didn’t want to move.

Molly sighed patiently. “Be good. Let’s get you to the hotel. I’ve still got things to handle.”

Roy staggered to his feet. Truthfully, he wasn’t that drunk, just drunk enough to lean shamelessly against her when he realized she didn’t push him away. Her perfume wrapped around him, heady and intoxicating, making his skin burn.

One of Molly’s bodyguards stepped forward. “Ms. Hill, need help?”

“Bring the car around,” Molly ordered. Then, she murmured in Roy’s ear, “Only letting you cling because you took all those shots for me tonight.”

Chapter 352.

Meanwhile, Shermaine had returned to the hotel with Fred’s gifted wines. After dropping off food for Dustin, she and Joshua retreated to their suite.

Not long after, Owen’s video call lit up Joshua’s phone. Joshua was showering, so Shermaine answered, “Hi, Owen.”

“Hey, Sheary!” Owen beamed. “Where’s Joshua?”

“He’s showering.” Shermaine’s gaze shifted to the unfamiliar middle-aged man beside Owen—Joshua’s father.

She hadn’t expected to meet Stephen York like this. Joshua had once mentioned Stephen hadn’t been home in years.

Owen made introductions. “Sheary, this is Joshua’s father.” He wore wire-framed glasses, his features bearing a faint resemblance to Joshua.

Shermaine recognized him instantly. She nodded politely. After all, as Joshua’s wife, Stephen was now her family, too.

Stephen returned the nod, his expression warm but silent.

“Stephen just got back from the research institute,” Owen continued. “When are you two returning?”

“The day after tomorrow,” Shermaine said.

Joshua emerged from the shower, towel slung low on his hips. Shermaine handed him the phone. His brows lifted slightly at the sight of Stephen, clearly surprised by his sudden return.

Joshua asked how long Stephen would be staying, and Stephen replied that he would go back to the lab after seeing them both. After a short conversation with Owen, Joshua ended the call.

The day after their return would mark the anniversary of Joshua’s mother’s death.