In the midst of unrestrained laughter from everyone, Nelson gestured for silence and said, “Alright, let’s not dwell on this. I’m treating tonight, so let’s eat, drink, and make merry. Tonight, we won’t return until we’re all drunk.”
Vanessa cheered and, grabbing Tina, took a couple of quick steps, following Nelson towards the dining table.
Nick intentionally fell a half-beat behind.
“Leo, right? Let me tell you, Nelson has taken a liking to Tina. Whether you’re her real boyfriend or just a decoy, you better scram. If you leave now, I can intervene on Nelson’s behalf, and we can pretend nothing happened. Otherwise, you will regret it!” Nick stared at Leo, his words laced with a threat.
Leo casually smiled, “Is that so? How will I regret it?”
Nick sneered, “You’ve heard of Abraham Hood, right? He’s my distant cousin. Just a call from me, and within three days, your life will be over.”
Hearing Abraham’s name, Leo laughed, “I have heard of Abraham. Why don’t you call him now and make me regret?”
Nick was slightly taken aback; he didn’t expect this reaction from Leo. Usually, when people hear Abraham’s name, they tremble in fear.
“Do you have it all figured out? What will make me regret it?” Nick threatened, his tone filled with disdain.
Leo raised an eyebrow, “I know, just ask him to come.”
“Challenge accepted!” Nick felt provoked. He gave Leo a thumbs up, “Since you’re asking for it, I’ll grant your wish.”
After hearing the conversation between Nick and Leo, the surrounding girls cast disdainful and pitying glances at Leo. In their eyes, Leo is nothing compared to the wealthy and influential figures like Nick and Nelson. If Nick decides to mess with Leo, they believe Leo would be left with nothing, not even a trace of his former self.
The tension escalated between them, but because of Tina, they eventually sat together for the meal. Leo naturally sat beside Tina.
The atmosphere became charged with the various delicacies quickly arriving. Nelson intentionally brought six boxes of Bordeaux wine-thirty-six bottles in total. He opened all of them, and the fragrance of the wine filled the air.
Nelson gave a signal, and Nick personally picked up the wine bottle, pouring a generous glass for each person.
“I don’t drink, thank you.” When Nick tried to pour wine for Tina, she covered the cup without hesitation, refusing, “I’ll have some juice.”
“Miss Henley, this isn’t just any wine; it’s precious Bordeaux.” Nick chuckled oddly, “It’s such a joyous occasion for everyone to gather. Drinking juice would be a letdown.”
Nick insisted, forcefully pouring a full glass for Tina.
“I really can’t drink.” Tina shook her head.
“Tina, don’t be a buzzkill. Have a sip; this is excellent wine.”
“Yeah, give Nelson and Nick some face.”
“They came all the way from the north. As the host, not drinking would be impolite.”
Vanessa and the others urged Tina to drink, trying to persuade her to be a good sport.
Tina remained unmoved.
Nelson chuckled and said, “Miss Henley, are you still angry about our friends teasing you earlier?”
Tina responded unapologetically, “Yes.”
Nelson narrowed his eyes slightly, surprised by how tough this woman was. He then flashed a teasing smile and turned to Leo, saying, “Leo, we were out of line earlier, making fun of you. I apologize sincerely.”
He bowed to Leo, then continued, “We’re all gathered here today for a rare reunion. In such a joyous moment, shouldn’t we have a good drink? The wine is open, and it would be a waste not to drink.”
Leo smiled faintly, “Right, we should indeed drink on such a joyous day. However, Tina is allergic to alcohol, so let’s not force her. How about this, I’ll drink on her behalf.”
Leo raised his wine glass and stood up.
Nick’s face turned cold. He was about to retort, thinking, “Who do you think you are?” But he immediately caught Nelson’s eye and quickly understood.
Nick grinned, “Sure, you’re Tina’s boyfriend; it’s your duty to handle the drinks. Come on, let’s have a round.”
Nick also lifted his wine glass.
Tina discreetly stepped on Leo’s foot, signaling him not to foolishly accept the challenge.
She could tell that Nick and his friends had ill intentions.
Leo ignored Tina’s subtle warning and emptied his glass of red wine in one gulp.
“Mr. Bloomer, you’re quite straightforward!” Nelson shouted excitedly and finished his drink in one go.
With a glass of wine down, Nelson sneered inwardly, “What a fool. Once you’re intoxicated, I’ll have a good time playing with Tina.”
“Refill!” He signaled Vanessa to refill Leo’s glass and then stood up, saying, “Mr. Bloomer, let me toast you again. Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.”
“Sure.” Leo didn’t hesitate. He clinked glasses with Nelson and drank it all in one go.
Vanessa continued to top up Leo’s glass.
“Mr. Bloomer, nice to meet you. Let me offer you a toast.” Another well-dressed young man approached, wearing a smile as he raised his glass to Leo.
“Leo, that’s enough!” Tina bit her lip, lightly pulling on Leo’s sleeve, urging him to stop drinking.
“Okay, one more.” Leo ignored Tina, finishing the contents of the glass in one go.
The other party also emptied their glass.
“Mr. Bloomer, with a fortune of tens of billions, we’re honored to know you. Here, let’s have three drinks.”
“Getting to know you is our privilege. Come, three drinks.”
Seven or eight young men successively came over, toasting Leo enthusiastically, acting like long-lost brothers.
Leo didn’t refuse, clinking glasses with each of them, and downing one glass after another.
Twelve bottles of red wine were quickly consumed.
“Leo, don’t drink anymore. You’ll get drunk.” Seeing Leo drink so much, Tina was anxious and sweating, constantly persuading him, but Leo paid no attention.
She regretted bringing Leo here as a decoy.
“They’ve had their turn; now it’s ours.” Nelson signaled Vanessa, who stood up. “Women should be equally competent. Leo, you can’t deny me this favor.”
Tina quickly stood up, “Vanessa, I’ll drink with you.”
“Tina, what kind of talk is that?” Vanessa refused without hesitation. “Only men drink for women; there’s never been a case where women drink for men.”
“Leo, aren’t you… done?” Vanessa deliberately teased.
“Done?” These three words had a special meaning, instantly making the girls giggle.
“Tina, you sit down. Miss Vanessa is right; how can a man say he’s done?” Leo laughed heartily, raised his glass, clinked with Vanessa, and downed it in one gulp.
Vanessa refilled Leo’s and her own glass, saying, “Come, let’s make it a double celebration. I apologize for my behavior just now.”
Leo showed no hesitation, downing another glass.
The other girls also stood up to offer a toast. It was evident that they wanted to get Leo utterly drunk, revealing an embarrassing spectacle.
After this round, another box of red wine was completely emptied.
Nelson watched with joy. In his eyes, Leo was indeed a moron, unable to see through their cunning plan.