Flagging down a passing waiter, he obtained a couple of glasses, filled them, and, with a grin, offered them to Bianca and Dave.
“Ashley wanted her sister and brother-in-law here to experience the high life. It’s only right that I play the gracious host for her sake.” Joshua lifted his glass with a smug smile. “See this wine? It’s a rare Romanee-Conti vintage, worth a fortune per bottle. Bet you’ve never imagined sipping on something this exquisite. But hey, I’m feeling generous. Consider it my treat.”
Ashley, nestled in Joshua’s embrace, looked on with pride. This time, Bianca must surely feel envy and jealousy. The Reed family was immensely wealthy, and Joshua showered Ashley with affection. Soon, she would be Mrs. Reed, a position far more prestigious than Bianca’s.
In her thoughts, Ashley sneered, convinced that Bianca couldn’t compare to her.
With each passing moment, Ashley’s self-confidence swelled. How fortunate she was to have caught Joshua’s attention.
She glanced at Bianca’s boyfriend, certain he didn’t measure up to Joshua.
To Ashley, it wasn’t just about appearance; it was about status and wealth. Those were the true keys to a woman’s happiness.
Lost in visions of her lavish future, Ashley nestled even closer to Joshua.
Joshua took a slow sip of his wine, looking thoroughly satisfied. “Ah, sweet and lingering. That’s the mark of a fine wine.”
Noticing Bianca and Dave hesitating with their glasses, Joshua urged them, “Come on, why aren’t you drinking? There’s plenty more where that came from. Help yourselves.”
Joshua burst into laughter when he saw their reactions as if they were completely inexperienced.
Casually, he mentioned to Dave that the two million he lost to him was merely the cost of a couple of wine bottles.
The commotion attracted other guests, who began to gather around them.
“Mr. Reed, it seems extravagant to offer Romanee-Conti to those who may not appreciate its value.”
“Indeed! Save it for us instead.”
Joshua waved his hand casually and reassured them, “Don’t worry. There’s plenty of excellent wine tonight. Feel free to enjoy as much as you’d like.”
“Mr. Reed, that’s incredibly generous of you!”
In the shower of compliments, Joshua’s smile faded upon hearing Dave’s low voice.
“Joshua Reed, could it be that someone has deceived you?”
Joshua’s expression turned from a smile to a frown as he faced Dave. “What did you just say?”
Dave swirled his wine glass, a faint smile curling his lips. “This wine is counterfeit.”
‘Counterfeit?’
Confused looks darted around the room. The idea seemed ridiculous.
How could wine from Joshua’s cellar be counterfeit? As one of the top four wealthy families, the Reeds had no reason to compromise on quality. Authenticity was a matter of pride for them.
“You’re claiming this wine is fake? Have you ever tasted the real thing?”
“He’s just seeking attention.”
People looked at Dave with disdain.
Beside him, Bianca shot him a concerned glance. ‘What made him so sure that this wine, valued highly, was fake?’
Yet Dave appeared unaffected by the skepticism. He brought the glass to his nose, gently inhaling, and remarked, “This so-called Romanee-Conti has a rich, layered body and a silky texture. Its aroma is distinct, a blend of tartness and sweetness, akin to fading roses, leaving a delicate trail.”
With a subtle swirl of his glass, he added, “Notice the pronounced ‘tears’ of the wine, a hallmark not found in ordinary red wines. However, the Romanee-Conti you’re proud of lacks this distinctive feature.” Dave smiled at Joshua, his demeanor composed, his voice confident and persuasive. His words carried weight, convincing those around him.
Joshua couldn’t shake the suspicion that there was more to Dave than appeared on the surface.
Yet, Dave’s outfit was modest-a plain leather jacket without any luxury, not even a fancy watch. He didn’t dress like a wealthy person.
How could he possess such detailed knowledge about fine wines?
Joshua wondered if Dave might be bluffing.
But why would someone makeup such a story here and now? What would be the purpose?
Joshua’s expression tightened. He looked at Dave with disdain and let out a mocking snort. “You speak as if you’ve tasted Romanee-Conti.”
“Why not bring in an expert to verify my claim?” Dave suggested, unaffected by Joshua’s scorn. His smile remained steady, his presence commanding.
Though skeptical of Dave, the spectators were intrigued by the unfolding drama. They said, “Let’s have it professionally appraised, shall we?”
“If this wine turns out to be genuine, these two should be shown out.”
“And if it’s fake… Well, that’s unthinkable. Mr. Reed wouldn’t buy counterfeit goods.”
The sarcasm in their voices hung heavy in the air. Feeling the sting of humiliation, Joshua knew he had no choice but to agree to the wine appraisal. Refusing would only confirm the doubts of those around him.
“Fine, let’s proceed with it. But if that wine proves to be authentic, you’re causing a scene and talking nonsense deliberately. Unless you apologize to me, I won’t let this go. Guards.”
Without delay, Joshua motioned to his assistant and directed him to take the wine to the most reputable wine expert available.
Joshua was adamant about receiving an apology from Dave.
Meanwhile, Ashley shot Bianca a stern look. Bianca and Dave were her guests, and she hadn’t expected Dave to challenge Joshua like this openly. She suspected Dave was intentionally stirring up trouble for her.
Ashley regarded Bianca and Dave with disdain, viewing Dave’s behavior as a display of false pride that would only lead to embarrassment once the wine’s authenticity was confirmed.
Ashley wanted no part in the unfolding drama.
With that in mind, she distanced herself swiftly and, in a sweetened tone, addressed Joshua, “I apologize, Mr. Reed. This situation is my responsibility. I only wanted Bianca and her partner to enjoy themselves, never anticipating they would act so boldly and make such unfounded claims… If only I hadn’t invited them.”
Joshua, with a fond expression, drew Ashley closer and replied, “You were just being kind. Bianca is lucky to have a sister like you. But once you’re part of our family, sever ties with them. We can’t afford to have them tarnish our reputation.”
“Of course,” Ashley nestled into Joshua’s arms contentedly, her happiness evident as he hinted at their future marriage. A smug expression crossed her face as she glanced at Bianca.
Meanwhile, Bianca, clutching the edge of Dave’s jacket, voiced her concern with a touch of apprehension, “Are you sure? What if that’s actually a genuine wine?”
They were in the Reed residence, where any mistake by Dave wouldn’t escape Joshua’s notice. Bianca also worried about the implications for her own plans…
Dave playfully pinched her cheek and chuckled deeply. “When have I ever been wrong?”