“Friend of Lydia’s? She hasn’t finished her drink.
How about you take it for her?”
Eager to avoid further conflict, Hannah tried to dismiss the provocative woman, intent on leaving with Lydia. But two young men blocked their way.
“What’s this about?” Hannah inquired, her gaze drifting to the array of bottles scattered across the table.
“Nobody leaves until the wine’s gone,” the woman retorted.
Hannah scoffed, “Three against one? Feeling strong, are we?”
Flustered, the woman stammered, “Did you think we’re ganging up on her? She wanted to drink with Mr. Shaw, and we didn’t force her.
Right, Mr. Shaw?”
Hannah first spotted the man in the booth’s corner when she glanced over. In his casual attire, he appeared slightly disheveled. He hadn’t uttered a word since her arrival, so she’d overlooked him.
‘s
Alick Shaw lazily raised his wine glass, a smirk forming.
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“Keep me out of this, Myrtle.”
“Lydia drank on your behalf,” Myrtle reminded him. The she turned and addressed Hannah, her gaze filled with disgust.
“If you’re not here to cover for your friend, then leave. Don’t get in the way.”
The assistant, the one who’d beckoned Hannah, murmured, panic evident, “Should I summon Mr. Phillips?”
“No, he’d only reprimand Lydia.”
Hannah assisted Lydia, handing her off to the assistant.
“Help her sit. Get her some water, perhaps it’ll sober her up. I’ll handle the rest.”
“Understood.” As the assistant ensured Lydia was seated, Hannah calmly rolled up her sleeves. She grabbed an unopened whiskey bottle, smashing it against the table. Lifting the bottle to her lips, she downed its contents.
As the last drop trickled down her throat, she set the bottle down, challenging, “Your turn.”
Myrtle was visibly taken aback by Hannah’s tolerance. A swift signal to her companions, and one of them eagerly drank from another bottle.
“That’s it?”
Hannah gestured toward the three wine bottles left on the table, her gaze fixed on Myrtle.
“Why not go for expensive wine? Or is it too steep for you?”
Myrtle’s gaze involuntarily darted to Alick, her cheeks reddening in a mix of embarrassment and fury.