Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 254

"Really?" Renata looked slightly taken aback, studying me. "Not a sip? It's red wine, a little can be good for your health."

"Just this once, then! Can't go against Ms. Renata's wishes, can we?" I replied casually, "And best of luck to you, Ms. Renata!"

Renata's face lit up in delight. She raised her glass and we all mirrored her gesture, clinking our glasses together before taking a sip.

I watched them all drink before reluctantly raising my glass, I took a small sip.

It had been a while since I had tasted this stuff, sour and unpleasant, hard to swallow.

My reaction, however, was calculated.

Sure enough, Renata noticed my tiny sip and instantly protested, pointing it out, "You can't be serious, Mrs. Dawson! We all drank, it's not right!"

Catherine seemed a little irritated, reaching for my wine, "Don’t push yourself."

I evaded her, "No need. I’m just not used to this stuff anymore." With that, I raised my glass and downed it in one gulp, then looked at Renata.

"Mrs. Dawson, you're a sport!" Renata applauded immediately.

"If I weren't, you wouldn't let me be!" I added with a laugh. I was being rather blunt.

Her laughter grew brighter, "Men are talking about business, while we women have to enjoy ourselves!"

Catherine shot back, "You sure are comfortable with this, always accompanying men in business, huh? Oh... by the way, where did you get that dress? It's quite pretty."

Renata flinched slightly, her gaze fixed on Catherine's face. She probably didn't expect Catherine to be so forthright.

Everyone understood the unspoken joke, suppressing their laughter. Everyone knew the dress Catherine was referring to, was the one that had become popular after Renata's scandal.

I intentionally put the ball in Renata's court.

Jaylan looked at me with indulgent affection, "Honey, everyone else is fine, but you've been weak. Don't push yourself! You need to take care of yourself, no arguing!"

Catherine joined in the fun, "Instead of blaming her, why not keep an eye on Ms. Renata? Always stirring the pot! Her generosity might lead people to believe she's the hostess!"

Renata offered a dismissive laugh, "Ms. Damon, don't make a fuss over nothing!"

"Am I?" Catherine looked at Renata, her laugh sincere, "I haven't mentioned your intentional spiking yet!"

Renata looked innocent, "Mr. Dawson, I had no idea your wife couldn't handle her drink!"

"Only when Mr. Dawson says so, you believe, huh?" Catherine didn't let her off, exposing her without hesitation.