It was as if the private room emptied in an instant. The silence that followed was sharp enough to hear a pin drop.
Sydney rarely felt awkward, but this was a professional setting, and Julian was her most important client. She reminded herself to keep things strictly business.
A moment later, she composed herself and said, “Mr. Sterling, you must be joking.
She stepped inside and quietly shut the door behind her.
After only a few steps, she noticed something odd. The only empty chair was at Julian’s left. The servers had cleared out every other seat.
In the tight space, she glanced up and found Julian leaning back, watching her. His long fingers tapped the table in a steady rhythm, his gaze cool. “Still afraid of me, I see.”
Sydney resisted the urge to turn and walk out. Gathering herself, she stepped closer to his side. “Mr. Sterling, I guess your reputation at Sterling Corp. isn’t exactly stellar, or people wouldn’t react like that.”
“You’re quite perceptive.” He didn’t seem offended. “As around. Who isn’t afraid of me?”
He shot her a sidelong glance and gave the faintest hint of a smile. “You’re the only one who isn’t.”
No one else spoke.
They couldn’t tell whether he was praising her or dismissing the rest of them. Either way, when the boss singled someone out, it made everyone nervous.
The dinner carried on under heavy pressure. Everyone stayed sharp. They didn’t know the exact nature of Julian and Sydney’s relationship, but one thing was clear: there was something between them.
Just then, the door opened, and the servers returned with dishes.
Henry Linus, the project manager, raised his glass and turned to Sydney with a warm smile. “To Team Lead Wilson. The Medicine team owes you a great deal on this project. May I propose a toast?”
“It’s just my job,” Sydney replied, lightly tapping her glass. “Here’s to smooth cooperation.”
She finished her red wine without ceremony. But her tolerance was low. Within a few sips, color bloomed in her cheeks. Still, she handled it well, resting back in her hair with her chin propped in her hands.
At first, she felt in control. But as the night wore on, the oom blurred, and her head grew heavy.
Henry looked surprised. “Ms Wilson’s alcohol tolerance.”
“She doesn’t drink often,” Marcus said, picking up a ne by bottle. “Guess this one hit her harder than expected.”
Then, at just the right moment, Marcus spoke up again It’s getting late. I’ll take her home.”
Sydney barely registered his voice. She felt someone guiding her toward the door. She had come with Marcus tonight and felt safe drinking with familiar faces around. In a setting where there were more men than women, alcohol always seemed to find its way in.
Chapter 75
+15 BONUS
She didn’t mind giving Henry some respect. It would help keep things smooth for future collaboration. She just hadn’t expected the wine to hit her this hard.
As Marcus helped her out, a sleek black Bentley pulled up to the entrance.
The window rolled down. Julian sat behind the wheel, watching Marcus‘ hand on Sydney’s shoulder.
“Mr. Shepard, you might need to go back inside. Henry has a few professional questions for you.” The tone was subtle, but deliberate.
Marcus hesitated. He hadn’t heard Henry say anything earlier. He frowned. “But Sydney’s pretty drunk. Should I take her home first and come back?”
“No need. I’m fine,” she muttered.
Julian opened the car door, reached over, and pulled Sydney toward him by the waist.
“I’m heading out anyway. I’ll take her.” His tone was calm, as if he were doing a favor.
“No need to trouble yourself. Ms. Wilson’s had too much. I’ll take her myself,” he said lightly, like it was nothing.
