Chapter 118

The two quickly said, “Hey, secretary, what does it mean that you only respect Mr. Humphrey and ignore the two of us?”

“Yeah, are we just decorations? Or is it that your little Clicks Media looks down on our company?”

“Oh, of course not,” I said with a smile, pretending to be silly. “One by one, I’ll toast you both after I toast Mr. Humphrey.”

They were originally afraid of Reynaldo, so I suggested respecting him first, and they remained silent. When I paid my respects to them, Mr. Esparza deliberately spilled three glasses of wine, smirking, “It’s not fun to drink one glass at a time. Since you want us to invest, show some sincerity and drink all three glasses.”

After Mr. Esparza, Mr. Schultz poured five full glasses of wine, saying, “If you drink three glasses of his, wouldn’t you have to drink five of mine? That would seem more sincere, right?”

In an instant, eight full glasses of wine sat before me. I wasn’t a heavy drinker. When drinking with Reynaldo earlier, I’d discreetly poured myself half a glass, unnoticed. If I drank all eight glasses now, I’d likely pass out.

Forget it; my main goal wasn’t these two. I just needed to deal with Reynaldo. Their wine, if possible, could be avoided.

I was about to refuse when Reynaldo softly smiled, “They say you have abilities, but I haven’t seen them yet.”

I looked at him intently. “So, what is Mr. Humphrey’s belief about ability?”

It was ridiculous. He’d never looked down on me before; regardless of my actions, he’d always considered me worthless. If that’s the case, why was he here tonight? To humiliate me?

A touch of anger arose unconsciously. Yet, his intense focus and madness during our encounters kept resurfacing in my mind. How ironic. He looked down on me while sleeping with me—what a problem!

I suppressed my anger, forcing a smile as I pleaded for investment. “Please forgive us ordinary people for not meeting your expectations. So, may I ask, Mr. Humphrey, what do you consider ability?”

Reynaldo laughed casually. “Let’s consider drinking ability a skill. If you finish those eight glasses of wine, I’ll invest. How about that?”

So, he deliberately wanted me to drink them?

Winston exclaimed, “You can’t, Ralda. Eight glasses of strong liquor—your stomach won’t handle it!”

Mr. Anton laughed at Reynaldo. “Humphrey, why do you have to be like this?”

Reynaldo lowered his head, lit a cigarette, threw the lighter on the table, and chuckled at me. “If doing business emphasizes personal relationships, it’s better not to do business at all!”

That was obviously directed at me. He was mocking my attempt to leverage our past relationship for investment, wasn't he? I never intended to rely on our past. Otherwise, he would have mocked me mercilessly.

It’s just eight glasses of wine. Not difficult. Drink them, and I'd feel uncomfortable for a few days, that's all.

I stared at Reynaldo and asked in a deep voice, “Is that true? If I drink these eight glasses, will you invest?”

Reynaldo blew a smoke ring and chuckled sarcastically. “I never deceive people, unlike certain individuals.”

I mocked myself inwardly. His “certain individuals” referred to me, didn't it? It didn’t matter anymore; in his eyes, I was always a big liar.

“Mr. Humphrey has the final say. If you finish those eight glasses, not only will he invest, but our group will as well,” said one of the investors.

“And our company too,” added another.

Mr. Esparza and Mr. Schultz quickly echoed Reynaldo’s stance.

Winston slammed the table, growling, “Enough! Let’s talk cooperation, but what’s the point of forcing a girl to drink?”

Invest or don’t—I won't force you. But don't take advantage of others.