Chapter 226

Kylie’s face gradually darkened, her lips pressed into a thin line. “You really hate me that much?”

“I don’t hate you,” Joshua replied.

“Then why are you being such a jerk to me?”

Joshua twirled the ring on his ring finger. “Because I can’t even be bothered to hate you.” He fixed his gaze on her. “Drop the cheap tricks. Any man with taste wouldn’t give you a second glance, myself included.”

Kylie had never been looked down upon like this. Back in Moranta, men always treated her like a princess.

And here was Joshua, showing her nothing but contempt. Her chest heaved with anger.

By now, Joshua had finished his cocktail and left. The bartender placed her drink in front of her—the one she’d ordered earlier.

Staring at the deep blue cocktail, Kylie clenched her fists. In a fit of rage, she grabbed the glass and took a swig, only to choke so badly that tears threatened to spill, nearly ruining her carefully applied eye makeup.

The bartender silently handed her a napkin. He’d warned her, but she wouldn’t listen.

After Kylie finished coughing, her phone rang. It was a call from Moranta. She answered, “What is it?”

“You’re in Rodunst?”

“Yes.”

“The organization has a job for you,” the man said. “It’s not urgent, so you can take your time planning. I’ve sent the details to your email.”

Kylie mumbled an acknowledgment and hung up.

What she was really looking forward to was tomorrow’s International Tech Forum networking event. She knew Shermaine and Joshua would be there, and she couldn’t wait for Joshua to see exactly which field this woman he looked down on was a legend in.

She was eager to see how his opinion of her would change. As for the mission, she’d put that aside for now.

When Joshua returned to the room, Shermaine had already showered and was wearing a pure white silk nightgown. Her hair was still damp and hanging loose as she toweled it dry.

The moment Joshua walked in, Shermaine caught the faint smell of cigarettes and alcohol on him.

“You went to the bar upstairs?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Joshua said.

“Had a drink?”

“Just ordered a cocktail.”

Shermaine asked with interest, “Was it good?”

“It was.”

“Order me one.”

Joshua said he’d already ordered it and someone would bring it down shortly.

Seeing that Joshua was about to hit the shower, she said, “Wait, let me change and get out of your way.”

Joshua swept her up in his arms and laid her on the bed. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got thick skin.” He paused, then added with a grin, “Besides, my body’s all yours to look at, Sheary.”

Shermaine pressed her lips together. “I’m not looking.”

Joshua said nothing. He grabbed his pajamas and headed into the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the room.

Through the windows, Shermaine could see his back and his long, powerful legs. Everything about him radiated strength and temptation.

The drinks arrived soon after. She settled onto the couch and sipped slowly.

Shermaine and Joshua had a taste for hard liquor, and she had to admit, it was exactly what she liked. When she finished the glass, Shermaine licked her lips, still wanting more.

The drinks were strong and went straight to her head. She wanted more.

So she grabbed the bottle of red wine that was already in the room, popped the cork, and kept drinking.

When Joshua saw the rare flush on her cheeks, like she’d been painted with rouge, he thought she looked especially beautiful. He dropped onto the couch beside her, tilted her chin up with his fingers to study her face, and then smiled. “You’re blushing.”

Shermaine had drunk about a third of the wine bottle. But even though she usually held her liquor well, she was starting to feel dizzy.

That cocktail had packed more of a punch than she’d expected. Combined with the wine, she found herself sinking into the couch, drowsy and heavy-lidded.

“Carry me to bed,” Shermaine told Joshua.