The bottle was untouched, except for the glass that had been poured for Victoria.
Noman turned his gaze toward Averil. “Since you’re certain it’s just water, Miss Wells, why don’t you finish the rest?”
Averil’s eyes darted nervously. “I–I didn’t really see it clearly…”
Noman didn’t give her a chance to continue. “Let Miss Wells drink the water,”
Π
Chapter 10
+25 BONUS
The man in black grabbed Averil with one hand, bolding her effortlessly, while his other hand shoved the bottle toward her mouth.
“Help… help!” Averil’s panicked eyes turned to Julian, silently begging for rescue.
Julian took half a step toward her, but Charles‘ sharp glare stopped him in his tracks.
“Young man,” Charles said with a warning edge. “If you” don’t drag an old man like me down with you.
chosen to dig your own grave,
Julian understood the message loud and clear. If he couldn’t even read the room, he didn’t deserve his position.
Clenching his fists, he stood frozen, his eyes reddening as he watched Averil being forced to
her knees.
Gulp, gulp.
Averil choked and sputtered as the alcohol was forced down her throat, half of it spilling out as she gasped for air.
The once–bustling banquet hall had fallen silent. All that remained was the sound of her humiliating retching.
Most of Harbor City’s elite stood as still as statues, not daring to approach or provoke Noman
in any way.
Noman’s blade–sharp gaze swept over the crowd, landing on those who had joined in tormenting Victoria. “So, do you all think it was just water too?”
The people caught under his glare trembled, their legs nearly giving out beneath them.
“No, no! It was definitely alcohol! Absolutely alcohol!”
“Yes, yes, it was Averil who said it was water. We didn’t know anything!”
“I can confirm that. Averil said the plan tonight was to ensure Victoria couldn’t get back on. her feet. She even claimed Julian would always take her side.”
Julian froze, his disbelief written across his face as he stared at Averil, now crumpled on the ground like a broken puppet.
“Averil, did you really say that?”
Tears and snot streamed down Averil’s face as she shook her head frantically, unable to form a coherent response.
Noman’s fists clenched, the veins on his hands bulging as fury threatened to spill over.
Before he could lose control, a weak whimper came from Victoria in his arms.
His expression softened instantly, his brow furrowing with concern.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 10
“How are you feeling? Don’t worry, we’re going straight to the hospital.”
As he turned to leave, Noman cast a final glance at the bottles of alcohol still sitting on the
table.
“Since some of you can’t tell the difference between water and liquor, let me help your remember. One bottle per person. Finish it all.
He glanced toward Charles. “Mr. Green, I’ll leave it to you to make sure they comply.”
Chapter 11
