Ruby Croft watched from a short distance away. A representative she had worked with before couldn’t help but ask.

"President Croft, your sister and Mr. Hawthorne, are they..."

She trailed off, observing Ruby Croft’s expression.

Ruby Croft, who rarely smiled, now had a gratified look on her face, making her seem exceptionally gentle and kind. She glanced over and said nonchalantly,

"I have no idea. They haven’t told me anything."

Despite Ruby Croft’s denial, suspicion had already taken root in everyone’s minds.

A faint smile touched Ruby Croft’s lips. ’The plan seems to be succeeding beyond my wildest expectations.’

Jasmine Vance was attending the banquet on behalf of the Vance family. As a good friend of Cecilia Croft’s, she was immediately surrounded by people asking questions about Sebastian Hawthorne and Cecilia.

She had wanted to find Cecilia, but seeing her constantly by Sebastian Hawthorne’s side, she thought it best not to interrupt.

Although she was well-protected by the Vance family, she could still see the underlying dynamics at play.

The Croft family was in trouble now, and their only way out was indeed to borrow Sebastian Hawthorne’s influence.

If she could see this so clearly, there was no way Sebastian Hawthorne couldn’t.

But his willingness to play along was truly surprising and, for the moment, incomprehensible.

Jasmine Vance could only offer vague pleasantries to fend off the ladies and young misses questioning her.

As the banquet drew to a close, Ruby Croft formally introduced Cecilia Croft to the guests.

Having lived in Karthus for over a decade, Cecilia Croft quickly recognized almost everyone present and soon grew accustomed to their gazes.

"Mr. Hawthorne, thank you for giving Cecilia a chance to prove herself. If she makes any mistakes at work, please don’t hesitate to guide her."

Ruby Croft stood among the crowd, looking at Sebastian Hawthorne, her tone gentle and calm.

Sebastian Hawthorne didn’t answer. He simply held his wine glass in silence.

Not a trace of nervousness showed on Ruby Croft’s face. Instead, she spoke softly to Cecilia Croft.

"Cecilia, why don’t you propose a toast to Mr. Hawthorne to show your gratitude."

Cecilia was obedient. She picked up her glass and walked toward Sebastian Hawthorne.

"Mr. Hawthorne, thank you for this opportunity. I’d like to toast to you."

The man still didn’t react. Cecilia pressed her lips together lightly and touched her glass to his.

He didn’t refuse the contact. Instead, he tilted his own glass slightly, clinking it against hers.

The crisp sound of glasses clinking rang through the air.

Without another word, Cecilia tilted her head back, about to down the wine in her glass, but Sebastian Hawthorne grabbed her wrist.

"Just a sip is enough."

Cecilia froze for a second.

The next moment, the man released her wrist and said coolly,

"If you get drunk, you’re not allowed to take the day off tomorrow."

"Oh," Cecilia replied, and she didn’t drain her glass after all.

Ruby Croft watched from a distance, her long, elegant fingers holding the base of her glass. The corners of her lips curved up in a subtle smile, like a victorious queen.

’So what if Sebastian Hawthorne hasn’t officially discussed a partnership with the Croft family?’

’His mere presence at this banquet tonight has already sealed the outcome.’

Everyone was placing their bets—betting that the Croft and Hawthorne families would renew their partnership, entering a honeymoon period just like they had over a decade ago.

If they bet right, they’d get a piece of the glory. If they bet wrong, the loss wouldn’t be catastrophic.

Even though some could see it was all a setup, for them, it was still an opportunity.

The Croft family, by aligning with the Hawthornes, was bound to return to its peak.

The banquet, originally planned for only three hours, still had many guests even at eleven o’clock.

Sebastian Hawthorne hadn’t left, and it seemed no one else was willing to leave either.

Ruby Croft glanced down at the time, then noticed a drunken haze clouding the eyes of the man standing next to Cecilia. An idea struck her, and she said calmly,

"Cecilia, I think Mr. Hawthorne is drunk. Why don’t you help him upstairs to rest."

Cecilia was stunned when Ruby suddenly called her out, especially with the instruction to help Sebastian Hawthorne upstairs.

She turned to look at the man beside her and saw that his eyes were indeed tinged with drunkenness.

’He was already drunk when he came back to the company,’ she thought. ’And now he’s endured this whole event. He must be feeling awful.’ 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Okay, sister."

Cecilia didn’t hesitate any longer. She put down her glass, took Mr. Hawthorne’s from his hand as well, and placed them both on a passing tray.

She was actually a little afraid Sebastian wouldn’t be willing to go with her, so she lowered her voice and whispered to him,

"Mr. Hawthorne, shall I take you upstairs to rest?"

Sebastian Hawthorne grunted in agreement. He was indeed a bit drunk.

Seeing him agree, Cecilia began to lead him toward the stairs.

However, the man didn’t move. He remained standing in place.

Cecilia took two steps, realized something was wrong, and stopped, turning her head.

’?’

’Why isn’t he moving?’

’Didn’t he just agree?’

Seeing the confusion on her face, Sebastian Hawthorne frowned.

"What did President Croft just say?"

Hearing this, Cecilia thought back carefully.

’Her sister told her to take Sebastian Hawthorne upstairs to rest.’

’Isn’t that what she’s doing?’

’There’s nothing wrong, is there?’

The people around them were all smiling suggestively, surprised to see this side of the usually harsh and arrogant Sebastian Hawthorne.

Seeing that Cecilia still hadn’t caught on, someone in the crowd called out a reminder.

"Miss Croft, President Croft told you to *support* Mr. Hawthorne upstairs to rest."

The person deliberately emphasized the word "support," and everyone started to laugh.

Sebastian Hawthorne was very pleased with the reminder and glanced in the person’s direction.

Cecilia saw Sebastian Hawthorne standing there like a lord, looking as though he really expected her to support him up the stairs.

’He’s clearly doing this on purpose.’

’This is ridiculous. He’s picking now of all times to be difficult.’

’And unfortunately, she was completely at his mercy.’

She pursed her lips, then gave a helpless smile. She walked back to Sebastian Hawthorne’s side and, still smiling, moved to support him.

But the man extended a long arm, draping it over her shoulder and pulling her into his embrace. In a low voice laced with drunkenness, he addressed the others.

"I’m afraid I can’t hold my liquor, so this is where I take my leave. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening. Please forgive me for being a poor host."

With that, he started walking toward the stairs of the Croft residence. He spoke as if he were the host, leaving everyone stunned and momentarily speechless.

Cecilia supported Sebastian Hawthorne up the stairs. Just as she was about to lead him to a guest room, the man, who had seemed so drunk moments ago, spoke in a deep voice.

"Go to your room."

Cecilia froze, but the man gave her no chance to refuse, adding calmly,

"I’ll just sit for a bit, then I’ll leave."

Just as his voice fell, someone started coming up the stairs. Sebastian immediately pulled her back to his side and steered her toward her room.

"Do you want to ruin your sister’s plan?"

Cecilia bit her lip. She had no choice but to let him have his way, walking to her bedroom door and opening it.

After opening the door, she turned and glanced back. A wealthy-looking lady was watching them with a scrutinizing, inquisitive gaze.

The moment their eyes met, a flash of embarrassment crossed the lady’s face, but she quickly recovered and said with a smile,

"My apologies, Miss Croft. The restroom downstairs was occupied, so I had to come up to use this one. I hope I’m not disturbing you and Mr. Hawthorne?"

Cecilia shook her head and thoughtfully pointed her toward the upstairs restroom.

The lady thanked her quietly and hurried off to the restroom.