An Understated Dominance - Chapter 299

Dahlia didn’t answer the phone the first two times Dustin called. It wasn’t until his third try that she finally picked up.

“Hey, Dahlia. Didn’t you say you wanted me to take you out for dinner? Where are you?” Dustin asked.

“I’m really sorry, but something came up. I might not be able to leave for a while,” Dahlia replied. Her voice sounded off.

“That’s okay. Work is important. Take your time, I won’t bother you,” Dustin said, trying to sound understanding but feeling a bit disappointed.

Dahlia sighed. “I promise I’ll treat you another day.”

“Sure,” Dustin said with a smile. Just as he was about to hang up, he heard someone else in the background.

“Dahlia, who are you calling? Hurry up! We need to drink together—”

With that, the call ended abruptly.

“Sir, when is Ms. Nicholson arriving?” the manager asked.

“She can’t make it. Something came up, so you can put everything away. I’m sorry, everyone,” Dustin said politely as he stood up to leave.

Everyone looked at each other, confused. Why had the dinner they planned so carefully fallen apart?

Meanwhile, in a hotel room at the Barkarole Hotel, Dahlia was struggling.

“Mr. Langford, I can’t drink anymore. Let’s stop for tonight,” she said, waving her hands as another glass of wine was handed to her.

Her face was red, and she felt dizzy and weak.

“It was tough getting your brother out of that situation. You can’t be ungrateful,” Luis said, raising his glass with a frown.

“Just drink it, Dahlia. It’s only one glass,” urged Florence, who was sitting next to them.

They were there to help save James, and pleasing Luis was important.

“But—” Dahlia hesitated, worried. She knew her limits and was sure she would collapse if she kept drinking.

“I won’t make you drink anymore, Dahlia. This is the last glass,” Luis said as he pushed the glass towards her again.

“Come on, Dahlia. It’s just one last drink. You don’t want to embarrass him,” Florence added gently.

“Fine, I’ll drink it.” Dahlia took a deep breath, lifted the glass to her lips, and downed it in one go. As soon as she finished, she started to feel dizzy. Her body swayed, and she nearly stumbled.

Florence quickly grabbed her to steady her. “Mr. Langford, I think Dahlia is drunk. Maybe I should take her home.”

“It’s okay. I’ve already booked a presidential suite for both of you. She can just rest here,” Luis replied with a smile.

“Isn’t that too much trouble?” Florence asked hesitantly.

“Not at all. We’ll be family soon. You both should relax,” Luis said, handing Florence a room card.

“Thank you, Mr. Langford,” Florence said, nodding as she helped Dahlia out of the room.

Luis watched them leave with a smirk. “Let’s see how you plan to escape tonight,” he chuckled, taking a big sip from his glass before following the two women.