“Dr. Rhys is right. You really really shouldn’t drink,” Grace said earnestly. “You’re already not thinking straight without alcohol. Who knows what’ll1 happen if you do drink?”
“Faith, I know I’m wrong. Please talk to him and let me have just one drink.” Alicia clung to Grace’s arm and pleaded. She craved alcohol so much that even a day without it made her feel restless.
“Come on, Alicia. Just hang in there for a few more days. Dr. Rhys is doing this for your own good,” Aurora said with a smile.
“What? I still have to endure a few more days!” Alicia’s face fell, and she slumped over the table, looking defeated. “How am I supposed to survive without a drink? This is torture!
“It’s okay. If you can’t drink, I’ll do it for you,” Fenley said with a slight smile. He took her glass and downed it in one gulp.
“Fenley! You-” Alicia pouted and was on the verge of crying. She felt like everyone around her was ganging up on her.
“Miss, it’s just a drink. Let me buy you one,” came a deep, resonant voice from a nearby table.
They turned to see three foreigners seated nearby. One was a towering figure with tanned skin and exuded an intimidating presence.
Another wore a clerical robe with a cross around his neck as he smiled warmly. The third was dressed in a suit. He looked handsome and noble.
These three men were George, Jeremiah, and Bill.
“Lovely miss, I’m new to Dragonmarsh. I haven’t seen anyone as, captivating as you. May I have the pleasure to invite you for a drink?” Bill smiled and approached them with a glass of wine.
He was always confident in his looks and charisma. Plus, he was convinced that any woman he pursued would eventually fall for him.
Even those who played hard to get usually succumbed to his advances. Once they were in his bed, he would relish in his dominance.
“Who are you?” Alicia looked at him indifferently.
“I’m Bill Wolfe from Esmington. I’ve been honored with an aristocratic title by Her Royal Highness,” he replied with a smile.
Bill believed appearance was important, but his status was just as crucial. Women would flock to him whenever he mentioned his title.
“So what?” Alicia’s expression remained neutral, though her eyes flashed with disdain.
She couldn’t believe he was trying so hard to flaunt his aristocratic title as if it were the most important thing about him. It made her cringe.
“Hmm?” Her lack of interest caught Bill off guard. He had expected a warmer reception but was met with indifference instead. He had heard that women from Dragonmarsh were supposed to be easy to charm.
“Lovely miss, there’s an old saying in Dragonmarsh that crossing paths is a sign of destiny. Since we’ve met, would you join me for a drink?” He smiled and extended his invitation again.
“Not interested. Please leave,” Alicia refused.
She had encountered plenty of charming men and had no interest in. arrogant ones like Bill. Besides, she found Dustin more appealing.
“I heard you enjoy fine wines. I happen to have a collection of rare wines at home. How about I bring some for you to try?” Bill persisted and tried to tempt her with his offer.
“No thanks. I’m not in the mood for a drink right now.” Alicia looked visibly annoyed.
Didn’t he get the hint? She had already turned him down, but he kept insisting. It was starting to get on her nerves.
“Hey! My sister is not interested, so can you leave us alone while we eat?” Aurora asked bluntly, making it clear they wanted to be left alone.
The Marshall sisters were used to unwanted advances. Usually, a firm refusal was enough to make guys back off. But Bill wouldn’t take the hint. He seemed to have “creep” written all over him, which disgusted them.
“Bill, I never thought I’d see you get rejected.” George, sitting at the adjacent table, laughed heartily. His face lit up with smug satisfaction.
He had always envied Bill’s charm, as women seemed drawn to him wherever he went. Hence, he was thrilled to see Bill, who rarely faces rejection, finally get turned away.
“Shut up!” Bill snapped at George.
Then, he turned to face Alicia. His gaze darkened as he asked, “What will it take for you to come with me? Just name your price.”
Since seduction wasn’t working, he was trying to buy her off. As the Shadow Prince, he had more than enough power and money.
Before Alicia could respond, Aurora slammed her hand on the table and stood up. “Hey! Are you deaf or something? Get out of here, or I won’t be so nice!”
