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Novel Catalog
Chapter 82
“She dares to get me drunk?” Shawn muttered, his voice low and filled with anger.
Susan didn’t even get the chance to savor the moment. Before she could gloat, Shawn’s voice cut through the silence again. “She’s short of money, doesn’t come to me, but goes to Sam… she loves him!”
“Gale asked Sam for money?” Susan asked, shocked.
“Yes, to buy medicine for her mother!” Shawn’s hands clenched into fists, and with a furious growl, he smashed his fist down on the coffee table, the loud crash echoing in the room. He staggered to his feet, clearly struggling with his emotions and the alcohol.
Seeing this, Susan didn’t waste any time. She moved quickly, thinking that if she could get him back to the hotel, maybe she could still have a chance. Even if she had to pretend to be Gale, she’d deceive Shawn if that’s what it took.
She stood up and moved toward him, ready to help him out of the bar. But just as she was about to reach him, Joe, who had been gone for a while, suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her way.
“Hey, hey, what are you doing?” Joe’s sharp tone stopped her in her tracks.
Susan recognized him immediately. Knowing his status, she didn’t dare to provoke him. “Mr. Winter, I’m just going to help Mr. Wood back to his room.”
Joe shook his head firmly. “Don’t bother. I’ll take him home.”
Susan tried to protest, but he didn’t let up. “Mr. Winter, it’s no trouble at all. Please, let me do this. It’s just some rough work.”
Joe’s face darkened. “Shawn is a married man. He can’t just be out all night. Men need to protect themselves, not let women pick them up.”
Susan couldn’t help but laugh, a bitter edge in her voice. Joe had made his opinion perfectly clear—he was against her.
“Mr. Winter, I’m not just any woman. I’m Mr. Wood’s…”
Before she could finish, Joe cut her off with a frustrated wave. “It’s fine, just forget it.”
He was visibly annoyed. On top of everything, Shawn had also asked him to manage the film and television department, where Susan was an artist who seemed to think people existed just to serve her. It was a constant headache. On top of that, during the charity auction, Susan had humiliated Gale by forcing her to strip because her skirt had gotten dirty. That had sealed Joe’s dislike for her.
He muttered under his breath, “Oh, Shawn, it’s thanks to me that I’m here. Otherwise, your innocence would’ve been lost tonight. Almost let that sly bitch touch you!”
Shawn, now slurring his words, lifted his hand weakly. “Wine… bring wine…”
Joe quickly buckled him into the car and drove him back to Temperley Hall.
When they arrived, the housekeeper rushed over to help, but Shawn waved him away. “Go away, don’t touch me!”
Joe, frustrated by the entire situation, shot a glance at the housekeeper. “He only needs Gale. Get her!”
The door to the master bedroom creaked open, and Gale, having been woken by the noise, sat up quickly. The strong smell of alcohol hit her before she even saw Shawn.
“Shawn?” she asked, her voice concerned. “Why are you drinking again?”
The housekeeper spoke up. “Madam, you take care of him first. I’ll get the kitchen to make some soup.”
“Okay,” Gale replied, her voice soft, but her mind racing.
She moved to help Shawn to the bed, taking off his shoes and coat. As she was about to undo his tie, though, her wrist was suddenly grabbed tightly by his hand.
She froze, startled, and when she looked up, her eyes met Shawn’s. He was staring at her intensely, his gaze confused. “You… you’re drunk. Let me take off your clothes, and you can get some rest,” Gale said, her voice gentle, trying to help him relax.
But Shawn didn’t release her wrist. He just kept staring at her, unblinking.
Gale’s heart skipped a beat. Something felt off. Was he really drunk, or was there more to it?
“Shawn… are you drunk, or not?” she asked cautiously, trying to gauge his state.
His eyes cleared for a moment, and he murmured, “You are Gale.”
She nodded, a little taken aback by his confused look. “Of course, I’m Gale. Don’t you want to see Susan? You’ve come to the wrong place, then. She’s the one you should go to.”
Gale attempted to withdraw her hand, but before she could, Shawn yanked her back toward him. She lost her balance and fell into his chest, unable to steady herself.