What about the future? Were she and Michael really going to stay locked in this deadlock forever? But looking at her daughter's expectant, innocent face, Evelyn couldn't bear to break her heart.
Earlier that evening, Michael had a company dinner party, followed by drinks with Soren Vane.
By the time he reached the VIP suite, it was almost eight o'clock. Several company executives had already had a few drinks before Michael arrived.
The room's casual atmosphere instantly cooled, shifting into something far more cautious and respectful. "Mr. Thorn, please, come right inside."
The executives politely ushered Michael to the head of the table. Because he had arrived an hour late, he took the initiative to down three penalty glasses of hard liquor.
Once business was wrapped up, he headed to his ten o'clock appointment at the lounge.
By the time he got to the bar, his steps were already beginning to waver. He steadied himself before having the manager open his reserved private room.
