CHAPTER 322: CHAPTER 322: IT WON’T POISON YOU

Now Erin Bishop felt complete, snuggling in his arms as they squeezed together on the sofa.

"You still have a lot you haven’t explained to me."

"It’s too late today. I still have to visit my parents tomorrow. When I get back, I’ll tell you whatever you want to know."

"You better not go back on your word."

"Mm, now go to sleep."

"It’s so cramped."

"You’re too chubby."

"It’d be better if you didn’t talk."

...

Under the same moonlight, Skylar Vance lay on her bed, somewhat concerned about Shawn Rhodes drinking alone in the living room.

She didn’t know what had caused the fight between him and Laura, but Shawn seemed to be in a bad mood.

When she came home from work that evening, the coffee table was already piled with empty bottles, but at least he was smart enough to drink at home.

When she came back, she didn’t bother with him or ask anything, just glanced at him before heading straight to her room.

Thinking he should still know his limits and as long as he didn’t drink himself to death, it would be fine.

Skylar Vance lay in bed, closed her eyes, and tried to sleep.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard the sound of a bottle rolling on the floor outside. She only opened her eyes to glance quickly before drifting back to sleep, constantly hearing the commotion outside in her dreams and not sleeping well.

Nighttime was when people were most drowsy, and the noise didn’t disrupt her slumber.

The sound of footsteps slowly approached the bed; she wasn’t sure if it was a dream or real until she felt the bed sink deeply at her side, which woke her up with a start.

Before she could make sense of the situation, a pair of strong arms enveloped her from behind.

Skylar Vance’s eyes widened, reaching out to push him away, but he only tightened his grip, slurring in a drunken mumble, "Don’t go... Laura... please stop causing trouble?"

"I’m not Rowan Alder! Shawn, snap out of it!"

Trying to talk sense to a drunk person was like preaching to deaf ears.

Skylar Vance kept pushing his head away, being overwhelmed by the stench of alcohol.

"Why do you..." He hiccupped and continued, "Not believe me?"

Skylar Vance held her breath, unused to the overpowering stench of alcohol.

"Laura... Laura..." he murmured his beloved’s name, slowly quieting down.

Skylar Vance lay stiffly, realizing his grip had slackened. She finally managed to move his iron-like arms away and climbed out of bed, standing beside it, helplessly looking at the man who had taken over her bed.

Holding the thin blanket from the bed, she planned to sleep on the living room sofa, but seeing the mess and smelling the acrid scent of smoke and alcohol, she returned to her room.

Too lazy to fuss at midnight, she curled up on the sofa in the bedroom and fell asleep.

At dawn, with the sky just barely light, Shawn Rhodes opened his eyes to see the familiar yet unfamiliar room. He sat up, rubbing his head, and looked around.

His eyes fell on the small couch beside him.

Normally, she just seemed short to him, but now, curled up on the small couch with the thin blanket outlining her silhouette, he realized how petite she truly was.

He got out of bed, put on his slippers, and walked quietly to the couch, gazing down at her. Asleep, she appeared much more docile, without the usual stubbornness in her eyes, looking much more pleasant this way.

He couldn’t recall how he ended up in her room last night, but it was clear he had disturbed her rest.

Not wanting to wake her now, he quietly closed the door and went out.

The living room no longer reeked of alcohol, and after tidying up the mess, he went to the kitchen to make breakfast.

A little past seven, she emerged from the room, ready and dressed, heading straight for the entryway with her bag.

He came out of the kitchen and called to her, "Join me for breakfast?"

Skylar Vance paused while getting shoes from the cabinet, then politely declined, "No need, I’m not in the habit of having breakfast."

"How about the noodle shop on the corner?"

Skylar Vance froze, her lie exposed, and she said nothing more, just bent to buckle her shoes.

"Take one to try, it won’t kill you."

As she looked up after changing shoes, she saw Shawn Rhodes holding a wrapped sandwich in front of her, with a bottle of milk in the bag too.

She kept waving her hand, "No, no, you can have it."

"I made two."

Skylar Vance, looking a bit embarrassed to refuse again, reached out and took the bag from him before heading out the door.

Standing by the road waiting for a ride, she finally took the sandwich from the bag, examining it for a moment before trying a bite. She didn’t know what sauce he had added—it wasn’t what she usually had—but it quite suited her taste.

"Beep—"

His car pulled up in front of her, and he rolled down the window, saying, "Get in."

Skylar Vance noticed how different he seemed after sobering up, not understanding his odd temperament but knew avoiding contact with him was likely the best choice.

She shook her head and waved him off, "Thanks, I’ve called for a car, it’ll be here soon."

He seemed disinclined to argue and rolled up the window, driving away.

His mood was like swinging from clear skies to stormy clouds, and Skylar feared he might kick her out again on the roadside.

At the entrance of her office, she saw Simon Rhodes’ car.

She wasn’t surprised anymore, used to his habitual visits, creating unnecessary issues at her workplace.

Walking into the first floor, she spotted Simon Rhodes sitting alone in the guest reception area with a pot of hot tea on the table. He sat reading a newspaper, treating the place like his personal lounging spot.

"Boss, does Eldest Young Master Rhodes like you? He’s here every other day, are we going to hit the jackpot with you?"

Skylar Vance glared at the staff member, scolding fiercely, "If I hit the jackpot, I’ll close this shop, and you all will be out of a job."

"No way, boss. I’ve got a family to feed, we rely on you!"

"Then why do you still have time to gossip with me?"

The other party sheepishly fell silent, but soon turned to murmur with another colleague.

"Good morning." Simon Rhodes casually folded his newspaper, placed it on the table, waved broadly at Skylar Vance, disregarding the other staff.

Skylar Vance shot him a glance, walked over, and sat opposite him, "Do you think this is a tea lounge?"

Simon Rhodes smiled and asked, "Do I need to pay for tea?"

Skylar Vance extended her hand as if to collect money, making a motion as if he was reaching for his wallet.

Skylar Vance withdrew her hand, a bit exasperated, saying, "I’m just trying to make a living, unlike big bosses like you, shaking off billion-dollar deals. Don’t give me more trouble."

"Would it be acceptable if I... supported you?"

"Sure, my company has about a hundred employees, you can support us all."

"I just want to support you. Let’s have dinner together tonight, it’s my birthday."