Laughter and applause filled the room. I sat alone, the only silent figure among the celebration.
Then Darren poured himself another glass.
“But tonight, there’s someone else I want to thank,” he continued. “Without his support behind the scenes, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”
He turned to me and raised his glass. “Mr. Scott, this one’s for you.”
I didn’t move.
“Thanks,” I said flatly. “But I’m not feeling well. I can’t drink tonight.”
The smile on Darren’s face froze.
Bianca’s brow furrowed sharply. “Not feeling well? This is the first I’ve heard of it.” Her voice tightened. “Kevin, this is a celebration—not the time for games.”
Darren still tried to smooth things over. He walked over, glass in hand.
“Kevin, I mean this sincerely. Without your support for Ms. Bianca, the company wouldn’t be where it is today.”
He lowered his voice and leaned closer. “Let’s not dwell on what happened at my birthday. That was my bad. I shouldn’t have let her come. Just drink this and let’s move on.”
But I saw the smug glint in his eyes.
I met his gaze coldly. “I told you—I can’t drink.”
“Mr. Scott, come on. We’re both men. Be generous.”