Meanwhile, James just raised his glass with a cold, condescending smile. "No wonder I couldn't find you that night. Looks like you were busy with your 'business.'"
I froze in shock, my face flushing with anger and humiliation. I stood abruptly, ready to leave. But Lindsay rushed over, blocking my path.
"It's all my fault," she said, her voice dripping with fake sincerity. "I shouldn't have picked this place. I'm so sorry! Tonight was supposed to clear up misunderstandings, and now I've made it worse. I'll punish myself. I'll drink."
Before I could respond, she grabbed a bottle and downed it. The diamond on her finger caught the light, sharp and blinding. Only then did James finally move.
He walked over, his voice laced with irritation. "Lindsay already apologized. What more do you want? Just let it go and stop making a scene."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, so she apologizes, and I'm supposed to just forgive her? Is that how it works now?"
James's frustration boiled over. His brows furrowed as he snapped back. "She already drank for you, and you're still going on about this? Even if you're mad, there's a limit!" He shoved a bottle of alcohol into my hand, the message clear.