“I know you’re in PR.
Are all the girls in PR this pretty?”
“You think I’m pretty?”
“Yeah, you are.”
“Honestly, your dancing wasn’t half as bad as you made it sound earlier.”
“Really?
My heart’s still racing—I was nervous.”
“Let me guess—dancing with a gorgeous woman made you nervous, huh?” Nana smiled like she knew exactly what she was doing, giving my waist a playful squeeze.
“Maybe.
I’ve never danced with a beautiful girl before,” I answered.
“Yeah right.
So what, you’ve just danced solo all your life?” she teased.
“Well, you’re prettier than all the rest, so up until tonight…
guess I never really danced with a ‘beauty’.”
“Smooth talker.
Whether it’s true or not, I like hearing it.
So…
did you know Sophia before joining the company?”
“Just briefly met once.”
“Doesn’t seem like it.
You two seem pretty close.
I even heard you’re somehow related—is that for real?”
“I wish.
Having someone like Sophia as family would’ve been awesome.
Unfortunately, no such luck for me.”
I kept up the banter with Nana, just trying to survive the song.
Once it ended, Sophia had also stopped singing and returned to her seat.
I noticed the empty spot beside her, grabbed my glass, and used it as an excuse to head her way.
“Sophia, your singing was amazing—like a lark, so sweet and charming.”
The flashing lights played across her faint smile as she lifted her wine glass delicately, fingers elegantly curled around the stem.
“Andrew, you really know how to compliment a girl,” she said warmly.
I leaned in close, whispering, “Soph, cheers.”
Sophia sneakily pinched my side and whispered back, “You little brat.
Behave yourself at events like this, okay?”
“Soph, I—”
What is it?”
“Nothing.
Come on, let’s have a drink.
To you.”
“Andrew, do your best.
I really hope your talent and smarts can shine here at Anyael.
I have high hopes for you.”
“As long as you want it, I’ll do whatever you need, Soph.”
“Stop it, you’re such a flirt.
Everyone’s watching.
Drink.”
“Yeah, cheers.”
“Soph, if you’re in a good mood tonight and feel like drinking, just go ahead and enjoy.
I’ll stay sober so I can get you home safely later.”
“You better not get drunk.
Seriously, don’t.”
Right after Sophia and I finished our drink, a few coworkers came over with glasses again, raising them to toast her.
She smiled and responded cheerfully, the rim of her glass brushing her lips.
Half-tipsy, Sophia looked even more alluring than usual.
There’s just something about a woman slightly drunk—it’s like this mix of vulnerability and charm that somehow draws guys in.
Sophia’s flushed cheeks, those faint movements of her lips, the way her bright red lips curved when she spoke—every little thing pulled my attention.
I didn’t want her drinking too much and hurting herself, so I covered for her a few times, taking the drinks in her place.
Since she’s our superior, it made sense for me to step in—it didn’t really raise eyebrows then.
Still, a couple coworkers couldn’t help but tease.
“Andrew, you’re really looking out for Ms.
Smith, huh?”
I explained, “I just don’t want her overdoing it.
Too much alcohol isn’t good, especially for women.
She’s our boss, after all—the future of the company.
We should go easy on the toasts.”
“Whoever ends up with you is gonna be lucky.”
“Wait, does Andrew have a girlfriend?” someone asked from the side.
“Sounds like someone’s interested,” another voice added.
“Heard that question a few times tonight.
If you ladies are serious, better move fast.”
I wasn’t in the mood to joke around.
All my attention was on Sophia.
She was still trying to mingle and drink with the others, but her hand holding the glass was starting to tremble—obviously, she’d had too much.
“Ms.
Smith, I really think you should stop now,” I told her gently.
She grabbed my hand and smiled, “Andrew, I’m fine.
I’m just really happy tonight.
It’s been ages since I laughed like this with everyone.
It’s okay to let loose a little.”
As a newcomer, I couldn’t push it too hard—not when others were watching.
I didn’t want anyone to take it the wrong way.
So, I quietly approached Henry, the administrative manager.
Since he knew about our family connection, asking about taking Sophia home wouldn’t seem odd coming from me.
“Mr.
Adams, would it be okay if I took Ms.
Smith home?
She’s had quite a bit, and I’m starting to get worried.”
He glanced at her, then replied, “She looks like she’s still enjoying herself.”
“Yeah, but she’s had more than enough.
I’m just worried something might go wrong if she keeps going.”
“Alright, you’ll take her then?”
“Could you maybe bring it up with her?
It’ll sound better coming from you.
I don’t want to make it awkward.”