Chapter: 58

Before he knew it, he had guzzled several more glasses, feeling the alcohol's warmth and his head starting to spin.

As the evening wrapped up, Kaitlin bid farewell to the departing guests and prepared to go home.

The venue was conveniently close to her apartment, so she opted for a stroll in the crisp air rather than a cab ride.

Though her high heels pinched her feet, she had foresightedly brought along a pair of flats.

Once she changed shoes, Kaitlin felt as though she could walk for hours.

She drew in a deep breath, planning to call Phoebe later to discuss the array of collaboration proposals she had gathered.

The mere thought of the collaboration proposals she had gathered filled Kaitlin with joy.

She had nearly forgotten that Alan had come to the party earlier that evening.

When she heard footsteps behind her, Kaitlin's expression soured, and she picked up her pace.

Her house was just in sight.

Suddenly, a firm grip on her wrist and the stench of alcohol assaulted her senses.

Kaitlin shivered, mistakenly thinking she had stumbled upon a drunken stranger.

"Kaitlin, it's me."

Hearing the man's voice behind her, Kaitlin realized it wasn't a stranger at all. It was none other than Alan.

Her initial shock quickly morphed into irritation as she yanked her hand away.

“What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to frighten me to death?" she huffed.

Alan looked at her with glassy eyes and a reddened face, evidently drunk. “Kaitlin, do you really despise me that much?" he asked.

Kaitlin scowled, unwilling to engage with him, and briskly turned to leave.

Alan, however, matched her speed and stepped in front of her again.

“Why are you avoiding me? Are you scared of me?"

“Alan, you're drunk. You should call your assistant to take you home."

"I'm not going home!" Alan's voice was low but resolute.

"Then what do you want? What's the matter with you?"

Kaitlin's look of revulsion only seemed to provoke his ire further.