Chapter: 1182

Fortunately, she had eaten something beforehand, sparing her from the dreaded stomachache that often followed a night of drinking.

The air was thick with laughter and joy. Bethany didn't want to be the one to cast a pall over the evening.

"I need to go to the bathroom," she announced, feeling the world spin slightly around her. Perhaps a splash of cold water would steady her.

As soon as she left, Kiley slinked over to Colt, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Colt, did you really see Ms. Holt and Mr. Bates together?"

Colt's brow knitted into a tight frown. “What are you plotting this time?"

“Nothing, just curious. She's been with the company for a few days, and not once have I seen her with Mr. Bates. And let's be honest, if she was truly with Mr. Bates, shouldn't I have been shown the door by now?"

Colt frowned deeply but stayed silent.

"I think Ms. Holt might be a bit tipsy. Perhaps you should check if someone will take her home. If no one does, perhaps you misunderstood. Mr. Bates, the president of Bates Group, with a mere director? If they were together, he must be bored of her by now and they've already split. So why do you still bow to her?"

Colt glanced at Kiley, recalling Bethany's confession about her split from Jonathan.

Nevertheless, he admonished Kiley with icy sternness, "Keep your nose out of other people's business. Go back to your seat."

Kiley pouted, her lips forming a petulant curve. "I'm only trying to look out for you."

When Bethany returned from the bathroom, the meal was nearly finished, the feast winding down.

As she settled back into her chair, Colt offered with a warm smile, “Bethany, allow me to drive you home later. With so many people needing taxis, you might be waiting forever."

"No, thanks. I'll grab a taxi once everyone else leaves. There's no rush."

“Don't you need to go back and be with your children?"

“They don't live with me."

Colt paused, then his smile softened. "Ah, I see. I thought you'd be in a hurry to get home to them. But since I'm not driving anyone else, let me help. You seem a bit tipsy."

"I'm fine," Bethany protested, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm not drunk, just a little dizzy. A walk will clear my head."

"Don't be so modest!"

"I'm not being modest. Really, there's no need."

As others gathered their coats and prepared to leave, Colt went to the front desk to settle the bill.

After paying, he turned to see Bethany clutching the handle of the restaurant door, her face flushed like a ripened cherry. Clearly, she was drunk.

"Bethany? Let me drive you home, alright?"

Perhaps emboldened by Kiley's words and his own suspicions about Bethany, Colt felt brave enough to offer his help. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked touching her.