Chapter: 536

“I can't. I'm carrying too much emotional baggage." Suddenly, Bethany glanced at Jayson. "I feel like I'm not drunk enough. I'm still too clear-headed."

She wanted to be so drunk that she wouldn't feel the pain and could just fall into a dreamless sleep.

Jayson paused, concern flickering in his eyes. "Want me to go get more alcohol?"

Tonight, Bethany could drink as much as she wanted.

"Yes, please." Bethany nodded without hesitation.

The only way she would find sleep tonight was at the bottom of another bottle.

Jayson got up and headed to the nearby store, leaving Bethany alone near the hotel entrance. She watched as the traffic gradually thinned, and the occasional passerby became a rare sight.

The alcohol only slowed her movements, making her limbs feel heavy, but her mind remained unsettlingly clear.

Suddenly, her phone rang, breaking the quiet night.

Bethany looked down at the screen, frowning when she saw Ryan's name.

Why was he calling at this hour?

After a moment's hesitation, she tapped the answer key. "Hello?"

“Hey, Bethany! You're in Odonset?"

Bethany's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How did you know?"

"Nikolas just drove by and saw you! Actually, he saw you entering a hotel, all cozy with some guy!"

Bethany's heart skipped a beat, and the effects of the alcohol quickly dissipated.

Caught up in her melancholy, she had momentarily forgotten she was in Odonset-a place teeming with familiar faces.

“I'm here on business; I'll be heading out tomorrow,” she said, trying to keep her voice even.

Ryan's voice escalated. "It's not about when you're leaving, Bethany. Who was that man you entered the hotel with?"

His accusatory tone was akin to confronting an unfaithful spouse.

Bethany's expression darkened. She knew she didn't owe him any explanation, yet she didn't have the energy for a confrontation. "I had a few drinks, and a friend escorted me back to my room."

“Really?”

“Why would I lie to you? You're my boss, and I'm on vacation,"

Bethany retorted.