Evelyn burst into laughter again.

It was a strange sensation, but a pleasant one. Being near Alexander, even just a simple conversation, always had a way of lifting her mood.

"Well," she said, finally composing herself. "I should get back inside. It's rude to keep my team waiting."

"Go ahead," Alexander replied with a slight nod. He waited until she ended the call before setting his phone down.

When Evelyn returned to the private room, her colleagues had already started their meal.

Nathanial spotted her immediately and waved her over. "Evelyn! Come over here! Have a drink with me!"

The sharp scent of alcohol hit her as she sat down.

She had only been gone a few minutes. How much had he managed to drink in that short time?

"Evelyn, my dear," Nathanial slurred, a wide, sloppy grin spreading across his face as he shoved a full glass of wine toward her. "We have you to thank for landing the Beatrice deal. This one's for you!"

Evelyn stared at the overflowing glass, Alexander's warning ringing clearly in her ears. "Nathanial, I really don't drink. Would you mind if I passed?"

To her shock, his expression darkened instantly. He glared at her. "Evelyn, are you trying to embarrass me?"

Genevieve, never one to miss a chance to stir trouble, jumped in with a sneer. "Evelyn," she drawled, "you might have closed the Beatrice deal, but let's not forget she only gave us another chance because of Nathanial. You're not trying to take all the credit, are you?"

Nathanial's scowl deepened at Genevieve's words.

He slammed his glass down on the table, liquor sloshing over the edge. "Fine," he spat out. "If our star designer is too good for a simple drink, then forget it."

Evelyn shot Genevieve a freezing look. "Nathanial, that isn't what I meant at all."

With a resigned sigh, she picked up the glass. Gritting her teeth, she downed the burning liquid in one go.

The strong liquor seared her throat. A wave of dizziness crashed over her. The room began to tilt.

In the brief moment before the alcohol completely fogged her mind, Evelyn had one clear thought. Alexander was right. She truly couldn't handle her drink.

Fortunately, Nathanial seemed satisfied with her compliance and didn't pressure her to drink any more.

After all, Evelyn was the department's lead designer. Even he had to acknowledge her value and make some concessions.

A short while later, Nathanial's phone rang.

After a quick call, he stood up and addressed the room. "Alright everyone, enjoy the rest of your night. The bill is settled. Something's come up, I have to go."

The moment Nathanial left, the atmosphere changed completely. The tension evaporated, replaced by palpable relief.

"Woohoo!" someone yelled. "The boss is gone! Now the real party can start!"

"He paid the bill before dinner was even over?" another voice chimed in. "Was he worried we'd order the whole menu?"

"That miser!" someone else laughed.

The air in the private room grew thick and heavy with the pungent smell of alcohol.

Evelyn, who had foolishly drunk on an empty stomach, quickly felt the effects. The overpowering scent churned her stomach, making her feel sick.

Unable to bear the stifling environment any longer, Evelyn quietly excused herself and slipped out of the room, seeking the cool night air.

She found a quiet spot outside the restaurant. She stood there, letting the cool breeze wash over her face, trying to clear her head.

But she didn't feel better. The fresh air seemed to intensify the alcohol's effect. Her head spun violently. Her eyelids grew leaden. The world swam in a blurry haze.

Evelyn shook her head, fighting the overwhelming drowsiness. Suddenly, a group of rough-looking men appeared, their eyes glinting with predatory interest.

"Well, hello there, beautiful. All alone tonight?" One of them noticed her flushed cheeks and glazed eyes, instantly recognizing her intoxicated state.

"Feeling a little unwell, sweetheart?" another man sneered, stepping closer. "How about we help you find a nice, comfortable hotel room nearby?"

The men exchanged leering glances, their intentions unmistakably clear.

Marrying A Secret Billionaire: Happy Ever After