"Andrew, why isn't Samantha anywhere to be seen?" Elizabeth questioned Andrew at that moment.

Nathan spoke up beside Andrew before he could respond. "Have you ever seen her attend a dinner where he's present?"

"Then why would he marry Samantha?" Elizabeth huffed in frustration.

Nathan shrugged, equally clueless. "You'd have to ask the man himself."

Andrew flashed a casual grin. "It's a political alliance, understand?"

"All men are pigs," Elizabeth snorted with clear disdain.

Though she was friends with these men through her cousin, when it came to Samantha's marriage with Andrew, she firmly stood by Samantha Summer's side.

"Now, that's not entirely accurate," Nathan corrected Elizabeth with mock offense. "We three aren't like him. William may have a son, but he's always kept his relationships clean. Ethan doesn't even have a girlfriend—the man's practically a saint. As for me, while it might appear women constantly surround me... I've actually always maintained my integrity."

"Tch!" Elizabeth clicked her tongue contemptuously.

"You're really testing our patience, you know?" Nathan snapped back.

"It's not like you can outdrink me," Elizabeth challenged with a provoking grin.

"You little..." Nathan's competitive spirit ignited immediately. "Don't blame me if you end up drunk."

"Worry about yourself. You've never beaten me, and now I have Elise backing me up. Just admit defeat already!"

"Elise isn't drinking," William stated firmly.

Elizabeth frowned. "Why not?"

"No means no," William growled with finality.

Elizabeth's expression clearly showed her displeasure.

Elise felt a complex emotion sitting beside William. She could tell Elizabeth shared a close bond with these men, and William must frequently include Elizabeth in his gatherings with friends. Naturally, Elizabeth would feel slighted when William sided with Elise instead.

Quickly, Elise explained, "My ear injury hasn't fully healed. The doctor advised against alcohol."

"Your ear?" Elizabeth sounded genuinely concerned.

"It's nothing serious. I should recover completely in a few days, but I really shouldn't drink right now," Elise apologized. "I still want to thank you for having my back earlier."

"Oh, it was nothing." Elizabeth waved it off with her characteristic magnanimity.

It was evident Elizabeth meant no harm... but was that why she never suspected William's intentions?

Elise struggled to define the tangled emotions swirling within her.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the table grew increasingly lively as Elizabeth began drinking contests with Nathan and the others—she was certainly holding nothing back.

Elise thought even if Elizabeth managed to outlast Nathan, she wouldn't fare much better herself.

Just as she prepared to advise Elizabeth to slow down, Ethan caught Nathan's wrist as they reached for another round. "That's enough drinking for tonight."

"But I'm not even drunk yet," Nathan protested excitedly. "I'm determined to beat her tonight, or else...!"

"Or else what? You'll wear a dress and perform tap dance?" Elizabeth taunted smugly.

"You little..." Nathan rose to the bait, grabbing his glass. "Bottoms up!"

"Bottoms up!" Elizabeth echoed, downing her drink in one go.

Ethan pressed his lips together and told Nathan, "If you're such an accomplished drinker, why not challenge me instead?"

"With your tolerance level? Are you sure about that?" Nathan gave Ethan a skeptical look.

"It's my nephew's birthday celebration. Why shouldn't I indulge a little?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.

With that challenge issued, they both began drinking with renewed enthusiasm.

While Nathan was a seasoned drinker, Ethan rarely indulged, usually only taking small sips even when Nathan pressured him. This rare display of enthusiasm from Ethan prompted Nathan to match his intensity drink for drink.

Elizabeth let out a loud burp just then.