Chapter 8 Dare to Drink, Austin?

Fortunately, she hadn't woken too late.

Olivia drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. She kept close to Austin, cautious and a little timid, her gaze drifting in empty focus... yet, without meaning to, locking onto familiar faces in the crowd.

Austin stepped through the doors already scanning for Brandon, too intent to notice Olivia's quiet watchfulness.

He spotted him on the mezzanine, and without hesitation, pulled Olivia toward the stairs.

Up close, Brandon was surrounded. Austin's throat tightened at the sight. Every person at that table was a name in Skyview City's investment circles—two of them foreigners Austin recognized instantly as world-class market operators, the kind whose trades moved trillions.

In that moment, Austin almost forgave Brandon's earlier humiliation. Brandon had the power to back it up.

Austin adjusted his posture, lowering it even more than he'd planned. His smile was warm without being servile, his tone apologetic yet not submissive as he stepped forward. "Mr. Robinson. It's been a while."

Heads turned in the booth. Brandon leaned back slightly, his upward glance slow, deliberate... and all the more arrogant for it.

His gaze skipped over Austin entirely, landing with precision on Olivia.

Those deep-set eyes carried no visible emotion, yet they made her uneasy. She lowered her gaze, no longer staring into the void. Even with her head bowed, she could feel the weight of his stare. It lingered for what felt like half a minute before sliding away, and only then did her chest loosen.

Austin, ignored, showed no trace of offense. In fact, catching that look sparked a flicker of private satisfaction.

For the first time in two years, Austin realized again how beautiful Olivia was... blindness hadn't dimmed that beauty in the slightest.

The thought passed quickly. Austin smiled, lifting his glass. "I was out of line the other day, Mr. Robinson. I took the chance tonight to apologize. I hope you won't waste time on someone beneath your notice."

He drained the wine in a single swallow.

The others at the table glanced toward Brandon with interest.

Brandon said nothing. He tapped a finger against the table, his gaze brushing Olivia again. "And this must be Ms. Smith?"

Austin blinked, then recovered. He drew Olivia closer. "My wife. Yes, she's from the Smith family."

Brandon didn't acknowledge him. He studied Olivia for a moment, then—unexpectedly—rose and extended his hand. "Ms. Smith. A pleasure."

The gesture startled not only Olivia but the others at the table. They quickly stood as well, polite nods following. "Ms. Smith, a pleasure."

Unsure how to respond, Olivia kept up her blind facade. "The pleasure's mine, Mr. Robinson. I've heard a great deal about you."

Austin guided her hand to Brandon's. The cool touch made her scalp prickle. Damn it... what was he playing at? He knew she could see.

Her fingers brushed his briefly before she withdrew, her smile polite and distant.

Brandon didn't seem offended. He sat back, a faint smile curling his lips. "And you are...?"

Austin didn't make the same mistake twice. "Austin Roberts, owner of Horizon Innovations Group."

Brandon nodded lazily. "Mr. Roberts... you just offered an apology. Was that single glass supposed to cover it?"

Austin froze, then forced a laugh. "You're right. My mistake."

He waved over a waiter and downed three more glasses in quick succession. Brandon's expression didn't change. Austin called for another round—ten glasses this time—and finished them all without blinking, though his steps began to falter.

Olivia caught his arm instinctively. He shook his head, looking at Brandon through the haze. "Satisfied now, Mr. Robinson?"

Brandon's gaze slid to her hand gripping Austin's arm, his expression shadowed. After a pause, he said, "Mr. Roberts, you hold your liquor well."

Without another word, he stood, clearly bored, and headed upstairs.

Olivia watched him go, then turned back to Austin. "Are you all right?"

Austin's stomach churned violently, the alcohol hitting hard, but he forced it down. "I'm fine."

He even smiled. "He embarrassed me in front of everyone. Now he won't dare move against Horizon Innovations Group."

Olivia's lips curved faintly. "That's good."

She stayed at his side, expecting him to settle down. Instead, within minutes, others approached—key clients who'd been unreachable before tonight. Austin lit up, forgetting her entirely as he dove into conversation.

More people came. Olivia, still playing the blind woman, was naturally edged out.

She watched him from a distance, glass after glass raised in toast. Once, she would have stepped in, shielding him from the excess. Now, she felt nothing.

Blind women didn't wander aimlessly at events like this. She let a waiter guide her to a quiet corner and sat for a while.

Austin's laughter carried across the room, louder with each drink. Olivia, bored, lowered her gaze and called for a car.

"Ms. Smith, leaving already?"

The voice was lazy, familiar. Her spine tightened. She almost turned, but stopped herself.

She shifted her unfocused gaze toward the sound. "Mr. Robinson?"

A flicker of amusement crossed his eyes. He sent the waiter away and stepped closer, studying her face. "Ms. Smith... convincing performance."

Her jaw tightened. She turned slightly, shielding her expression from the room. When she looked back, her eyes were sharp, alive. "Mr. Robinson."

"There are reasons," she said quietly. "I hope you'll understand."

"I see." His tone was thoughtful, almost mocking. "Perhaps there's something I can do to help?"