Chapter 414
The two exchanged a glance.
Zola shifted her gaze directly,
Leopold also averted his eyes silently.
“Cut the jokes. You’re a married man,” Zola said, appearing calm
“I joke because I’m married,” Joel smiled.
There seemed to be a hint of bitterness in his expression.
Being a “married man,” Zola felt no discomfort.
“Let’s have a drink,” Xavier suddenly suggested.
He didn’t want the atmosphere to sour.
Joel inviting Zola and Quintina was a gesture of goodwill.
“They’ve been eager for a drink, but now they’re here, they’re not so enthusiastic, Xavier remarked, raising his glass.
Zola reached for the water nearby.
Joel noticed her gesture immediately,
“Zola, water?” Joel couldn’t believe it.
le knew Zola’s fondness for alcohol.
He
“I have rehearsals tomorrow, so I’ll skip the alcohol. I’ll stick to water while you drink, no tricks,” Zola assured.
“Your words are contradictory. Just have a little,” Joel insisted.
“With you around, can I drink a little? Will you let me leave if I don’t pass out?” Zola retorted.
“I can’t drink like before. A few sips and I’m done,” Joel remained adamant
Zola didn’t buy Joel’s excuses.
Joel’s fondness for alcohol made her wonder how much his tolerance had increased over the years.
She truly regretted not refusing before Quintina agreed or even declining after she agreed,
If she got drunk tonight, rehearsals tomorrow would be a disaster.
Last time, she spent a day sleeping in Leopold’s lounge.
She couldn’t afford a repeat.
“I’ll drink Zola’s wine, Quintina suddenly spoke up.
Her words caught everyone’s attention.
Quintina didn’t spend much time drinking, let alone with them
So, what was her alcohol tolerance like?
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12:41 Fri, Mar 15
Chapter 414
Xavier probably had little idea.
But Zola knew.
Quintina could hold her liquor, but she wasn’t immune to getting drunk.
And she felt terrible after getting drunk.
She was one of those people who couldn’t sober up for a long time, unlike Zola.
When Zola got drunk, a good night’s sleep would usually do the trick to get her feeling much better.
I didn’t expect Quintina to be so bold. Must have a good tolerance, Joel remarked, surprised.
Xavier’s grip on his glass tightened.
However, he did not say anything.
“Not as good as you, Zola snapped at Joel, then relented, “Quintina, I’ll handle it myself.”
Zola, L.
“I was just messing around with Joel. Isn’t that how people who drink usually are? They start with a bit of an attitude, then wait until everyone’s equally tipsy, and then they let loose!” Zola interrupted Quintina.
She knew Quintina’s guilt.
After all, it was Quintina who agreed to come eat with them.
And after so many years of friendship, she would surely see that Zola wasn’t really into it.
“Zola, pick up your glass and drink,” Joel urged, his spirits high.
Everyone raised their glasses.
“Leopold, what’s up?” Joel turned his head to see Leopold not taking out his cup and called to him.
Leopold quickly set down his phone and joined them for a drink.
And so, the dinner officially commenced.
Joel was particularly adept at setting the mood. Without hesitation, he engaged everyone here, recognizing the potential awkwardness due to their status, ensuring conversations flowed and glasses clinked.
The meal stretched on for three hours.
Zola was truly struggling to keep up,
At this rate, tomorrow’s rehearsal was sure to suffer.
The memory of Carly scolding her last time flashed through her mind….
Well, she couldn’t drink anymore.
Zola made her way to the restroom under the guise of an excuse
She needed to stay sharp.
When people were slightly tipsy, they tended to seek out more alcohol.
She was approaching that state herself.
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Chapter 414
She splashed water on her face in the restroom to clear her head
It was a while before she opened the restroom door to leave and spotted Leopold standing at the entrance.
She cast him a glance, noticing the cane in his hand.
So, he was disabled…
It wasn’t a temporary injury
Leopold also felt Zola’s gaze.
Did Zola just realize he was disabled?
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he said. Tomorrow’s rehearsal is canceled.”
“What?” Zola was taken aback.
“Haven’t you seen the group message” Leopold asked
Tve been busy drinking with Joel. When was it canceled And why?” Zola asked
Zola was very puzzled
She took out her phone and continued to ask questions.
Looking at the group chat, they indeed received an announcement that tomorrow’s rehearsal was canceled. Everyone y rest up for the intense rehearsals ahead.
Leopold wasn’t the group leader.
However, only he could have made that announcement.
Setting her phone aside, she queried. “Why cancel now when the schedule is so tight?”
“Because I’ve had a bit too much to drink tonight and won’t be up for it tomorrow,” Leopold explained.
Zola stared at him, incredulous.
She couldn’t believe he would say such a thing
This was a man known for his workaholic tendencies, capable of going days without eating, drinking, or sleeping for the
sake of work
Alright, she admitted her description might be a tad exaggerated
But Leopold wouldn’t let personal matters interfere with his work
I’m getting older, Leopold continued sensing Zola’s surprise. “can’t handle it anymore”
He was indeed getting on in years
At his age, why bother with alcohol?
Zola didn’t press further and walked past Leopold
“Even though there’s no rehearsal tomorrow, dont overindulgy Asshol can make you gain weight, and that won’t look good on tatorta he added
With that. Leopold entered the restraums
12:41/ Fri, Mar 15
Chapter 414
Zola watched the door close, realizing Leopold was criticizing her weight.
Though she wasn’t the typical slim figure demanded by the entertainment industry, she wasn’t overweight either.
Even after childbirth, she didn’t have an ounce of fat on her.
Was Leopold blind?
The entertainment industry’s fixation on thinness bordered on sanity.
Zola returned to the table.
“What’s wrong?” Quintina, her face flushed from alcohol, inquired.
Given her spirited display today, Joel seemed to be singling her out.
But Quintina was the type to remain rational even when intoxicated.
She immediately sensed Zola’s frustration.
“Nothing. Zola replied, somewhat gruffly.
“You’re not happy, yet you say it’s nothing,” Joel, now quite drunk, became even more natural with Zola. “Miss, who’s got you all worked up?”
“No one,” Zola said, lifting her glass for a sip.
After all, there was no rehearsal tomorrow.
A day’s rest after getting drunk, and everything would be fine by the third day.
“Are you so upset you’re drinking alone? What’s going on?” Joel asked.
“No, I just think I’m too fat,” Zola confessed.
As she spoke, Leopold emerged from the restroom
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