Chapter 163
As the general manager of Cloud Crest Winery’s Brightmoor division, Nate knew exactly how rare an intact bottle of Cloud Creu Reserve was
The annual production was limited, and as soon as the wine was released, it was snatched up by wealthy buyers, leaving no chance for ordinary prople to get their hands on it.
Every bottle consumed was one less available. Even with his position, he was only able to secure one or two bottles a year.
Now, a perfectly good bottle had been destroyed just like that.
He had planned to use it as a gift. Hic contract as a general manager was renewed annually, and this year his performance hadn’t been great. The avastant to the boss had been noncommittal about his pirospects for renewal
With the year–end approaching, he had hoped to smooth things over and have someone put in a good word for him with the boss and the assistant, increasing his chances of staying on.
While he had come home under the guise of celebrating his daughter’s birthday, his real purpose had been to retrieve this bottle of wine. Now it
In this moment, he felt like his career was shattered along with the wine. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. His gaze toward Paisley and Serena grew increasingly venomous
Im warning you, if you don’t come up with an identical bottle of wine, don’t blame me for what happens next. I’ll make sure you and your daughter can’t stay in Harrowfell?” he shouted.
The other parents fell silent. No one dared to step forward and help Paisley. Even the children, who had been playing happily just moments ago, now huddled quietly by their parents, who kept a tight grip on them
Even Kevin, usually known for his kindness, shrank back this time, unwilling to provoke Nate
To them someone like Nate represented a level of power they could never mess with. He could destroy their lives easily.
They wouldn’t risk offendingburn, wrld they certainly wouldn’t help Paisley and Serena Even if, deep down, they felt sorry for the mother and daughter.
Vivian por exactly the effect the wanted and secretly smiled to herself. That’s the price you pay for seducing someone else’s husband, you vixen. Just wall–you’re going to be forced out of Harrowfell!
Leo had been observing the commotion at the long table. He frowned slightly. He thought to himself how bold Nate’s claim was, casually saying he could make someone leave Harrowfell
He glanced at Paisley and her daughter sitting alone and helpless, with no one standing up for them, and felt a pang of sympathy.
Just as he debated whether to step in and suppon them, he heard Paisley speak, calm and composed. “What a bold claim. I’d like to see how you plan to make me leave Harrowfell”
Some parents subtly signaled to Paisley, suggesting the should stop and apologize humbly to avoid further escalation. After all, ordinary people wouldn’t go head–to–head with those in power.
Les chuckled softly. He admired her backbone but thought she wasn’t being smart. What good could come from butting beach with powerful
He called the restaurant manager over, gave him a few instructions, and then returned to his private room.
“What’s going on outsider” i
Max asked
The host family seems to have some influence. They’re not letting this go and don’t want monry–just the wine. They’ve even made some harsh threats,” Les said witha maled diselain “So peny Irs just a bottle of wine. Is it worth all this?”
Max didn’t commept, only gave a simple order. “Have the person picking up the wine hurry”
Bark at the Bong table, the atmosphere was suffocating
“We were all here to celebrate Millie’s birthday,
Her words successfully marde Millar burst into tears. Her bartliday had been completely ruined.
“Pena, I hate y
trow it’s ruined, Isabella grumbled loudly enough for everyone to hear.
yout I dont want to be your friend anymore!” Millie yelled at Serena
11:01 AM c c.
Chapter 163.
Serena panicked. Millie was her first friend at kindergarten, and they’d been fine until now. It was all her fault for accidentally knocking over the
Tim sorry. Millie. It’s all my fault. My mom will pay for the wine.” Serena said anxiously, clutching Paisley’s hand tightly.
Just then, the restaurant manager arrived with a technician holding a laptop.
“What are you doing? Vivian asked, suddenly feeling a sense of dread.
The manager, polite but firm, announced something that stunned everyone present. “Due to the noise here, we’ve received complaints from other guests. I’ve taken the liberty of investigating the situation and pulled up the surveillance footage.”
Paisley raised her eyebrows. This was something she had overlooked. Since Serena had admitted to knocking the bottle over, Paisley hadn’t looked
into it further.
Vivian’s heart raced. That’s not necessary.
But before she could finish, the manager gestured for the technician to play the video, even slowing it down for clarity.
The footage showed Serena’s hand brushing against the pedestal holding the wine bottle. However, the real culprit was a foot that had suddenly justed out from the corner and nudged the base of the pedestal.
At the exact moment Serena touched the pedestal, the foot’s subtle movement caused it to wobble, ripping over and making the bottle fall.
While the camera angle didn’t capture the person attached to the foot, it clearly showed the shoe. It was a new release from a famous brand, with a logo so prominent that anyone with eyesight could identify it.
Among all the parents present, the only person wearing those shoes was Vivian–Vivian. All eyes turned to Vivian. She sat stiffly in her chair, completely frozen.
The restaurant manager, having accomplished his goal, nodded politely. “The truth has been clarified. Enjoy the rest of your meal”
After he left, an awkward silence filled the room. Everyone glanced at each other, their discomfort evident.
“Mommy, so I didn’t break the bottle?” Serena’s innocent voice broke the silence.
Paisley nodded. “That’s right, it wasn’t you. You were wrongly accused”
Serena nodded back. “Then shouldn’t Vivian and dad apologize to us? Mommy, you said if someone makes a mistake, they should admit it,”
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