C19 Meeting

"Of course!"

The man hesitated briefly before responding.

Yet, his answer left Brannon astounded!

Had he finally seen the light? Was he done pretending?

But Brannon dared not voice these questions aloud, not unless he was ready to leave this world behind!

"Then I'll go down and get things ready!"

With that, he turned and left with a flourish.

...

Meanwhile, after the cake had been cut, the birthday banquet was drawing to a close. Ilyana had stayed close to Old Madame Munro throughout, casually swaying her wine glass in hand.

In her past life, she seldom indulged in alcohol, but today, in her joy, she made an exception and drank heartily. She accepted every toast without refusal, drinking glass after glass.

By the end of the banquet, Ilyana's fair face was flushed with the warmth of wine. Her delicate red lips, sweet with the scent of alcohol, seemed to beckon an invitation. Her elegant form, her skin pale and smooth, and her bright, beautiful eyes, veiled by long lashes, gave her an air of both mystery and charm.

The smile still played at her lips, her eyes curving into a mischievous and captivating expression that made the onlookers tense.

Old Madame Munro, observing all this, promptly instructed someone to escort Ilyana to the guest room to rest, but Ilyana refused.

"Grandma, I'm not drunk! I'm just really happy! Don't you want to see me happy?"

"Happy, of course, I'm happy! But I'm also worried. Let's have someone take you to the guest room. A little rest would do you good."

Ilyana narrowed her eyes and affectionately clung to Old Madame Munro's arm, saying playfully, "Grandma, you're so good to me! If you had been this kind to me before, maybe things would have been different..."

If her previous life had been like this one, perhaps her fate would have changed.

But life doesn't offer that many second chances!

Ilyana gave a bitter smile, her expression tinged with sadness.

Old Madame Munro was alarmed and quickly offered comfort, "Ilyana, what's the matter? Has someone upset you? Tell me, and I'll set them straight for you."

Worry etched her features, fearing her most cherished one had been wronged.

Even though Ilyana knew the look wasn't meant for her, she couldn't help but shake her head and reassure, "Grandma, I'm fine! I just need to take a walk and clear my head."

"Shall I join you?"

Once more, Ilyana shook her head, smiling, "There are guests here, and it wouldn't be convenient for you to leave with me. Besides, you're the guest of honor today. How could you make an early exit? What would people say about the Munro family behind our backs?"

Upon hearing this, Old Madame Munro nodded in agreement and quickly instructed those nearby, "Then make sure to accompany the young lady. She's had a bit to drink; don't let her be by herself, and ensure she doesn't stay out in the cold wind for too long!"

Ilyana simply smiled at the caring words, choosing not to respond verbally.

In the villa's garden:

After bidding Old Madame Munro farewell, Ilyana strolled alone down the garden's winding path, wandering without purpose.

She had managed to slip away from the attendants arranged by Old Madame Munro. The cool breeze helped to calm the agitation in her heart, but it wasn't long before she felt an odd sensation and realized she had overindulged in alcohol.

As she was about to step into the restroom, her skirt gathered in her hand, a tall and lean figure brushed past her.

That brief encounter was enough to snap Ilyana out of her drunken haze, leaving her frozen in place as if struck by lightning.

A wave of intense familiarity washed over her!