Chapter 9. The Unexpected Encounter

Emma glided through the crowd, maintaining a smile on her lips as she listened to the empty flattery from the gentlemen around her. One of them, his eyes gleaming with eagerness, handed her a glass of wine. “Come on, Miss Emma, we’d love to see you down this drink!” he said, his tone playful but laced with a challenge.

Emma knew exactly what was happening. Without showing any hesitation, she took the glass, raised it with a charming smile. “Alright, if the gentlemen wish,” she said, then downed the drink in one go, under the astonished eyes of the men around her.

Immediately, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd. The men laughed, applauded, as if they had just witnessed a fantastic performance. They showered Emma with compliments, expressing their admiration for her bravery and endurance. Some even continued to offer more drinks, wanting to extend the revelry indefinitely.

But amidst the lively atmosphere, Emma couldn’t help but notice the resentful, jealous glances