"Ms. Lewis!" A sudden voice interrupted the quiet moment. Chloe looked up to see Anthony approaching with a forced smile. Instantly, she wore a guarded expression, showing no specific emotion. Eugene also noticed Anthony's arrival but maintained his composure, merely giving him a brief glance. Anthony, however, was much more direct. He appeared holding a wine glass. "Ms. Lewis, I didn't expect to meet you here again. I want to properly apologize for my earlier behavior." As he spoke, he glanced at the empty glasses on their table and reached for one. "Ms. Lewis, let me propose a toast. I hope you'll accept my apology." Anthony lowered his voice, sounding utterly sincere. "Mr. Slade already gave me a stern talking-to. I was out of line, and I'm truly sorry."Chloe studied Anthony's serious expression. For a moment, it almost seemed believable that this spoiled heir had recognized his mistakes. But... Chloe remained skeptical. She simply wanted to see what game Anthony was playing. Chloe didn't reach for the glass. She just watched Anthony, her expression unreadable. Seeing her hesitation, Anthony smiled even more earnestly. "Sorry, that was my bad for being abrupt. Ms. Lewis, I genuinely want to make amends. I hope you can forgive me. This cocktail was specially prepared by Mistveil Manor's bartender. I requested it specifically for you." He raised his own glass, then paused. "Ms. Lewis, this is my way of showing utmost sincerity." He poured half of his cocktail into the empty glass and took a sip from his own portion right before Chloe. He offered the glass to Chloe. "Ms. Lewis, please!"Joseph returned with the wine, spotted Anthony, and asked sharply, "What are you doing here again?" "Mr. Slade, I came specifically to apologize to Ms. Lewis. I've truly realized my mistakes. I'm sorry." Anthony bowed his head toward Joseph, appearing contrite. "Ms. Lewis, I'm deeply sorry." Joseph studied Anthony's serious expression and frowned. Since when had this troublemaker become so sincere? "Mr. Slade, I've truly come to understand. I've been looking for an opportunity to apologize to Ms. Lewis. Earlier at the event, all I could think about was acquiring something Ms. Lewis might appreciate and offering my apologies. But I'm young and impulsive—I don't know my limits!" Anthony offered an awkward smile. "Ms. Lewis, I mean every word. I'm truly sorry. Please accept this toast, and I hope you won't hold my foolishness against me."Anthony moved closer, looking earnest. Joseph knew Anthony could be troublesome, but today he seemed genuinely remorseful. He glanced at Eugene and Chloe, then smiled diplomatically. "Ms. Lewis, since he has recognized his errors, perhaps you could forgive him? Let bygones be bygones." Joseph and Kerry of the Ruiz family had been close friends for decades. Anthony had practically grown up before Joseph's eyes. Anthony offended Chloe at the venue today. Now he realized his mistake and came to apologize sincerely. If this matter could be settled like this, it would be a good thing. Chloe could tell Joseph was almost pleading, but his plea wasn't for her sake. She glanced at Eugene, then at the glass in Anthony's hand. Anthony had already sipped from his own glass to demonstrate goodwill. The glass intended for her came from their table, so it likely posed no issue. "Ms. Lewis, please!" Seeing Chloe's slight movement, Anthony thoughtfully offered her the glass. Chloe reached out to accept it. Anthony raised his own glass. "Ms. Lewis, I'll finish mine. Please drink as much as you're comfortable with." He tilted his head back and drained his cocktail in one go. Chloe looked at the drink in her hand, about to take a sip, when suddenly someone took the glass from her. In an instant, the drink was in Eugene's hand. Chloe stared in surprise. Anthony looked at Eugene, completely baffled. "I'll drink on her behalf," Eugene stated simply. He shot Anthony a glance before downing the cocktail himself. Anthony watched this, his hand unconsciously tightening. He observed Eugene emptying the glass, then offered a faint smile. Joseph saw Eugene consume the cocktail and attempted to ease the atmosphere. "Mr. Rosewood, consider that a preliminary taste. Look, I've prepared something special..." Before he could finish, staff arrived with freshly opened bottles. Joseph's wine collection was legendary—the vintage needed no introduction. "It seems Mr. Slade has brought out his treasures. This evening has become truly worthwhile." Selina remarked as she returned arm-in-arm with Landon, observing the scene. Landon and Selina returned and seated themselves directly across from Chloe and Eugene. Joseph personally approached, selected a glass, and began pouring wine for everyone.