Silent Dreams Never Die — Author: John Miller 364
Chapter 364 A Toast Taken
Vincent had finished his drink. Watching Scarlett hold her glass motionless, he guessed it contained the same clear liquor.
Finished
Nolan had also downed his whiskey. Setting his glass down, he noticed Scarlett’s hesitation and was puzzled.
He had dined with her several times and knew she could hold her liquor quite well–it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she could handle her share.
Yet at the moment, her glass held only a standard pour, and she hadn’t touched it.
Everyone else had finished and resumed their seats, but Scarlett remained standing, glass in hand.
She understood enough about social etiquette to know that when a respected figure like Thomas toasted the group, refusing to drink could be seen as a slight. No matter what, it seemed she would have to drink tonight.
Steeling herself, Scarlett closed her eyes and prepared to down the whiskey.
But just then, Vincent spoke up from across the table, “Mr. Newman, she is a woman, after all. If she really can’t drink, it’s perfectly fine.”
Thomas glanced at Scarlett but said nothing. Vincent continued, “If needed, I’ll drink this for her.”
As he said this, Vincent began refilling his own glass. Seeing this, Scarlett was about to insist she could manage when Nolan suddenly reached over and took the glass from her hand. “Mr. Newman,” he said smoothly, “Scarlett isn’t feeling her best today. Allow me to drink this on her behalf.” With that, he finished the whiskey in her glass.
Thomas smiled genially. “It’s all in good spirits. The important thing is everyone enjoys themselves.” Though he said this, had no one intervened, his impression of Scarlett might have cooled.
After this small interlude, the guests began toasting Thomas one by one, followed by toasts among themselves.
Vincent wasn’t truly part of this professional circle, so he only raised his glass when Sabrina prompted him to.
After Sabrina toasted Thomas, she began making her way around the table. When she reached Nolan, the chatter in the private room noticeably quieted.
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Chapter 364 A Toast Taken
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Finished
Everyone who knew Nolan well remembered how thick as thieves he and Sabrina had once been. Then, out of nowhere, all trace of their closeness had vanished without a trace.
Now that they were face–to–face again, every pair of eyes in the room was silently glued to them, hungry for a front–row seat to the drama.
No one breathed a word, but an unspoken understanding hung in the air–every single person was watching, waiting, their curiosity piqued. After all, neither of them had come alone tonight; each had arrived with a new companion in tow.
As the atmosphere grew still, Sabrina, well aware of the watching eyes, maintained her smile.
She raised her glass to Nolan. “Nolan, thank you for your guidance and for helping me narrow down my doctoral research topic. This toast is for you.”
After Vincent’s earlier pressure on Thomas, Nolan had indeed assisted Sabrina with her research direction.
Though reluctant, he had complied out of respect for Thomas.
In the past, Nolan had often answered Sabrina’s academic questions, but he had never harbored romantic feelings for her. She had been persistent, and Nolan, not one to easily refuse a reasonable request within his expertise, had helped.
With few other women around him at the time, speculation about their relationship had naturally arisen, though there was never any truth to it.
Later, after learning more about Sabrina’s character from Scarlett, Nolan’s regard for her had diminished further.
So now, as Sabrina toasted him, Nolan felt a distinct lack of enthusiasm. But with Vincent present, he knew refusing would cause a scene.
If his actions made the entire gathering a target for Vincent’s displeasure, Nolan would feel responsible.
After a brief internal debate, he picked up his glass and clinked it lightly against hers. With a polite but distant smile, he said, “No need for thanks. You earned it through your own merits.”
The word “merits” sent a subtle ripple through the room. Sabrina caught the slight edge in his tone but forced a smile and drank her whiskey. Nolan followed suit.
As he set his glass down, someone nearby asked casually, “So, Nolan, does she have any notable publications yet?”
Nolan gave a small, noncommittal laugh. “You’d have to ask Ms. Monroe about that,” he said, glancing up at Sabrina and deftly passing the question to her.
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The attention of most at the table shifted to Sabrina. She remained composed, offering a faint smile. “No significant publications yet,” she replied smoothly. “The research is still in
progress.”
20:15 Wed, Jan 14
Chapter 364 A Toast Taken
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