Chapter 369

Nina uncorked the bottle of wine with a practiced ease that spoke of experience.

Before Cedric could even furrow his brows, she had already filled the glasses and set them neatly in front of him and Ryan.

Nina's alcohol tolerance had been honed deliberately,so much so that saying she could outdrink almost anyone wasn't far from the truth.

Ryan and Cedric, for their part, were no strangers to holding their liquor.

Ryan's tongue loosened as the alcohol worked its magic. With a mischievous grin,he turned to Nina as she took her seat. "So, are you into Cedric?"

Nina ducked her head, her lips curling into a bashful smile as a blush bloomed across her cheeks. "Oh,don't say that! If Daniela hears, she'll be upset. Besides,someone like Cedric is way out of my league.He's like a star shining high in the heavens, and I'm just a tiny speck of dust on the earth-completely unworthy."

While speaking, Nina's eyes flickered up ever so briefly, her gaze resting on Cedric's lips. The sight sent a soft flutter through her chest. Cedric remained largely quiet, his silence only fueling the quiet adoration blooming in Nina's heart.

Determined to hold his attention, she worked tirelessly to find topics of conversation, all while skillfully refilling their glasses without drawing notice.

Cedric, brooding and moody, continued to drink with little hesitation.

Ryan matched him drink for drink, and despite Nina having made threetrips downstairs to fetch more wine,neither man seemed remotely affected.

"We're out of wine?" Ryan asked, casting a glance at the collection of empty bottles littering the table.

"Yes, that's it," Nina said, spreading her hands in mock defeat.

She had hoped Ryan would take the hint and leave,but instead, Cedric rose to his feet and said, "If we're out,you two should go."

At Cedric's words, Nina quickly jumped in. "Oh, wait! I just remembered-l've got a bottle of excellent vintage at home. You two stay put, and I'll bring it over."

With that, Nina pulled out her phone and dialed Elyse.

"What? Cedric actually drank your wine?" Nina's voice brimmed with excitement. "Yes! They're upstairs right now, waiting for it. Mom, you still have those century-old bottles, right? Please send someone to bring them over. After tonight, Cedric will be mine."

Elyse sounded doubtful. "Are you sure Cedric actually asked for your wine, or is this just your idea?"

Irritated, Nina shot back, "Mom, what's thatsupposed to mean? You've always thought Natalie is better than me. Do you really think Cedric should just sit around and wait for her to come back instead of noticing me?"

Elyse stiffened,realizing Nina had read her thoughts perfectly.

Nina's voice turned shaky, tinged with tears. "I'm not asking you to favor me over anyone. I just want a little fairness. It's just a few bottles of wine. Can't you give them to me? Natalie's incredible, I get that, but I'm not any less! I'll prove to you that, for Cedric, I'm the only one who matters."

Elyse sighed, clicking her tongue. "Look at you-getting all worked up when I've barely said anything.Fine, fine. It's just a few bottles of wine. I'll have someone send them over. You're my daughter, after all. Give it half an hour."

With that, the call ended. Nina stayed downstairs, waiting impatiently.

She felt not a shred of gratitude towards Elyse.

Nina was well aware Elyse had only caved because she feared Cedric might actually take an interest in her.A few bottles of wine were hardly a sacrifice.

True to Elyse's word, the wine arrived exactly half an hour later.

Nina stepped into the elevator, deliberately movig at a slow pace.

Earlier, Ryan and Cedric had downed a fair amount.Nina knew some people only felt the effects after a delay, and when it hit, it hit hard.

She hoped Ryan was one of those delayed ty/pes.

Once Ryan passed out, she intended to stride in with the wine and murmur sweet, carefully chosen words into Cedric's ear.

In her mind, there was no way Cedric could resist her charm.