Chapter 80

Charles Bennett, left a bit out of the spotlight, watched the two men go at it with fake smiles and passive-aggressive jabs. The tension was almost visible in the air. In just a matter of minutes, a whole bottle of whiskey had vanished between them. When Alice came back from the restroom, the first thing she saw was Anthony Hayes sprawled out over the table, clearly out cold. Her face lit up with surprise. "Anthony? What's going on with you?" Charles grinned and chimed in, "No worries, Secretary Sterling. Your friend just had a bit too much to drink." Alice looked baffled. "Drunk already? We haven’t even started eating." Charles chuckled, "Exactly why he got drunk so fast. Empty stomach, you know?" After that intense little drinking duel, Charles felt even more certain—Edward definitely had a thing for Alice. That guy used to swear up and down there was nothing there. Yeah, right. Alice glanced over at Edward, noticing how calm he looked. His face gave nothing away, but when his eyes f