drinks all the wine. Already feeling tipsy,

hifting the other bottle to make room for the new o

ew fast asleep. She approaches him quietly, gently nudging

e whispered, her voice a low murmur in the quiet room. "It's late. Everyone else has gone, and we're c

ration. He slaps his palms to his face, his fingers digg

er tone, "please don't take this the wrong way, but my mother always said that a burden shared is a burden halved'." Her eye

ore meeting Pamela's again, "but if you must know... as wealthy as I might appear now," he gestured vaguely, a hint of irony in his tone, "I could lose absolutely everything, everything I curre

d, her voice laced with confusion. "Are you telling me that the reason you've been drinking so heavily is because you were

er flashed across his face as he lurched up, trying to escape. His

y, her tone sincere and her expression contrite. She clasped her hands behind her ba

. A faint, resigned smile flickered across his lips. "I already knew saying anything to you or anyone else

I must admit, I'm surprised that a young man of your good looks would

nto Pamela's with an intensity that catches her of

you can leave. Please. I'll do anything, just name your price." His eyes were a mix of desperation and hope, the

't know you-I was just trying to be kind, not lead you on.

"I'm begging you-please, help me." He pressed his palms togethe

er. The possibilities tempted her-but just as quickly, a wave of doubt swept in

paused. He was desperate, and the b

but reluctant. The moment the words left her mouth, Andrew s

find someone for you, since you clearly struggle with women." Her eyes gleamed wit

aid, I'll pay whatever it takes-I have too much at stake to walk away now." He lean

ed, her tone businesslike. "Just give me yo

ething." She quickly walked over, retrieved a sheet of pape

ct details and handed it back to Pamela, his eyes never leaving hers. "Don't try to pull anything

where you're coming from," she said, "bu

once more, but this time managed to steady himself. With a slow, deliberate mo

ed the table, wiped it down, and grabbed her bag before hurrying out the