After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 292

"Don't try playing these petty games with me. If you can't solve it, pack up your desk and get the hell out!"

He was just an assistant. There were a hundred people waiting to take his job. Did Henry really think he was irreplaceable?

Gideon loosened his tie as he walked back into his office. He cast a sweeping glance over the room. It was slightly cluttered. If Aria were here, everything would be impeccably organized.

Aria had said that true empathy didn't exist. So, if he wanted to win her back, did he just need to subject himself to the exact same unfairness she had endured? Would she forgive him then?

Gideon's eyes darkened with a grim resolve. He hit the intercom and ordered his secretary to buy some liquor.

Though confused by the sudden request, the secretary soon returned with several bottles of high-proof alcohol. She knew a bit about the Adler contract and assumed Gideon was planning to gift the booze to Graham Adler to buy an extension.

"Mr. Evernight, this is the brand Mr. Jones prefers. It's... exactly how Ms. Rowan used to negotiate with him."

Graham Adler was notorious for his drinking. Securing a deal with him required more than just corporate leverage; it required matching him drink for drink until he was satisfied.

A muscle feathered in Gideon's jaw. His fingers tightened around the neck of the bottle. "Aria drank this?"

The secretary nodded. "It's extremely high proof. Mr. Jones Adler only drinks the strong stuff."

It felt like a physical blow to Gideon's chest. He rarely drank at business dinners, partly due to his health, but mostly out of arrogance. He had always believed he could secure any contract purely on merit, without stooping to the toxic drinking culture. But now, the realization hit him hard. Aria had been the one tanking all those drinks on his behalf.

Gideon waved a hand, dismissing the secretary. Once the door clicked shut, he drummed his fingers against the desk and dialed Graham Adler's number.

"Mr. Evernight! To what do I owe the pleasure? About our contract timeline..."

Gideon cut him off mid-sentence. "How exactly did Aria drink last time?"

Adler paused, clearly taken aback, but answered truthfully. "Straight from the bottle. But I didn't make her finish the whole thing! Half a bottle, max. Didn't you know? Ms. Rowan has a legendary tolerance. I'm sure she was perfectly fine..."

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