Sophie Sullivan never expected to secure a house before landing a job.
Tucking the deposit receipt safely away, she began checking her email again.
Over the past few days, she had received a few calls and emails from HR departments, but compared to the sheer volume of resumes she had sent out, the response rate was pitiful.
After several rounds of interviews, even fewer offers came close to her salary expectations.
She needed a job first to get a mortgage approved.
Sophie realized she had to adjust her expectations; her age was no longer an advantage in the corporate world, leaving her with limited options.
She went back to casting a wide net on job portals.
This time, the interview invitation came from a local liquor company, Sterling Spirits.
The company was well-known in the area, and most importantly, it was the largest firm she had interviewed with, offering the highest salary.
Money was her primary concern right now. She needed a portion of her paycheck to cover the mortgage and wanted to provide a stable life for her mother.
During the interview, the hiring manager asked about her alcohol tolerance.
She actually had quite a high tolerance, a surprising discovery she had made by accident.
Working as Luke Lawrence's secretary meant she had to accompany him to various business dinners.
The first time a client pressured her to drink, she hadn't known how to politely decline, so she foolishly stood up and downed a massive gulp from her glass.
Back then, she didn't know red wine was meant to be savored and swallowed it straight, only tasting a bitter sting in her throat.
The clients at the table had laughed. "You girls sure don't hold back."
Only then did she realize how reckless she had been.
Yet, on that very day, after being coaxed into drinking four or five large glasses, she hadn't passed out. She even managed to stand at the restaurant entrance, forcing a polite smile as she saw off every client.
She held it together until she got home, and only then did she throw up.
After that, whenever she accompanied Luke to dinners, she actively became his human shield against endless toasts, gradually building up her tolerance.
Recalling the past, a bitter smile tugged at the corners of Sophie's mouth.

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