The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 39

Dressed in a sharply tailored midnight-blue suit with peak lapels over a fine black knit sweater, Ferris looked flawlessly aristocratic yet undeniably modern.

It was a stark contrast to his usual sterile hospital attire.

But standing next to Zoey, they looked sickeningly picture-perfect.

I knew what he was doing. He was dressing down to match her vibe.

The chaotic, deafening private room instantly plunged into dead silence the second Ferris walked in. A few interns looked so terrified they practically held their breath.

That was the power of Ferris Sterling. No matter where he went, his presence commanded total absolute authority.

Yet, amidst the suffocating tension, Zoey stood right beside him, completely relaxed and glowing with a girlish blush. "Ferris, these are all the new friends I've made at Capital General."

Ferris gave a curt nod, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "Take a seat, everyone."

Short, commanding, and sparing with his words, his face remained a completely blank slate.

The girl hadn't forgotten about me, though. Blinking her massive, watery eyes, she pointed to a spot. "Selena, you sit right here."

To Ferris's right, separated only by Zoey and Zelda.

According to standard drinking etiquette, it was basically the VIP seat.

There was no way I was getting out of this now.

But the atmosphere in the room felt less like a party and more like a high-stakes meeting with the Dean of Medicine—all stress, zero fun.

I figured the whole "wrap-up discussion" segment was effectively canceled.

Even the previously boisterous Zelda was sitting rigidly, shooting frantic SOS glances at Zoey.

Zoey flashed a demure smile and suggested, "Since everyone's here, why don't we play a game to break the ice? How does that sound, Ferris?"

"Whatever you want."

Just three simple words, yet they dripped with absolute, undeniable indulgence.

Talk about terrible luck.

Right on cue, an intern from internal medicine shouted the phrase. I had no choice but to grab my shot glass and down it in one go.

If you play the game, you have to follow the rules.

I slammed the empty glass down to a round of applause, feeling a bizarre, bitter thrill rush through me.

How hilarious. My husband, the man legally bound to me on paper, was currently sitting just feet away, meticulously peeling a mandarin orange to feed to his Little Mischief.

I snapped my gaze away, my grip tightening hard around the shot glass.

Another shout of "Where is the Maid?" rang out. I didn't hesitate, knocking back a second shot instantly.

Zelda cheered from the sidelines. "Damn, Dr. Hayes! I had no idea you could drink like that. You're full of surprises!"

I gave a tight smile and said nothing.