The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 277

Before they knew it, the lavish banquet was more than halfway through.

A fine layer of sweat beaded on Mr. Xavier's forehead. He turned and exchanged a look with his wife.

Understanding instantly, Mrs. Xavier stood up and walked over to the nearby wine cabinet. She retrieved a bottle of dark red wine that had been decanted into a crystal carafe long beforehand.

"It's a bit dry with just food."

Mrs. Xavier carried the carafe back to the table, her face once again plastered with an enthusiastic smile. "It's Nora's birthday today, after all. Gideon, you work so hard normally, it's rare for you to relax at home like this. Your father and I saved this bottle specifically for you."

Mrs. Xavier stepped up to Gideon's side and leaned in slightly. The dark red liquid poured smoothly from the carafe into the goblet in front of him, releasing a rich, mellow fruity aroma.

Then, she poured a small amount into Nora's glass as well.

Nora looked at the red wine in front of her, frowning slightly. "I have to get up early for the studio tomorrow. I'm not drinking tonight."

"Oh, come on! It's your birthday today. How can the birthday girl not drink?"

Mrs. Xavier instantly raised her voice, pushing the glass closer to Nora with an unquestionable finality. "Just take a little sip. It absolutely won't interfere with your work tomorrow."

Mr. Xavier also picked up his own glass, loudly echoing the sentiment.

"That's right, Gideon. Today is a good day. It's our Xavier family's blessing that Nora married you. You've taken such good care of her these past three years. As her father, I simply must toast you!"

Mr. Xavier stood up with his glass, lowering his posture completely, his tone dripping with flattery and sycophancy. "Come on, this glass is to wish you two a long and happy life together!"

Mr. Xavier held his glass mid-air, his eyes locked intensely onto Gideon, waiting for a response.

As long as Gideon picked up that glass and drank, tonight's plan would be mostly successful.

Sitting beside him, Nora coldly observed her parents' eager, ugly expressions.

Seeing his lack of reaction, Mr. Xavier swallowed hard out of guilt and called out tentatively.

"Is something wrong? Is the wine not to your taste? We have others in the house..."

Gideon's eyelashes flickered.

He slowly lifted his eyelids, shifting his gaze from the swirling liquid to look straight at Mr. Xavier standing across from him, before slowly sliding his eyes toward Mrs. Xavier at his side.

That single glance carried a suffocating, terrifying pressure.

Mr. Xavier felt a chill race up his scalp under that freezing glare. His hand holding the glass gave a violent jerk, spilling a few drops of red wine onto the snow-white tablecloth, blooming into glaring red stains.

Mrs. Xavier went pale with fright. Her hands gripping the carafe trembled uncontrollably, the glass clinking faintly against itself.