When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 60

**Chapter 60**

Noreen observed Chiara with a discerning eye, noting that the younger woman didn’t seem to have much of a taste for alcohol. With a gentle smile, she leaned in slightly, her voice soft and encouraging. “You don’t have to finish it, you know.”

Chiara returned the gesture with a polite smile, her gratitude evident. “Thank you,” she replied, her tone light yet sincere.

Lena, sitting nearby, had been silently scrutinizing every little movement Chiara made. However, she expertly redirected her gaze, ensuring her expression remained neutral. Deep down, she couldn’t deny that Chiara was impressive—her poise, her confidence, and the way she carried herself spoke volumes, regardless of her background or appearance. Yet, Lena found herself thinking that in the realm of work, Chiara might not quite measure up to her standards.

Independence was something Lena took immense pride in. Coming from a humble family, she had fought fiercely for everything she had achieved. Through sheer determination, she had managed to secure a two-bedroom apartment in Halinston. Although the mortgage weighed heavily on her shoulders, her current salary allowed her to manage it comfortably. In contrast, Chiara seemed to have been dealt a winning hand from the very beginning, and that irked Lena just a bit.

As she glanced at Chiara, Lena couldn’t help but notice the stylish shirt and tailored suit pants that adorned her figure—clearly from top designer brands. The handbag that hung casually at her side likely cost more than Lena’s annual bonus, a fact that stung just a little.

Despite the Lynch Group having seen better days, they still stood leagues ahead of their competition, maintaining an air of exclusivity that Lena admired but also resented.

With a teasing smile, Lena quipped, “Chiara, can’t hold your liquor, can you?”

Chiara looked up, her expression calm as she nodded slightly. “I get tipsy pretty easily,” she admitted, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her tone.

Lena picked up her napkin, dabbing at the corners of her mouth, her words carrying an underlying weight. “But as Mr. Goodman’s secretary, you know we have to endure a fair share of business dinners. You might want to work on your drinking skills, Chiara.”

Queenie, who had been quietly observing, cast a sidelong glance at Chiara, while Noreen remained silent, her own journey having been paved with hard work. As Titus’s secretary, she was used to people treating her with respect. Yet, Lena’s point wasn’t entirely off base.

“I recall Mr. Goodman saying he doesn’t make the women in the company drink at business dinners,” Queenie interjected, her tone thoughtful.

Lena shot her a look, a mix of exasperation and understanding. “True, Mr. Goodman does look out for us, but having a good tolerance is always beneficial. It’s unlikely you’ll avoid business dinners altogether.”

She continued, “Chiara’s probably headed back to the Lynch Group someday, and even Ms. Lynch herself has to drink at receptions.”

Chiara maintained her composed demeanor, nodding in acknowledgment. “Alright, thanks for your advice.”

Lena merely shrugged, a nonchalant response. “It’s not really advice, just a thought.”

Noreen glanced around the table, eager to shift the focus. “Come on, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

Queenie chimed in warmly, “Hey, Chiara, try this one. It’s delicious!”

Chiara offered a soft, genuine smile in return. “Thank you.”

Lena observed the rapid camaraderie forming between Queenie and Chiara, feeling a twinge of annoyance. It seemed that Queenie’s eagerness to connect stemmed solely from Chiara’s elevated status, a notion that made Lena roll her eyes inwardly.

Concern etched on her face, Queenie watched as Chiara emptied her glass. “Are you sure you can handle another?” she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Chiara felt a warm flush creeping up her cheeks, but her mind remained clear. “I’ll go for another,” she declared, a hint of determination in her voice.

Lena, though not the friendliest of colleagues, had a point. ‘Looks like I really should start working on my drinking tolerance,’ Chiara mused internally.

“Fine,” Queenie replied, a smile breaking through.

Half an hour later, dinner finally came to a close. Noreen’s husband arrived to escort her home, and she glanced around the table. “Does anyone need me to call a cab?”

Lena shook her head, her voice steady. “I’ll just call a rideshare.” She had purchased a BMW outright the previous year, a decision she was proud of.

Queenie, on the other hand, didn’t need to drive to work daily. Her family had gifted her a cozy studio apartment close to the company—small but perfectly sufficient for her needs.

“I’ll just grab a cab later. Chiara, where do you live? Want me to give you a ride?” Queenie offered, her tone friendly and open. Despite her carefree demeanor, she could hold her liquor remarkably well.

However, Chiara was already feeling the effects of the drinks, her cheeks flushed and her eyes slightly glazed. She stared at Queenie for a moment, processing the offer. “No need, my place is kinda far,” she mumbled, her words slightly slurred.

“Where do you live?” Queenie pressed, genuinely concerned.

Chiara provided her address, and Queenie blinked in surprise. “Do you live in the villa district? That’s quite a distance. No worries, I’ll take you. I wouldn’t feel right letting you go home alone,” she insisted, noticing Chiara’s slightly dazed state.

Noreen, trusting Queenie’s judgment, nodded. “Queenie, you’re in charge of getting Chiara home.”

“I got it, Noreen,” Queenie affirmed confidently.

With that, Lena and Noreen exchanged nods and departed together, leaving Queenie and Chiara at the table.

“Hang on, I’ll order us a ride,” Queenie said, pulling out her phone.

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