Chapter 926: These past three years had solidified into Hamilton's and Patrick's collective belief system.
That evening, the four of them had polished off two cases of beer.
Fueled by the liquid courage, Patrick threw out a suggestion.
"Merely drinking loses its charm after a while.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHow about we spice things up with a game? Whoever loses has to call Mr. Green..." Harlee, not known for her tolerance to alcohol, had once drowned her sorrows in booze when Rhys fell off the cliff.
Even a few shots back then had been enough to get her heavily intoxicated.
By the tPatrick proposed the game, Harlee had already downed four beers and was feeling buzzed. She responded with a relaxed nod.
"A game? Sure, why not..." Harlee failed to recognize the n"Rhys," her mind reflexively drowning out the echo of those letters, as if submerged in her intoxicating haze.
Hearing his nwas like a jab to the chest.
Her head pounded with relentless drunkenness, compelling her to purge his memory entirely.
Patrick caught the subtle shift in Harlee's demeanor, his empathy sparking a passionate determination to bridge the gap between Rhys and Harlee.
Yet, just as Patrick readied himself to speak, Harlee's voice, heavy with disinterest and fatigue, quenched his burning enthusiasm.
"If you find losing appealing, go ahead." L@T€SS ¢HAPTEŘŞ în gal.co These words struck Patrick, rendering him momentarily mute. Throughout all the years he'd spent with Harlee, she had consistently outshone him, her talents vast and varied. She was truly a marvel in all she undertook.
Biting back a sigh, Patrick whispered to himself with a shake of his head, "Rhys, I'm sorry. There'll be another opportunity..." The thought of returning home, tears clouding his vision yet again, was more than Patrick could bear. Thirty minutes later, after enjoying a round of drinks, the group prepared to leave.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHarlee, having consumed five or six beers, was nearly drunk but kept up a composed front. She had driven herself and disliked others handling her car, opting instead to call a rideshare.
Noel made no move to offer her a ride home.
Patrick and Hamilton shared a look before saying, "Noel, aren't you going to drive Harlee home?" While they didn't want Noel replacing Rhys, they were concerned about Harlee traveling alone.
Noel offered a slight smile.
"Harlee prefers to return by herself now."
Harlee echoed his smile, confirming his statement. She indeed favored solitude now and hadn't even e now planned on returning to the Sanderson family estate.
"Noel, you still knowso well," Harlee said, her voice tinged with the warmth of intoxication. Noel returned her smile, his eyes filled with caring.
"Just be safe on your way back, and letknow when you arrive."
It was late, and naturally, Noel was concerned about Harlee heading back alone, but he respected nem wish for solitude. Throughout the evening, she had maintained a guarded demeanor, her smiles shadowed by underlying sorrow.