The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 1025

It was a complicated mix of eager anticipation and nerve-wracking tension.

By nine-thirty, the dinner wrapped up, but a few coworkers suggested keeping the party going at a club.

The majority of the group was totally on board, loudly debating which spot to hit. Katrina had zero interest in going, so she quickly formulated an excuse. "You guys go have fun. I really want to head to the hospital to see my mom. I've been so swamped lately that I haven't had time to just sit with her."

Her colleagues all knew her mother was battling terminal cancer, so they didn't pressure her. The loud, rowdy group waved goodbye and headed out.

As Katrina walked down the stairs, she shot Naylor a text.

*Are you done on your end? If you're busy, I can just grab a ride back myself.*

*I'm not drunk, and it's still early. I'll be perfectly safe.*

She sent the two messages and waited. Five, then six minutes passed with no reply.

Just as she was starting to get frustrated, her phone rang. But it wasn't Naylor—it was his assistant.

"Ms. Lester, Mr. Wilson accidentally dropped his phone, and it won't turn on. Are you finished with your dinner?"

Katrina replied, "Yes, we just wrapped up. I'm actually downstairs right outside the entrance."

"Oh, great. Mr. Wilson had a bit too much to drink, so I'm having someone help get him to the car. Just hang tight by the doors, and we'll pull around to pick you up."

Hearing that Naylor was so drunk he needed physical help just to walk made Katrina's chest tighten with worry.

Before she could say anything else, she heard muffled voices on the other end, and the call disconnected.

Katrina had no choice but to wait by the entrance.

About five minutes later, Naylor's luxury sedan pulled up from the underground parking garage.

As Katrina walked down the steps, the assistant opened the back door for her.

"Ms. Lester, would you mind sitting in the back and keeping an eye on Mr. Wilson?" the assistant asked politely.

Katrina couldn't exactly say no.

The second she slid into the backseat, the heavy stench of alcohol hit her. It completely overpowered whatever faint smell of wine lingered on her own clothes.

She turned to look at him. The "drunk" man was clearly awake, but the smile on his face was hazy, and his eyes had a glazed, unfocused look to them.

"Have you been waiting long?" Naylor asked.

"No, I just got down here a few minutes ago," Katrina replied.

The car pulled smoothly away from the curb and merged into traffic.

As the vehicle swayed gently with the turns, the two of them in the back seat naturally shifted closer together.

Katrina's hand accidentally brushed against Naylor's leg.

Feeling incredibly awkward, she discreetly tried to pull her hand back.

Naylor's eyes narrowed slightly, catching her subtle movement.

"How much did you drink tonight?" Naylor asked, initiating the conversation.

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