She lifted her glass and, without hesitation, downed her drink in one go.

Keanu said nothing. His face remained impassive. Rosie quickly poured herself another glass.

She added, "I hope you can be forgive me and not hold a grudge against me."

Keanu's eyes narrowed slightly. Just two days ago, Corrine had told him how she and Tilda had run into Rita again-how they had confronted her. Rosie and Rita were close. Did she know about that?

Keanu finally spoke, his voice low and even. "Did you know that my girlfriend disrupted Rita's plans again?"

Rosie's eyes shifted subtly upon hearing Keanu's question. "I'm aware."

"And knowing that, will you stand up for Rita?" Keanu asked.

Rosie answered firmly, "I will always stand up for Rita. However, we should keep the issues separate. You had nothing to do with that, and my apology today is because I wrongly accused you the other day. I flatter myself on being fair and just. Your relationship with Corrine won't color my judgment of you."

When Keanu heard this, he looked at her again, his view of her shifting just a little for the better.

He had been uncomfortable since Corrine mentioned disrupting Rita's plans two days earlier. He felt Corrine was being excessive.

Rita, after all, hadn't stepped out of line. Corrine's actions seemed to leave Rita no choice.

Keanu considered himself a reasonable person.

If he were in Rita's position, searching for opportunities only to cross paths with someone as arrogant and overbearing as Corrine— someone willing to sabotage a future over a personal grudge—he knew he wouldn't take it Lightly either.

With these thoughts in mind, Keanu decided not to make things difficult for Rosie. He lifted his glass, touched it to hers, and finished his drink in one gulp.

Rosie nodded in approval. "I'm glad you forgive me. You are such a nice man."

With a soft smile, Keanu responded, "I strive to keep professional and personal issues distinct-work is work, and personal grievances should not interfere." Rosie topped off his glass, her smile widening.

The table buzzed with energy as the drinking and conversation carried on. Laughter rang out as the group indulged in food, drinks, and lively chatter, the atmosphere brimming with excitement.

During another toast to Keanu, Rosie took the opportunity to pour him more wine.

But as she did, her grip faltered, and the glass tumbled, shattering on the floor.

Quickly apologizing, Rosie said, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Wright! I'll fetch another glass right away."

Rosie hurried off to get a replacement, soon returning to the room to replenish Keanu's drink.

Keanu, unbothered, resumed his meal and engaged with the group as before.

Rosie reclined in her seat, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Keanu soon began to sense something wrong.