After a pause, Mekhi pressed, âHowâs everything going? You must succeed tonight.
Failure is not an option, got it?â
âConsider it done,â Kyson assured.
Pleased with the response, Mekhi smiled.
With a warm smile, Mekhi took the stage, signaling the start of the dinner.
Lucinda went downstairs with Sally, who was beautifully dressed.
Guests settled into their seats, and they all looked sophisticated.
Mekhi opened with some friendly remarks.
Beside him, Kyson stood silently, projecting a supportive brotherly presence.
For this formal event, Kyson had shaved off his beard.
He appeared notably younger.
Although he looked worn, he was still as attractive as before under the dim light.
Following his speech, Mekhi told Kyson to propose a toast to the guests.
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Naturally, Nathan, the most influential man in Cadiered, was the first to be honored.
Kyson approached Nathan slowly, with Mekhi silently accompanying him.
He now resembled a supportive brother to Kyson.
âNathan, thereâs been some tension and bad blood between us.
I regret my actions, and I offer this toast as an apology.
Letâs move past it.
Please forgive me and drink this wine,â Kyson said, wearing a smile.
He took a bottle and an empty glass and filled it with wine for Nathan.
As Kyson poured the wine, he discreetly added an unknown white powder into the deep red wine.
Behind him, Mekhi observed everything and felt very relieved.
âCome on, Nathan, have this wine and letâs put the past behind us,â Kyson urged.
Nathan remained silent, ignoring Kyson totally.
Turning to Lucinda, Kyson sighed.
âHe wonât accept my apology.
Iâve heard he only listens to you.
Can you help for the sake of our years-long friendship?â
Lucinda played the role of peacemaker.
She then turned to Nathan and said, âHoney, itâs just a glass of wine.
It doesnât mean anything.
But if you donât drink it, he canât go on with his toasting tonight.
Drink it, or you can just drink half, and Iâll take the rest.
â
Nathan had to reluctantly agree to it.
Kyson bowed respectfully and handed him the glass of wine.
Lucinda collected the drink glass before Nathan could and drank half as they had agreed.