Candice immediately stood up with a smile and picked up the wine glass. “Our president has a cold and can’t drink. I’ll drink it for him.”
Just as the glass was about to touch her lips, a slender, fair hand took it from hers. “No need. Sit down,” came a voice that was calm but somehow carried a hint of protectiveness.
Charlie returned the glass to the table.
The private room instantly fell silent.
Kyle looked like he was about to crush his own glass.
Everyone else’s expressions varied—some were intrigued, some frowned slightly, others pretended not to notice.
Candice felt a little dazed.
She sat down obediently, still unsure what to make of Charlie’s actions. But surely he had his reasons. She just needed to go along.
“The president really knows how to dote on a beauty,” Morton jok
