Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 775

Her mentor had drilled it into her head early on: alcohol dulled the senses. In high-stakes situations, an impaired mind could give an opponent the exact opening they needed to destroy you.

Therefore, unless she was in an absolutely secure environment, she avoided drinking entirely.

"I'm taking a page out of the boss's book. I'm not wasting my time on this stuff either."

Zachary shot a sideways glance at Cedric. So what if you know how to swirl a glass?

His defiant expression drew a genuine laugh from Mira.

"It's a personal preference. There's no need to force yourself to adopt a habit just because everyone else is doing it."

"Exactly."

Zachary shot another pointed glare at Cedric.

"Enjoy your little victory."

Cedric scoffed with a grin, shaking his head before walking off to check out the other side of the room.

In reality, having grown up as an elite heiress, Mira was well-versed in the intricacies of high-end wine from years of attending banquets.

She understood it perfectly; she just didn't feel the need to show off.

"Mira, you really shouldn't be wasting your breath discussing hobbies with them. You should be agonizing over tonight's main event—the future of your financial firm."

The jarring, arrogant voice cut right through their relaxed conversation.

The group looked up to see Seraphina strutting toward them, flanked by her usual entourage of socialites.

"Sera, you clearly don't understand how this works. There's a saying: 'If you have a clear conscience, you don't flinch at shadows in the night.'

As long as our business practices are flawless, we don't care what kind of monsters try to crawl out of the woodwork to attack us."

"You—!"

Seraphina sputtered, instantly enraged again.

"Hahaha, Miss Mercer makes an excellent point."

Mira turned toward the deep chuckle and saw a tall, impeccably dressed man with strikingly handsome, refined features stepping into view.

He looked vaguely familiar to her, but she couldn't immediately place him.

"Wow, he's gorgeous."

Jillian whispered, completely starstruck. The other classmates were equally captivated, openly staring at the handsome newcomer. Even Seraphina stood frozen, visibly dazzled.

A short distance away, Owen had been smoothly networking, but his gaze hadn't strayed far from Mira. Harvey was right beside him, easily backing him up in the business chatter.

The moment the man approached Mira, Owen immediately excused himself. "My apologies, gentlemen, a guest has arrived."

"You look like you're well into your thirties to me."

"And you think he's far from thirty? Unbelievable."

Hank jabbed an accusatory finger at Owen.

Hmm, actually, she had a point.

Owen was twenty-eight. Being only two years shy of thirty meant the gap wasn't exactly massive.

"I still haven't crossed thirty. You, on the other hand, are well past it."

Owen remarked with a devastating smirk.

Hank gritted his teeth, speechless.

Meanwhile, Seraphina and her clique stood off to the side, burning with overwhelming curiosity and vicious jealousy.

When did Mira start associating with men like this?

This Mr. Whitlock possessed an aura of undeniable, commanding power.

Harvey and his group were already completely immune to Mira's high-level social orbit. They simply stood nearby, observing in silence.

Mira offered a polite smile. "My apologies. I clearly misjudged, and my memory hasn't been the sharpest lately."