In the middle of the crowd, a brown-haired and gray-eyed middle-aged man walks toward them and warmly welcomes Kaizer. 
“Finally, I almost thought you rejected my invitation seeing how you don’t want to attend gatherings like this.” When he saw Lauren beside Kaizer, he curiously asked, “This beautiful young lady is…?” 
Kaizer proudly introduced her, “This is my girlfriend, Lauren.” Then he looked at Lauren to introduce the man. “Lauren, this is Mr. McDaniel, he's the owner of this cruise ship.” 
“It’s nice to meet you, Sir.” The lady politely greets him.
 
The man tapped Kaizer on the shoulder. He was obviously pleased with what he saw.
He jokingly said, “We thought you would never have a girlfriend and end up being a single old man. But it seems you only want to keep your relationship a secret. Looking at this beautiful lady beside you, you must be afraid that another man will take her away from you.” 
“Of course, who wouldn’t be anxious if someone wants to steal your woman? But I wouldn’t let that thing happen.” Kaizer seriously stated. 
Kaizer inevitably felt annoyed because that ‘thing’ could possibly happen. He knew it was possible for Lauren to have another man whom she would love because they didn't really have a relationship.
It's all just a show. Kaizer is annoyed but he can't understand why he feels that way.
He calmed himself. He smiled again and talked to the man.
“It looks like Mrs. McDaniel isn’t here?” 
Lauren sensed something was off with Kaizer. But when she looks at him, it feels like she's wrong. Maybe it was just an effect of being nervous.
“Suzette was here earlier, but she wants to rest early as she’s not feeling well.” 
Mr. McDaniel shifted his attention to Lauren. “I’m looking forward to meeting you in other gatherings. I hope the two of you will come out more often in the future, so his parents won’t feel trouble anymore.” 
Lauren only smiles as she replies to what he said. She doesn’t want to say anything because she might not be able to fulfill them. 
Mr. McDaniel glanced once more at Lauren. She definitely reminded him of someone. 
After their conversation, they walk towards a table where the group of businessmen is. And they continue discussing some business matters. Lauren just kept silent while listening throughout their conversation. 
She no longer intended to leave. Also, the young man didn't seem to want to let go of her hand either. Since earlier, he has not removed the grip on her hand.
 
Lauren just looked around so she would not feel bored.
She also did not participate in their conversation. As much as possible, she does not want to reveal her skills when it comes to business… her knowledge of the things they were talking about.
The entire banquet’s atmosphere was very lively. They really put a lot of thought into this event. 
Only now did she find out that this celebration was for the company's anniversary. It was to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Viridescent Jewels - a Jewelry Company owned by the McDaniels. 
Wherein the party would last for a week. Aside from the VIPs or the ones who are directly invited by the company, the 100 winners from the raffle with their family or friends (since they can invite at least 3 people), can join and enjoy the banquet. 
There were different programs and exciting performances that you can watch. And not far from where they are, was the bar area where you can drink. Who doesn’t want to have a free drink, right? Especially when you can drink expensive liquor. Beside that was a table of food solely for this party. 
After looking around, she shifted her gaze and focused on the man beside her. She only watched and listened to them, but she didn’t feel bored at all.  
In fact, that’s what she didn’t want at the party. She easily felt bored, especially because it was all about business and she just had to keep quiet. But she did not know why at that time it was alright for her to stay there.
“Regarding the bid project that will take place soon…” Mr. McDaniel opens another topic. 
Lauren saw some attendants walking around and holding refreshments. Lauren gets some white wine. If she doesn't drink, for sure her mouth will dry up.
She could only sip a little because Kaizer hastily took away the wine glass from her hand. 
“Wha-- I’m drinking!” she irritatedly whispered to the man but Kaizer ignored her. Instead, he shifted his attention to the man that’s talking. 
“Mr. McDaniel, can we excuse ourselves? It’s not good if I let my girlfriend drink alcohol without eating first, right?” 
He looked at the glass of wine Kaizer was holding. He smiled and nodded before speaking. “Yes yes, of course, you can. Health is much more important. This discussion was about some insignificant matters. I’m glad that you gave us some of your time.” 
“It’s my pleasure. Let’s talk some other time, well then, please excuse us.” 
Kaizer led her to the table in the corner where there were few people nearby. Seeing that they were far from them, Lauren annoyingly withdrew the hand that Kaizer was holding. So the young man was surprised at what she did.
“Are you mad?” Kaizer nervously asked. It’s not his intention to make Lauren upset. 
Lauren looked at him for some minutes. She took a deep breath before answering his question. “What do you think? I am quietly drinking next to you and then you suddenly take my drink. Who would be happy with that?” 
Kaizer laughed at her actions. He thinks that Lauren looks cute even when she’s angry. 
“And you really have the urge to laugh in this situation.” 
“Sorry, but I have to do that - get your glass. It’s not good for your body if you drink alcohol with an empty stomach.” 
Lauren tilted her head and put her hand on her chin. It's as if she finds something suspicious about his actions. 
“Hmm… but why do I feel that you used me so that you can get away from them.” 
“You’re really a clever person. I’m indeed eager to leave the conversation. I even want to leave after showing my face to them, however, I didn’t use you just to do that.” 
“Alright, if you said so.” Lauren stands straight and is about to sit when Kaizer holds his hand. 
“I owe you a favor, but it seems I neglected you earlier. Aside from that, if I let you drink, you will bear the consequence later on. That’s the thing I don’t want to happen.” 
Lauren just fell silent. What else can she do? She could not help but compare the behavior the man showed today, with the behavior she had heard from other people.
‘Don’t believe everything you hear, everything you see, nor everything you read. Because all of it has a different side of the story.' 
The two sat quietly.
There was an awkward silence between them. Fortunately, Jason arrived. He got food for his boss and the lady. Seeing the situation between the two, he bid goodbye and left. He did not know what had happened so he might be involved in their problem if he found out.
“Eat first. After that, you can drink as long as you want. ” The young man's sarcastic remark.
Lauren glared at Kaizer after hearing what he said. Her patience is getting shorter because of the man.
‘His mouth doesn't really have a break. No pause and just say what he wants to say.’ Lauren thought. She just noticed that ever since they were together, all she could feel was pure annoyance and resentment. 
The food was delicious, but the case is… she had lost her appetite because of him. It's stressful!