With a cigarette held between his fingers, Dudley wore a knowing smile as he remarked, “Waylen, that shall suffice."

Waylen gently enveloped Rena's shoulder with his arm, dismissing any resistance she harbored.

A gentle smile adorned his face as he said, "I've come to collect Rena.

My heart went out to her when I witnessed her vomiting in the restroom.”

Subsequently, he delicately placed the glass on the surface.

“Mr. Medina, what course of action do you believe is appropriate?"

Roderick Medina, typically brimming with arrogance, now found himself unable to utter a word and no one dared to aid him.

Waylen's disposition soured, dissuading anyone from incurring his displeasure.

After an extended silence, Rena reached for the glass of wine and swiftly consumed its contents in one gulp.

Upon finishing, she bestowed a smile upon Roderick and uttered, “Mr.

Medina, let us become friends."

Roderick stood flabbergasted.

Then his eyes reddened. No matter what he did minutes ago, he would have risked offending Waylen. He never expected Rena to come to his aid.

Promptly, he rose to his feet and poured himself wine.

He proceeded to down three consecutive glasses.

Turning to Paisley, he declared, “Miss Gordon is a remarkable partner.

I shall definitely invest in your studio."

Paisley felt joyous but remained apprehensive for Rena's well-being!

Evidently, Rena disregarded Waylen completely. Roderick imbibed three glasses of wine, and she, too, consumed three.

In her intoxicated state, Rena surmised that she simply didn't want to face Waylen while she was still sober.

She shielded her eyes, taking her place within the car.

Her heart throbbed with pain.