"You won't drink it no matter what, huh?" Anthony asked with a sly smile.

Maria couldn't help but glare at him. Judging from his expression, her secret must have been exposed already.

This was actually the first time that the two of them acted themselves in front of each other.

“What are you insinuating? I'm not afraid to taste something bitter!" Like a guilty child, Maria snapped back.

She raised her voice, trying to tell Anthony that she would do what she wanted. So, if she didn't want to take the cup, he wouldn't be able to make her.

Hearing such an adorable response, the smile on Anthony's face became even bigger.

“Where did that come from? I never implicated that you are afraid of eating or drinking something bitter."

Maria's eyes widened in shock. Only then did she realize that she herself made the unsought confession.

As an orphan, Maria had to go through a tough childhood.

She had been used to hardships at such a young age.

However, her sense of taste had always been very sensitive. Therefore, it made much sense that she didn't like anything bitter.

After all, it would register to her palate at least ten times stronger than it would to ordinary people.

Because of this, Maria couldn't help but tremble slightly at the sight of the cup in Anthony's hand.

“Come on. It's not bitter," Anthony uttered softly as if he was coaxing a child.

Obviously not buying it, Maria stubbornly shook her head.

Based on her experience, all kinds of dark-colored liquid medicines must taste bitter and disgusting.

“Fine. How about I take a sip first? That will prove that I'm not lying."

Anthony was willing to make a compromise, but Maria's brows just raised. She didn't believe that he would do it for her.

With a helpless smile, Anthony drank a few mouthfuls from the cup. While he was doing this, Maria had been staring intently at his face. She was good at reading subtle facial expressions that she would instantly know if Anthony was just putting on an act.

Even the slightest frown would indicate that the tonic tasted dreadful. However, his brows remained very calm.