Ivana stared at the waiter's leaving back, his words still ringing in her mind.
She looked down at the goblet in her hand.
There was a reddish liquid inside—thick, not watery like regular wine.
It had a peculiar smell and smelt nothing like grapes.
She frowned, bringing the goblet to her nose.
When she inhaled, she almost retched and instantly covered her nose with her hand, staring at the goblet in disbelief.
If she didn't know better, she would say the wine smelled like… blood.
"Don't drink that," she heard and turned to see Ryan walking toward her in haste.
The fanfare sounded and his presence was announced, but he didn't spare anyone a glance.
He walked straight up to her.
Ivana saw the crowd's reaction—people wanting to greet him but shocked by his stride.
When he reached her, he took the goblet from her.
"This is not for you."
"I…" Ivana tried to speak but couldn't find the words.
