Chapter 97

Racquelle stood with her hands on her hips, looking every bit the shrew, glaring at me as if I'd committed some grave offense. Vernon swirled his wine glass, smirking. "Joshua, I'll let you off the hook if you finish that tower of alcohol. Then we'll consider this matter settled." He gestured toward the alcohol tower, his arrogance practically oozing. It was clear he believed he had me completely at his mercy. After giving Racquelle too much of my blood and fainting multiple times, even needing hospital visits, the doctor had advised me to avoid alcohol and spicy or stimulating foods. Even my diet had since become painfully bland. Now, Vernon was deliberately making things difficult, forcing me to drink. When I hesitated, Racquelle's face twisted in scorn. She looked me up and down, mocking, "What's wrong? Don't want to drink? Joshua, do you think you have the right to refuse? If you don't drink, you can get out of the Smith family right now. The Smith Group doesn't need a useles