Chapter 176: Why So Nervous? I Was Just kidding.
Martina seemed oblivious to Amy's panic. "Why are you so nervous? I was just kidding."
However, with those words spoken, Amy dared not take a sip of the wine. Especially after recalling Martina's suspicious actions earlier, it became even harder to accept.
Could it be that Martina had actually poisoned the wine? Furthermore, ruling out her capability for such an act wasn't a given. Was there a hidden agenda at play here?
The more Amy thought, the more anxious she became. Even her gaze upon Martina grew increasingly unsettled. What should she do?
In this situation, how could she maintain her dignity, reject Martina, and prevent any potential mischief?
Martina saw through Amy's thoughts with a single glance. In fact, from the very beginning, she knew that Amy wasn't an exceptionally challenging adversary.
Amy might have been spoiled since childhood, rendering her unfamiliar with genuine schemes and tricks. Instead, she was more prone to falling victim to others' manipulations.
If Martina hadn't cared so much about Benjamin before and didn't want to stoop to their level, how could Amy have had the chance to bully her?
But now, Martina had changed, making the events of the past even more unlikely to repeat.
Everyone was curiously watching this scene, wondering what was going through Amy's mind right now.
Could she really be intimidated by Martina? Martina wasn't even a part of their circle. What could be so frightening about her?
Currently, only Elena understood the situation clearly. The interactions between the two were driven by Amy's guilt, leading to all her suspicions.
"Martina, what exactly are you trying to do? Can't you just say something?" At this moment, she couldn't contain her frustration any longer and shouted, disregarding her status as a young lady of the Paloma family. She didn't receive a clear response from Martina, and her anxiety was building up.
However, Amy's sudden outburst startled everyone. Many turned their gaze towards her, seemingly more interested in the drama than their meals.
"What's gotten into you, Miss Paloma? Is there something different about that Miss Martinez? Why did you suddenly shout at her?" someone asked with concern.
There were also some people were just gossiping and watching, not afraid of stirring things up. While it was true that the Paloma family was not to be trifled with, if it was just Amy alone, it didn't really matter. After all, as long as they didn't overtly offend her, they could still enjoy the show without any problems.
Amy didn't know how to counter what was said, feeling like everything she could say would be wrong. This was the first time she had ever been embarrassed in front of so many people, making it seem like she was genuinely scared of Martina.
"So, are you really timid? If you're, you don't have to drink. But if I happen to have a bit too much later and accidentally say something I shouldn't, don't blame me." In this situation, Martina deliberately provoked Amy. Everything was planned, but others didn't know that.
That was a blatant threat. Yet, Amy had no choice but to swallow her dissatisfaction, forcefully downing the glass of wine. "Miss Martinez, you shouldn't put it that way. I was just taken aback by what you said earlier, but I'm not disrespecting you."
This time, Martina didn't say anything. Instead, Elena picked up the conversation, "Since you're not being disrespectful, how about the two of us have a drink?"
Elena casually crossed her legs, appearing to be the most at ease among the present crowd.
She didn't care about anyone and had an air of indifference that was hard to ignore. "Miss Paloma, you had a drink with my best friend. If you don't have one with me, wouldn't that be disrespectful? And if you're disrespectful to me, be careful that I have my best friend reveal something that might silence you."
Once again, this brief statement led Amy to pick up the nearby glass and pour herself a full one, downing it in a single gulp.
She couldn't understand when she had become so cornered like this. And it was all because of Martina's presence! Her irritation towards Martina had reached its boiling point, as if she might explode in the next second, ready to snap.
Martina and Elena took turns pouring wine for Amy. Before long, Amy started to feel overwhelmed by the wine.
Others naturally couldn't intervene, especially since Martina didn't give them a chance. What was wrong with a little drink between girls? Nothing at all!
It was the two women beside Amy who seemed a bit unable to handle it. They were muttering some sarcastic remarks, "Why are you two acting like this? Are you trying to bully Miss Paloma? I've never seen people like you before."
Elena slammed her bag onto the table with a muffled thud. "So what? You can't take it, huh? If you can't, then drink for her."
After a few rounds of drinks, Amy couldn't hold on any longer and excused herself to the restroom, needing a break.
If she continued drinking like this, she couldn't guarantee that her body wouldn't react negatively. While her health had indeed improved significantly and she hadn't fallen sick in a long time, it was still not appropriate to keep going like this.
Amy spent quite a while inside, and she even took out her phone to send a message to someone. After about ten minutes or so, she finally tidied herself up and walked out.
However—
Just as Amy had stepped out of the restroom, she noticed two people waiting in the outside washing area. Her pupils contracted, for the two people were no strangers; they were Martina and Elena. It was obvious that they had come intentionally.
Amy instinctively pressed herself against the wall, warily eyeing the two. "What are you doing here? What exactly do you want?"
With a smirk, Elena acted as if they were all friends. In reality, it was just a subtle form of mockery. "Miss Paloma, I never thought you'd have a day like this. It must be tough for you."
Amy retorted, "Rodríguez! I know what's on your mind! But if you dare to do anything to me, my family won't spare you!"
In Amy's perspective, Martina's greatest reliance at the moment was undoubtedly Elena. But what if Elena was not Martina's reliance anymore? Would that mean Martina couldn't be relied upon anymore?