After a few drinks, Carla's cheeks were flushed.
Lucas poured her another glass of wine.
"I can't drink too much tonight—"
"Carla!"
Before she could refuse the drink, Lisa came over to toast her.
At once, Carla rose to her feet. "Lady Lisa, I should've been the one to toast you at your table."
"We're a family; no need for the formalities." The corners of the duchess' lips quirked into a smile as she said sincerely, "I hope that the kids can have a happy and healthy childhood and that you and Lucas will be blissful together. That's all."
Guilt crept up Carla's heart at her words. After all, Lisa adored her children greatly.
The duchess had always prioritized the kids no matter what, so she was grateful for her help, regardless of the grudges she harbored toward the older woman.
"Cheers!"
"Thanks, Mom."
The three of them downed their glasses.
Lisa patted Carla's shoulder affectionately and reminded her. "Don't drink too much. We still need to watch the show."
"Yes, Lady Lisa."
Carla was about to sit down when she accidentally bumped into the table.
Lucas went over to support her hastily, showering her with concern.
Marianne, who waited on them at the side, watched their entire exchange. Her eyes betrayed her mixed feelings.
"Lucas, take good care of Carla, " Lisa told her son. "I shall keep the kids company."
"Yes, Mom." Lucas' gaze never left Carla. "Do you want some water, Carla?"
"Sure." Carla bobbed her head.
With that, he promptly ordered someone to get a glass of water for her.
Soon, Marianne arrived with two glasses of purified water. She handed one to Carla.
"Wait, " Freda piped up suddenly, "give it to Sir Lucas. He must be thirsty too."
Marianne stiffened at her words.
Without waiting for a reply, Freda grabbed the glass from her and offered it to Lucas. She then gave the other glass to Carla.
Frowning, Marianne stared at Lucas as if hesitating to speak.
"Ms. Marianne, you're blocking our view, " Freda uttered deliberately.
"Sorry about that." Marianne hung her head low as she shuffled away reluctantly.
Lucas paid no heed to her and drank the glass of water without hesitation.
Carla, on the other hand, did not touch the glass of water Marianne brought. That was because Freda had already exchanged it with a new glass of water secretly.
She was quick enough not to be caught by others.
When Lisa looked over her shoulders, she saw Carla and Lucas drinking water, and a strange smile hovered on her lips.
After a series of opening shows, it was finally time for the mysterious magician's performance.
The children whooped excitedly and inched nearer to the stage for a better view.
Both Randy and Venus could not keep their eyes off the magician on the stage.
"Carla, have some fruit, " Lucas offered.
He was still being really considerate.
"Thank you." Carla accepted the fruit. Weirdly, the wine she drank tonight seemed a little strong, for she felt tipsy after drinking only a few glasses.
"Sir Lucas, Ms. Lierger." A maid arrived with an order from Lisa. "Lady Lisa wants you two to toast Dr. Feroma."
"Oh, yes. I nearly forgot about him."
Lucas scrambled to his feet with his wineglass, not forgetting to help Carla up.
The maid refilled half of Carla's glass.
Carla then followed Lucas to give Dr. Feroma a toast.
Dr. Feroma had a great night and was a little intoxicated by then.
He was drinking the liquor he brought from C Nation as he was not fond of foreign liquors.
Both Carla and Lucas came to him and raised their glasses. "Dr. Feroma!"
The doctor rose to his feet. "No need with the formalities. We're friends, right?"
"I have to." Carla was brimming with gratitude. "You were living in seclusion on the mountains and had a peaceful life until I came to you. It's all because of me that you have to travel from Aymo City to Erihal before coming to F Nation. Thank you for helping me!"
"Silly girl, that's nothing." Dr. Feroma smiled. "I owe your father a favor, so I'm merely repaying it now. Besides, it's fun to travel around the world with you!"
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