Sophie Sullivan's waterfall-like long hair completely hid her side profile from view.
Standing in front of Thomas Shannon, Sophie had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze directly. Thomas Shannon held her chin in one hand, his lips curling slightly.
He raised his other hand, and a black-clothed bodyguard handed him a ruby-studded half-mask.
The man's slender, pale fingers brushed aside her hair and put the mask on her.
A true beauty, whose looks could topple nations.
A satisfied smile touched Thomas Shannon's lips. His towering figure moved past her, and he walked directly towards the handsome man on the sofa.
"Is that your first woman?"
Thomas Shannon lifted his long leg and kicked out. "Shut your mouth."
William Guillen shook his head and chuckled, half-raising his goblet. Slightly tipsy, he said, "It's simple to make me shut up. Just bring out all the fine wine from your wine cellar."
Charlie River bent down, poured a glass of wine, and slid it in front of Thomas Shannon.
Thomas Shannon inhaled the intoxicating wine fragrance. "Charlie, send the batch of wine I brought back to Coopers Manor."
"Yes, Young Master."
William Guillen's eyes flickered with curiosity as he turned his head to look at Sophie, who stood to the side wearing the masquerade mask.
Once he saw her smooth, flawless half-face, he instantly understood why his friend had suddenly become so generous.
Both Thomas Shannon and William Guillen had a hobby of collecting fine wines. Whenever they found good wine, they would gather and store it in their wine cellars.
The cost of a single batch of wine was astronomical.
Sophie, her eyes slightly glazed, stared at William Guillen unflinchingly, without a trace of fear.
Dressed in a maid outfit, she showed none of a maid's expected demeanor or deference.
Interesting, really interesting.
William Guillen withdrew his gaze, looking at his friend teasingly. "Is it because of her?"
Thomas Shannon scoffed. "You overestimate her."
"Keeping a madman by your side, aren't you worried?"
Thomas Shannon glanced at Sophie indifferently. "She wouldn't dare," he stated bluntly.
"That's not certain. After all, a madman is capable of anything."
Thomas Shannon chuckled lightly, noncommittal.
Sophie remained standing to the side. Unless Thomas Shannon called for her, she couldn't go anywhere.
Sophie listened as the two men's conversation gradually shifted to work-related topics.
However, they only touched upon it briefly and didn't discuss it in depth.
Sophie couldn't help but wonder who exactly Thomas Shannon was.
"Maniac, come pour the wine," Thomas Shannon commanded coldly.
Sophie took a few steps forward and leaned over to pour the wine.
Just as she picked up the wine decanter, her wrist was suddenly seized.
"Haven't you learned any manners?"
Sophie lifted her head in surprise, her glazed eyes meeting Thomas Shannon's sharp, deep ones.
The man's sexy lips curved into a slight smile. "Come into my embrace."
William Guillen scoffed. "Thomas, you still have such twisted tastes."
"'This is called amusement, understand?" Thomas Shannon said dismissively. With a flick of his wrist, Sophie's body was suddenly pulled into his embrace.
Is this amusement? Sophie only felt it was disrespectful to women. Besides, she probably wasn't the kind of woman Thomas Shannon would respect.
Sophie picked up the wine decanter. Just as she was about to pour the wine, she felt the man's hot breath on her neck.
The searing heat of his breath easily made her uncomfortable.
"Young Master, I can't pour the wine like this."
"Then find a way yourself."
Sophie gritted her teeth. Rascal!
She leaned forward, poured wine into his glass, and only then looked at the man opposite them—a man with a refined demeanor and handsome features.