FULL NOVELXO Chapter 172
Chapter 172
In the distance, Brian and Evelyn walked up to Igor.
Brian took the initiative to clink glasses with him. Many people saw it happen, including the Shaw family. They began to regard Igor more favorably.
Igor felt especially proud as he raised his glass to meet Brian's.
The crisp sound of their glasses tapping rang out. In that instant, the entire room fell silent, and
everyone's attention landed on Igor.
Not far away, Ariana's lips curved slightly.
Igor apparently had no idea how serious this was. He downed his champagne in one gulp.
Gwen also didn't notice anything amiss. Only Evelyn looked visibly uncomfortable.
Brian held his champagne without drinking it. His eyes darkened.
Selena gaped. "Is Igor out of his mind? Who does he think he is? Does he not realize he has to show respect if he wants to stay in this circle?"
During that brief moment of clinking glasses, Igor had taken the lead. He lifted his glass higher than Brian's. That was a huge taboo in these social circles.
Who was Brian, and who was Igor? How dare Igor act so high and mighty, especially when Brian had already taken the lead in offering a toast?
It was practically begging for trouble.
The room was so still one could hear a pin drop. Everyone was watching Brian's reaction.
Over the years, not a single person had ever dared lift their glass higher than Brian's. Even William, who was forever at odds with Brian, only ever raised his glass to the same level.
Yet, Igor did this so openly. It was far too arrogant.
"Mr. Lodge, thanks!" Igor spoke shamelessly, as though Brian's gesture had been a favor.
Ariana's eyes were filled with amusement.
Gwen, once a club girl, had never understood these social rules. Igor, being a spoiled troublemaker, had never bothered learning drinking etiquette.
Most people in their age group would know these rules, but Igor didn't have a clue.
No one present would believe he did it out of ignorance. They would think he was being provocative on purpose. That would certainly include Brian.
"Your son is quite bold," Brian said in a flat tone, but he didn't take a single sip of champagne.
Evelyn's expression turned even more unpleasant. She was the one who suggested Brian give a toast to Igor. She only wanted to make Ariana feel awkward, but she never thought Igor would ignore basic etiquette.
"Mr. Lodge, what... What's wrong?" Gwen was at a loss when she saw Brian's face turn cold as he walked off.
Evelyn frowned. "Igor, you're way too arrogant. Don't you even know to lower your glass during a toast?" With that, she hurried after Brian, worried he might think she'd embarrassed him on purpose.
Chapter 172
"Well..."
Gwen and Igor were clueless about what they had done wrong. Why did the height of the glass even matter?
Igor sneered. "Who cares if he looks down on me? What's with that condescending attitude?" He had never liked how smug Brian seemed.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Gwen worried others would overhear. She hurried after Brian, fearing her son might have offended him. Nearby, the Shaw family noticed that, even though Igor looked decent, he was nothing more than a shallow show-off. Their scorn was even more obvious now.
Chapter 173