CHAPTER 16: People Who Can't Afford to Lose, Always Lose

　　My heart sank when I heard Lucas's comment. His words seemed laced with an underlying implication.

　　To be honest, I didn't fully understand what kind of person Lucas was. My impression of him was built entirely on instinct.

　　Seeing my silence, Lucas smirked, leaned forward, and refilled my glass.

　　"Your gratitude depends on how much you can drink."

　　Realizing I had overthought his words, I felt a wave of embarrassment.

　　"Exactly. Saying 'thank you' is too superficial. Show some sincerity—your gratitude is all in the glass," Zachary chimed in, opening a few bottles of beer and placing them in front of me.

　　"I rarely drink. My tolerance is terrible," I stammered, waving my hands in protest.

　　"That was before. This is now," Zachary quipped smoothly. "And you're trying to express gratitude, aren't you?"

　　"I'm serious—I don't drink much. Natalie knows this," I said, throwing a pleading look at my best friend.