"I'm not sure if I’m drunk." He rubbed his aching temple with his slender fingers.

How he wished he was drunk! If he were drunk, he would not remember anything that happened tonight the next day.

"It looks like you had one too many a glass," said Avery. "Go lie down. I'll get Mrs. Scarlet to make you a bowl of hangover soup. Drink it before going to sleep."

He agreed to her request and ended the call.

About half an hour later, Mrs. Scarlet came up with a bowl of sour plum soup.

Elliot was lying in bed, and he was still wearing the same clothes. His eyes were shut. Only one bedside lamp was turned on in the room, and it was quite dim.

Mrs. Scarlet was not sure if he was asleep, so she stood by the door of the room.

Then she heard his deep voice, "Come in."

He opened his eyes and sat up.

Mrs. Scarlet served the sour plum soup. Inadvertently, she caught a glimpse of dark red blood on his palm.

"Sir, your hand is bleeding!" Mrs. Scarlet was shocked.

"I'm fine." He took a sip o