"Really?" his friend inquired, captivated by the revelation.
Mike tuned in to their conversation, hoping to glean insights into their experiences.
"Yes, really," the guy continued, "I must say it's the best sex I've ever had in my life." Laughter erupted as he took a hearty gulp of his drink.
His friend joined in the laughter, patting him on the shoulder. "I heard it works miracles," he remarked amidst chuckles.
"This is more than miracles," the guy emphasized.
The strangers' praise for the Vitality Elixir only fueled the growing anger within Mike. The elixir, the cause of his current predicament, had not only tarnished his reputation but also led to Mary Kay reprimanding him as incompetent. He drank to numb the shame that clung to him like a shadow, a constant reminder of his perceived failure.