However, whether he attends or not generally depends on his own schedule. John Young knew that for someone like Alexander Forest—who is always swamped with work—it wasn't likely for him to make time to travel to a distant Smytheton for his premiere. So, for people like Alexander Forest, sending out an invitation is more about observing certain formalities. As long as the courtesy is extended, that's sufficient.
"It's because you don't have a date," James Black replied to Alexander Forest in an indifferent tone, then took the warm boiled water from the female waitress, deliberately testing the temperature with the back of his hand to make sure it was neither too cool nor too hot, before handing it to Jane Sampson, who was sitting beside him. "Have a drink."
The remark that he didn't have a date hit Alexander Forest like an arrow straight to the heart.
It really hit the mark.
