With the immediate crisis averted, Ava found herself relaxing into the gala atmosphere. Liam, ever the attentive host, introduced her to more fascinating people, each encounter sparking her curiosity and fueling her ambition. She felt a thrill course through her as she discussed game mechanics with a renowned developer, and her heart swelled with pride when a seasoned investor expressed genuine interest in their project.Suddenly, Sarah materialized beside her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Come on, Ava," she whispered, grabbing her hand. "I'm starving. Let's hit the buffet before all the good stuff is gone."Ava laughed, allowing herself to be pulled along. "Sarah, you're always starving!"Sarah grinned. "A girl's gotta keep her energy up, especially with all these stuffy businessmen around."The buffet table was a sight to behold, laden with an extravagant array of delicacies. There were platters of glistening seafood, succulent roast meats, and an endless variety of colorful salads and exotic cheeses. Ava's mouth watered as she surveyed the spread.Sarah, ever mindful of Ava's low alcohol tolerance, steered her towards the safer options. "Careful with those," she warned, pointing to a selection of creamy dips. "They might have some sneaky alcohol in them."Ava nodded, appreciating Sarah's concern. But as Sarah got caught up in a conversation with a persistent businessman who had been hounding Liam for weeks, Ava's attention drifted. Her gaze fell upon a particularly enticing drink – a shimmering pink concoction with a delicate sparkle that seemed to beckon her closer.Unsure whether it contained alcohol, Ava cautiously brought the glass to her nose. A delightful fruity aroma wafted up, hinting at sweet berries and exotic fruits. Surely, something that smelled so innocent couldn't be alcoholic, could it?Convinced it was a harmless fruit punch, Ava took a sip. The taste was even more delightful than the smell, a refreshing blend of sweetness and tanginess. She quickly finished the glass and, still feeling thirsty, helped herself to two more.A warm sensation spread through her, a pleasant lightness that made her giggle at Sarah's exasperated attempts to dissuade the persistent businessman. The world seemed to take on a rosy hue, and Ava found herself smiling at everyone and everything.When Sarah finally extricated herself from the conversation, she found Ava in a state of bubbly euphoria. "Ava! What did you eat?" she asked, her eyes widening in alarm as she noticed Ava's uncharacteristic giddiness.Ava, her smile wider than usual, pointed to the empty glasses and the pink pitcher. Sarah facepalmed. "Oh, Ava..." she muttered, instantly regretting leaving her unattended. She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Liam's number.Meanwhile, Ava's giggles escalated into full-blown laughter. She found everything hilarious – the way a waiter was balancing a tray of champagne flutes, the elaborate floral arrangements, even the serious expressions on the faces of the businessmen discussing mergers and acquisitions.Liam arrived just as Ava's laughter reached a crescendo. He took one look at her flushed cheeks, sparkling eyes, and unrestrained mirth, and instantly knew what had happened. He swiftly scooped her up into his arms, ignoring her surprised squeal and the curious stares of nearby guests."Liam!" Ava giggled, her arms circling his neck. "You're so tall!"Liam, his worry battling with amusement, navigated through the crowd, his focus on getting Ava out of the gala before her condition attracted unwanted attention. He managed to reach the car without incident, gently placing Ava in the back seat. As he moved to get into the driver's seat, Ava reached out and pulled him in beside her."Stay with me," she mumbled, her voice slurred but insistent.Liam, realizing there was no time to argue, sighed and settled in next to her. He gave Sarah a pointed look. "Drive, Sarah. And try to be quick about it."Sarah, suppressing a grin, slid behind the wheel and started the car, leaving the glittering world of the gala behind. As they drove off into the night, Liam couldn't help but smile at Ava's antics, her drunken laughter filling the car with an unexpected joy. He knew he had a lot to deal with when they got home, but for now, he was content to simply be with her, enjoying the unexpected turn of events.