Nathan knew Ethan was related to William.

He must have inside information.

"I'm not certain, but it's possible," Ethan replied after careful consideration.

noveldrama

He felt a pang of guilt.

Elise had outmaneuvered him recently when he failed William's task.

He wondered how she was doing in Rockville.

She hadn't returned since her departure.

William had been absent too.

Though unclear about the Stuart family's situation, he sensed the tension.

"William was always the brightest among us," Nathan reflected. "The most handsome, with the best academic record. Yet he can't live freely."

He sighed heavily. "Is this the burden of power?"

"Don't trouble yourself with that," Andrew told Nathan. "Men like us, content with simplicity, can't comprehend William's ambitions. Just drink your wine."

Nathan couldn't tolerate Andrew's taunting.

They drank fiercely, both drunk before nine.

Andrew lay motionless on the sofa.

Meanwhile, Nathan was violently ill in the restroom.

Ethan approached him quietly. "Are you alright? Should I take you to the hospital?"

"I'm...fine," Nathan slurred between retches. "Is Andrew drunk?"

"Yes, completely. He's passed out on the sofa."

"That bastard! Thought he could outdrink me," Nathan growled fiercely.

Yet he continued vomiting.

Eventually, he pulled himself up from the toilet.

He stumbled to the sink, splashing water on his face.

"Should I take you home?" Ethan could see Nathan's severe intoxication.

He rarely did live broadcasts.

"No. Taking me to Elizabeth's. Promised her," Nathan mumbled. "Damn Andrew! Getting drunk so early..."

His desperate drinking had been strategic.

He needed Andrew incapacitated to visit Elizabeth.

"Should I call you a cab?"

"Please."

Ethan helped him leave.

Seeing Andrew unconscious on the sofa, he decided to leave him.

The private room was booked; Andrew could leave when he woke.

Outside the bar, Ethan helped Nathan into a taxi.

But Nathan had already lost consciousness, dozing off.

"I'll accompany you," Ethan told the sleeping Nathan.

He worried about Nathan being alone in his condition.

Nathan didn't protest.

Ethan helped him into the taxi, heading toward Elizabeth's neighborhood.

Nathan snored loudly during the ride.

Arriving at the complex, Ethan tried waking him. "Should I call Elizabeth to help you, or can you manage alone?"

Nathan's eyes fluttered open.

Still disoriented, he leaned against the car, vomiting again.

How much had he consumed?

His desperation to see Elizabeth had made him reckless.

After emptying his stomach, he tried composing himself. "I can manage. Not drunk..."

Even as he spoke, he swayed dangerously entering the complex.

Ethan, fearing Nathan would collapse, followed closely.

He supported Nathan, guiding him into the building and elevator.

"Which floor?"

Nathan hadn't pressed any buttons.

Ethan turned to find Nathan asleep again.

"Perhaps I should take you home," Ethan suggested. "You're in no condition to visit Elizabeth. She'd just have to care for you all night."

"No!" The mention of home sobered Nathan momentarily. "Can't break my promise...can't disappoint her..."