Chapter 209

Renee inwardly cursed Carl's shamelessness, but when she saw the blood on his hand, she hesitated for a moment.

In that brief second of distraction, the man before her suddenly leaned toward her.

Instinctively, she reached out to support him, catching a strong whiff of alcohol.

"Uncle Carl, are you crazy? You're drinking while injured?"

"Mm. Wasn't feeling great, so I had a bit."

His chin rested on Renee's forehead, his voice low and tired.

Renee felt the heat from his forehead and wavered internally, but reason won out over sympathy.

She pushed against his chest. "Uncle, you're drunk. Let me call Jackson to take you home."

"He left."

"Then I'll call Annie. She'll take good care of you."

Renee avoided his gaze, stepping back to create distance between them.

Carl leaned against the doorframe, looking down at her with a neutral expression.

"That's very thoughtful of you."

Renee caught his sarcasm and bit her lip. "Thank you for the compliment, Uncle Carl. I'll make that call