Chapter 36
"She's pretty tight with Chloe Garcia," Ella whispered, glancing at the woman next to Mandy. "Chloe's the granddaughter of Alexander Garcia, the former head of the Unity Republic. Having her as a friend means you've got some serious connections."
Rachel hadn't been out much before, and she didn't know many people in the business world, or anywhere else for that matter. No wonder Mandy's attitude had changed. Next to someone like Chloe, Mandy's family background was nothing.
"So, you're Mr. Smith's ex-wife?" Chloe eyed Rachel with disdain. "Since we bumped into each other, how about a few rounds of bridge? Ms. Williams, care to join us?"
Rachel had no interest in dealing with Mandy, let alone playing cards. But after years with the Smith Family, she had learned to read people well. Chloe's demeanor screamed trouble.
"Sure, we can play. The person we're waiting for won't be here until ten," Rachel replied. She didn't want to provoke Chloe unnecessarily. "But I'm not very good at bridge. Hope that's okay."
Chloe smiled and sauntered away first.
"No worries, it's just to pass the time," Mandy smirked once Chloe was out of earshot. "If you really struggle, I can help out."
Stories were circulating about Rachel losing a small fortune to George from Wisdom-Tech Group last time. According to a waiter, Rachel's bridge skills were laughably bad. Mandy saw tonight as her chance to get even for earlier humiliation at the watch store.
Rachel smiled, "Thank you, Miss Brown."
Ella followed Rachel to the private room and whispered, "Ms. Williams, are you really that bad at bridge? Maybe you shouldn't play. I can see she is very hostile toward you. What if she sets you up?"
"She was setting me up the moment we met," Rachel said. "Chloe is clearly protecting her. Even if she sets me up later, I have to go along with it."
Ella sighed, "You're in a tough spot."
They settled into their seats at the bridge table. The game started, and it was immediately clear Rachel was outmatched. Ella, less familiar with the game, had Googled the rules but found it painful to watch Rachel's performance. Mandy was practically glowing with satisfaction.
"Ms. Williams, do you have a 'Mic' tattoo on your waist?" Mandy quipped suddenly, eyeing Rachel. "Does it stand for Michael?"
Rachel played her card in silence.
Mandy continued, staring intently at Rachel, "Divorced from Michael but still bearing his name. It makes me uncomfortable. How about a bet? If you lose, I'll get a tattoo artist here to remove it on the spot."
Ella couldn't help but speak up, "Miss Brown, that's too much. Ms. Williams has the freedom to tattoo whatever she wants on her body. You're clearly bullying her by using this as a bet when she's not good at bridge."
"Ms. Williams hasn't objected. Who are you to speak?" Chloe snarled. "Keep quiet!"
Ella's face turned red with anger, and she wanted to say more, but Rachel stopped her. "I accept," Rachel said with a calm and gentle smile. "But Miss Brown, what if you lose?"
Mandy glanced at the cards Rachel played and said firmly, "If I lose, I'll leave Michael and Summit Ridge District forever. If you think I'm making things difficult for you, I can have someone teach you how to play bridge. We can bet after you learn."
"No need, I think I'm pretty good at bridge," Rachel said. "Miss Brown, are you serious about betting with me, not joking?"
Mandy said firmly, "I'm not joking. Everyone here can be witnesses."
"Alright, then let's do best two out of three," Rachel said, throwing out a card, which happened to be the one Mandy needed to win.
As the cards hit the table, Mandy's smile had a smug edge. She was sure she had this bet in the bag! The first round went as expected, with Rachel losing. Ella, unable to watch the train wreck, excused herself for some air.
In the restroom, Ella lit a cigarette. Her phone buzzed. "What’re you up to?"
"At the club, watching the boss play bridge," Ella answered lazily, exhaling smoke. "Why? You coming over?"
The person on the other end of the line couldn't help but complain, "I sent you to Summit Ridge District to find him, and now you think you're really just a company employee?"
"Don't rush me!" Ella snapped. "He ditched his wife and kid, and now he wants to make amends? It's his mess. You want me to rush this? You should persuade the old man to hurry up and die! If he donates all his assets to the foundation, it would save his sons from fighting over the money. Last time, I almost got my leg broken!"
"Ella, what did you say?" The person on the other end was furious. "You're a bodyguard for the Hernandez Family. They control your life, and you dare to curse your employer to die sooner?"
Ella took another drag, exhaling smoke reluctantly. "My bad. Won't happen again."
The man said, "People from the Hernandez Family are already in Summit Ridge District. Be careful."
"Got it," Ella said. "Send me the info on the Garcia Family from the Unity Republic. Someone from the Garcia Family messed with me."
"You're wasting time with these people. Focus on finding him," the man said, annoyed. "I'll have someone send the info to your email. I found out that he used to stay in Pinecrest Valley. Go there when you can."
After the call, Ella felt worse. She trashed the cigarette and headed back to the private room. On her way, she spotted a tall guy in a black club uniform carrying a tray. Recognizing him, she hurried over.
"Joseph?" she tapped his shoulder.
Joseph turned, recognizing her quickly. "The beauty who got your car engine repaired at the 4S shop?"
"Yeah." Ella noted his outfit, raising an eyebrow. "Aren't you a mechanic? What's with the waiter gig? Family that poor?"
Joseph remained silent. He thought, 'Do I look poor from head to toe? I just lost a bet in a game and have to work as a waiter to serve drinks to my friends.'
However, Joseph didn't bother to explain and even teased her, "Yep, dirt poor. Gotta work three jobs just to get by."
Ella scribbled a number on a piece of paper. "Call me. I'll get you a driver job at my company. Good pay."
"Oh?" Joseph raised an eyebrow and inquired. "Sounds big. Who's your boss?"
Ella replied, "Skyline Corporation. Heard of it?"
"Yeah," Joseph nodded, sensing something off. "Who's your boss?"
Ella said, "Rachel Williams."
Joseph's expression changed subtly. "I see. She's the new VP."
"Yep, she's great. You won't regret it." Ella didn't notice his look and reminded, "And bring some high-end drinks to room 1288. I'll cover it."
As soon as Ella left, a waiter approached. "Boss, Ms. Williams from Skyline Corporation is playing bridge in room 1288. Do you want to check it out?"
Joseph thought for a moment and asked, "Is there also a very beautiful woman with a mole on her forehead?" He had seen Mandy talking to Rachel earlier in the restaurant.
The waiter asked, "Yes, Boss, have you been to that room?"
Smirking, Joseph mused, "I wonder what Mr. Smith would think of his ex-wife and girlfriend playing bridge together."
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