Chapter 39
Rachel had been feeling pretty low, but out of nowhere, Robert, who was all the way over on Radiant Isle, sent her a gift through someone. That unexpected gesture totally lifted her spirits.
She shot Robert a quick thank-you text before confidently slipping the ring onto her finger, covering the mark left by her old wedding ring. She beamed, and Michael noticed, feeling a weird irritation he couldn't quite explain.
Monica was shocked that anyone would send Rachel such a fancy gift. Anger and jealousy bubbled up inside her. Seizing the moment, she loudly asked, "Ms. Williams, didn't you say your boyfriend isn't John? You used his name to get into the club. So, this Mr. Martinez, is he that male model you were rumored to be involved with?"
"For Mr. Martinez to send you such an expensive gift, I think you two are more than just friends," Monica sneered. "Some people even say you have another man on the side, which explains why you wanted to divorce Mr. Smith. Seems the rumors aren't that far off!"
Rachel chuckled to herself. Why had she divorced Michael? Other people might not know, but Michael should. She glanced at Michael, maybe hoping he'd defend her, but he just sat there, holding Mandy, his gaze cold and indifferent. She had seen enough to kill any remaining hope.
When the tattoo on her waist was finally gone, so was any flicker of hope she'd carried.
"Ms. Williams, say something!" Monica pressed on, "Does John know about Mr. Martinez's gift? Does he know you're two-timing?"
Just then, John's voice echoed through the room. "How did a sparrow fly into this room?"
Dressed in a black shirt and looking totally nonchalant, he walked in with a disdainful expression. "The sparrow's voice is annoying. If someone could cut out her tongue and shut her up, that would be great."
His harsh words made Monica's tongue go cold, and she instinctively took a few steps back.
John stood in front of Monica, looked her up and down, and laughed, "Why are you backing off? Scared? Are you the sparrow?"
"No, no," Monica stammered.
"I think you are. Your voice sounds just like that sparrow," John suddenly grabbed Monica's hair and slammed her head onto the poker table, casually ordering, "Anyone free, bring me a knife?"
Ella immediately picked up a fruit knife from the fruit platter and handed it over, thoughtfully saying, "The blade is very sharp, be careful not to cut yourself."
Monica trembled, breaking into tears, calling out, "Mandy, Chloe." But the room was stone silent. Mandy, clutching Michael's sleeve, wanted to intervene, but Michael held her back, signaling her to sit. He was curious about John's capabilities in defending Rachel.
"What, cat got your tongues?" John scanned the room, his eyes landing on Michael and Mandy before turning to Ella. "Did they mess with Rachel just now? Spill it."
"More than just messing with her!" Ella exclaimed, spilling all the details to John.
After listening, John glanced at Michael, then tossed Monica aside and said to Rachel, "You guys head to the private room first. I'll join you after I handle this."
"No need, let's go," Rachel said, grabbing his arm, not wanting him to clash with the Lee Family because of her. "Your birthday is important."
But the sight of Rachel holding John's arm burned into Michael's mind, stoking his irritation even more.
"No way, you were bullied, I can't just let it slide." John waved dismissively, signaling Ella to take Rachel away. "I'll just give them a little lesson, no need to worry."
"Boss, let's go. John will handle it." Ella dragged Rachel out, leaving the room quickly.
John sauntered over to the poker table, settling into a seat. "Let's play a few more rounds."
He lit a cigarette, exhaling slowly. "If any of you can win a round against me, I'll give you ten million dollars and kneel. If I win, you strip and leave the room like that."
The stakes were high yet enticing. The substantial reward of ten million dollars for a single win seemed trivial compared to the risk.
Chloe, unable to tolerate John's arrogance, pulled up a chair to his right. "John, I'm waiting to see you kneel!"
John leaned back, nonchalant. "Alright, anyone else want to join, come quickly. I have to get back to Rachel after this!"
With Chloe's determination evident, even the other women, despite their attraction to the stakes, hesitated.
Ultimately, Chloe picked a woman with good poker skills and glanced at Mandy, who silently begged Michael. "Michael, Mr. Davis is being too much. Can you help?"
Michael didn't move, his voice low. "I have emails to deal with. You go play."
Bitterly surprised by his refusal, Mandy's body stiffened for a moment before she quickly masked it with a smile. "Alright, wait for me."
John played confidently, his aggressive style putting immense pressure on his opponents. His impatience surfaced every time they hesitated. "Are you a pig? Hurry up!"
Mandy, believing in her poker skills, thought the combined efforts of three might secure a win. But round after round, they kept losing.
Mandy, stripped down to just lingerie, realized John was targeting her, avenging Rachel.
Without missing a beat, John flicked the ash from his cigarette, looked at Mandy, and urged, "Miss Brown, what are you standing there for? Strip!"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
