Chapter 389 Apologize to Josh
Ryder's eyes were locked on Mark, and he said coolly, "Do whatever you want, man. I can handle it!"
He wasn't messing around; he meant every word.
Mark's face twisted in thought, veins popping on his forehead.
They stared each other down for what felt like forever.
Then Mark shut his eyes and let out a heavy sigh, "You can go!"
The gamblers around them looked shocked.
The last thing they wanted was Mark letting Ryder go, and now it was happening!
They couldn't wrap their heads around why Mark would do this.
This was the perfect chance to take Ryder out!
Mark seemed to get why everyone was confused. He took a deep breath and said, "At the table, the winner gets respect, and the loser gets nothing. Ryder, you won, so you get to live. As a man and the boss here, I gotta stick to that! Mr. Clark, all the bets are good. I won't see you out. Goodbye!"
The crowd went silent, even Ryder looked a bit surprised.
He thought, "Damn! Mark really lives up to his rep as Houston's top dog, with guts and principles to match!"
But Ryder didn't leave. Instead, he smirked and said, "Mark, you might've forgotten something!"
"What?" Mark asked, keeping his cool.
Ryder got serious, "You sent someone to mess up my brother Josh this morning. He's okay now, so I won't go after you for that. But you gotta cover all his medical bills and emotional damages. And you need to apologize to Josh in front of everyone here, and I'll pass it on to him!"
The place erupted.
"Fuck you, Ryder! Mr. Davis already let you go, don't push it!"
"Don't hold me back, I'm gonna take this bastard down. Who the hell is Josh to get an apology from Mr. Davis?"
"Get outta here! You are not welcome here!"
Ryder didn't flinch, just kept staring at Mark.
Hurting his brother Josh was a line they couldn't cross, and that was why he was here tonight!
If Mark didn't step up, Ryder wasn't leaving!
The tension was thick, and then Mark, stone-faced, said, "I'll cover the medical bills, and I'll apologize to Josh. Mr. Clark, make sure he gets the message."
Mark's crew and friends clenched their fists in rage!
They'd been with Mark for years and never faced such a slap in the face!
But without Mark's go-ahead, they couldn't do anything but watch Ryder strut out!
Everyone felt powerless!
"Later!" Ryder gave Mark a nod, then left with George, Rex, and Ryan!
The staff quickly sorted out Ryder's winnings, transferring the cash and handing over the documents for non-cash assets!
As he hit the casino's entrance, Ryder glanced back at Mark.
He felt something weird but didn't say a word and walked out.
Outside Radiant Revive Spa, a bunch of big guys dragged the tied-up Lily and Charlotte over!
The leader of the big guys shot Ryder a dirty look. "Hah! Our boss said to hand them over to you. If it weren't for his orders, you wouldn't have walked out alive tonight. Take your people and scram!"
He spat on the ground and left with his crew.
George stepped up, pulled out a knife, and cut the ropes binding Lily and Charlotte.
As soon as she was free, Lily rushed forward and hugged Ryder tight!
Tears streamed down her face. "Ryder, I'm so sorry! It's all my fault. I was too dumb and fell into their trap, causing you all this trouble!"
Lily had a killer figure, and hugging her, Ryder could definitely feel her softness!
Her scent filled his nostrils!
Even though it was kinda nice, with so many people around, Ryder wasn't about to get lost in the moment.
He gently pushed Lily away and comforted her, "Don't blame yourself. It's on me. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been dragged into this. As long as you and Charlotte are safe, that's all that matters."
Lily nodded, rubbing her eyes.
Charlotte, standing nearby, was also tense and scared.
But she just stood there watching, not seeking comfort from Ryder.
She knew the old rift between them, even if Ryder didn't hold it against her anymore, made her feel she didn't deserve him.
Ryan patted Ryder's shoulder, grinning. "Man, you always got beauties around you, huh?"
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Ryder rolled his eyes at Ryan, then told George, "You take Lily and Charlotte back first, and make sure they have some protection. I'm worried Mark might try something."
George nodded. "Got it!"
Ryder then said to Lily, "For the next few days, keep the pet store closed. Wait until things settle down."
Lily looked worried. "You be careful and don't do anything rash. When it's all over, remember to contact me. I have a surprise for you!"
Ryder didn't know what surprise she meant, but seeing her pitiful look, he couldn't say no and nodded.
George then personally escorted Lily and Charlotte away.
Rex drove Ryder and Ryan back to the Platan Height villa.
On the way, Ryder, sitting in the front passenger seat, leaned back and took a deep breath, feeling way more relaxed.
Even though he had acted all cool and confident at the casino, he had been super tense inside!
One wrong move tonight could've led to serious trouble!
Ryder said, "Uncle Ryan, it's been years, and your gambling skills are still top-notch!"
Ryan smiled proudly. "It's nothing!"
Ryder nodded, not doubting it for a second, because in his mind, Ryan's gambling skills were always unbeatable!
In short, tonight's poker game had Ethan and Ryan as the "dealers" for Mark and Ryder, respectively!
From the very start of shuffling, they had decided what cards each person would get!
It was the strong hands revealed to both Ryder and Mark that made them go all in!
As the game went on, there was no turning back for anyone!
But in the final showdown of hidden cards, Ethan's lack of skill led to his loss to Ryan, resulting in a complete defeat!
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