Chapter 274: Wicked Charm
Hendrix was all about getting that dagger, his voice dripping with a mix of teasing and a hint of something darker. Freya was left scratching her head, trying to figure out his game.
Everyone on the ship was tight-knit; he shouldn't have been pulling stunts like this.
Ashley shot a sneaky glance at Damian, hoping to catch a clue from his face, but as usual, he was a stone-cold statue.
Sven let out a big laugh, "Hendrix wants a dagger; what’s the deal? You planning to show off your cooking skills or something?"
Alexander chimed in, "Did someone piss off our Hendrix? You looking for payback? Tell us. Maybe we can help you out."
Even though she knew Damian's face wouldn't give her any answers, Ashley couldn't help but look. He had a rare, slight sneer, like he was enjoying the chaos.
"It's just a dagger, why the drama? Those old games are played out. I want to try something fresh. You guys are pros at this stuff, way more tricks up your sleeves than me. Today, I'll show you a bit of my flair." Hendrix flashed Freya a smile, like a son-in-law trying to win over his mother-in-law, "Mrs. Bergstrom, can I get that dagger now?"
Freya motioned the waiter to take one from the kitchen.
Esme had no clue what Hendrix was up to, but his gutsy move left a mark on her. The guys she was used to were all about pleasing her, boring as hell. Only Hendrix had the nerve to challenge her. Maybe it was because of his love for a good challenge.
Esme handed the dagger to him, smiling, "Alright, Hendrix, impress us!"
Hendrix spun the blade around, making it dance in his hand, his smile adding to the show. If it were a sword, his moves would be textbook material.
Alexander sneered, thinking it was all just for show, "Is this Hendrix's big performance?" His tone was dripping with sarcasm.
Hendrix stopped his flashy moves and casually said, "For the next trick, Mr. Smith, can you help me out?"
With everyone watching, Alexander couldn't back down without looking like a wimp, but if he agreed and Hendrix pulled something crazy, what then? Hendrix clearly had something up his sleeve.
While he hesitated, Esme laughed, "It's just a game. Mr. Smith won't back down. He was playing these games when Hendrix was still a kid."
Stuck, Alexander reluctantly agreed, "Ha ha, sure, I'll play along."
Ashley had a gut feeling Hendrix was up to something big.
Was he planning to settle the score with Alexander today?
Hendrix picked up a bright red apple, tossing it in the air, "Mr. Smith, you're a legend! I admire you! Now, you choose: either I put the apple on my head, and you throw the dagger from five feet away, or you let me take a shot."
This was serious, one wrong move and it could be deadly.
Ashley clenched her fingers, but as Damian's secretary, she couldn't speak up without his go-ahead. She tugged at his sleeve, hoping he'd intervene.
Damian, catching her hint, smiled faintly, "It is an exciting game. Not everyone has the guts or skill for it. I'm looking forward to seeing Hendrix and Mr. Smith in action."
Ashley's heart raced. Was Damian trying to stir the pot even more?
Hendrix brushed his bangs aside, grinning, "Mr. Smith, after you."
Alexander's face went pale.
Sven, trying to keep things cool, laughed nervously, "Hey, we've got mahjong and poker tables from Vegas inside. How about we head in and have some fun?"
Hendrix blew on the blade, "I'd love to, but my old man’s got a no-gambling rule."
He was clearly gunning for Alexander.
Freya and her husband exchanged worried looks, not sure how to defuse the situation.
Alexander stomped his foot, thinking Hendrix was just trying to scare him in front of everyone. Would he really go through with it? "Alright, Hendrix, let's do this!"
He stood against the wall, apple on his head, like a human target.
Hendrix stepped back and casually reminded, "Mr. Smith, don't move a muscle."
Alexander's face was stone-cold serious.
Hendrix gripped the dagger, closed one eye, and aimed.
The dagger flew, the seconds dragging out, the room hushed quiet.
With a thud, the dagger nailed the apple.
Alexander's face went ghostly white.
The room stayed silent, everyone holding their breath.
Only Damian's lips still had that slight curve.
Ashley covered her mouth to stop a scream.
Hendrix clapped his hands, "Ha ha, that was a rush! Seriously thrilling!" Damn, why didn't this guy freak out? If it weren't illegal, and if Alexander wasn't worth the trouble, he would've snapped his neck ages ago!
Alexander forced a shaky smile, his hands trembling as he took down the apple, "Ha ha, Hendrix, impressive skills, really."
Esme's eyes sparkled, her crush on Hendrix growing.
Still not satisfied, Hendrix turned to his next target, "Mr. Hearst, your turn?"
Ashley wanted to stop it, but Damian had already agreed, "Sure." He pulled out a dagger, letting a drop of juice fall, "Hendrix, your move."
Hendrix smiled, picked up an apple, placed it on his head, and stood where Alexander had been, "Mr. Hearst, my life’s in your hands."
Ashley stepped forward, grabbing Damian's arm. "Mr. Hearst, this is too dangerous. Let's not..."
Damian looked at her gently, then untied the silk ribbon from her handbag, "Not challenging enough with my eyes open; I'll do it blindfolded."
He tied the Hermes ribbon over his eyes, leaving only his nose and lips visible.
Esme, anxious, said, "Mr. Hearst, this isn't a joke! You need your eyes."
Damian said, "Hendrix, you game?"
Hendrix wasn’t too confident but wouldn’t show it, "It's just death; fear's not in my vocabulary. Mr. Hearst, bring it on, but remember, murder cases are messy."
Damian's lips curved, and with his eyes covered, it looked eerie, like a demon king.
He raised his hand, aimed. And there came a whoosh.
The dagger sliced through the air, cutting through all thoughts.
With a thud, The dagger pierced the apple and stuck in the wall.
Fear coursed through Ashley, and Esme, trembling, screamed and hugged Freya tightly.
Hendrix swallowed hard; his back was drenched in sweat.
Damian untied the ribbon with one hand, wrapping it around his fingers, "Hendrix, how does it feel?"
Hendrix, having challenged him, now felt defeated and humiliated, "Thrilling! It's only fun when it's a fair fight. Mr. Hearst, you are impressive." He turned to pull out the dagger, failing on the first try. Only with a strong effort did he manage to yank the deeply embedded blade out.
He was insanely strong.
