Chapter 400
Downstairs, after the crowd dispersed, Tiffanie approached with a pile of chips in her hand, olving Brielle a thumbs–up.
Tiffanie had just left a high–roller suite and wasn’t quite clued in on the recent events. Having heard the buzz, she couldn’t find any words more fitting than her silent gesture of approval. No wonder Maxie was smitten with Brielle.
But who was this guy with Brielle? Her gaze shifted to Dustin, sizing him up with curiosity.
In Tiffanie’s eyes, Maxle was the crème de la crème of men. Despite this new guy being a looker, she couldn’t let Brielle’s attention stray toward him. So, with feigned nonchalance, she wedged herself between the two, casually grabbing hold of Brielle. “Brielle, you must have other fish to fry here at the casino, right?”
Brielle was oblivious to Tiffanie’s subtle maneuver and simply nodded in agreement.
A walter approached, requesting Brielle’s presence backstage.
Brielle wasn’t overly concerned about being able to leave with her winnings. The onlookers had already stated it was the casino’s policy. Plus, she had heard through the grapevine about a gambler who had made a miraculous comeback with a fortune, safely walking away with the loot.
She had a hunch, too, that if there was any danger, Dustin would step in.
“Mr. Lynch, shall we meet again sometime?”
Regret tinged Dustin’s expression. “I’m headed back tomorrow. It’s a shame I can’t take you out for a meal. Little Bri.” He genuinely had pressing matters to attend to, or else he would’ve seized the chance to spend more time with Brielle.
Brielle could tell he meant it, and oddly enough, she felt a twin
of reluctance at his departure. “When you’re back in town, Mr. Lynch, give me a call. Dinner’s on me.”
Dustin’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and he barely resisted the urge to tousle her hair.
Tiffanie quickly pulled Brielle behind her, eyeing him with wariness. Dustin’s fingertip drifted up. playfully lifting Tiffanie’s chin. “Take a look at that. You’ve got some fire in you, too.”
Tiffanie frowned, well aware of who this man was–a notorious playboy known for his escapades across North America, a heartbreaker of the highest order. Yet, his wealth and status were undeniable. And that face, damn, it was handsome.
Tiffanie silently chanted her boyfriend Mason’s name in her head and sighed. That was the downside of being in love–you could look at the feast before you, but you couldn’t taste it.
Brielle patted her shoulder. “Shall we check out other spots?”
Looking up, Tiffanie realized Dustin had vanished. She felt a twinge of annoyance. “When did he
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Chapter 400
leave?”
Brielle chuckled, “While you were busy admiring that face, nodding and shaking your head.”
“Seriously, that wasn’t me being lovestruck. I was just lamenting that he’s not as handsome as Mason! You have no idea how he toys with women abroad. Stay away from that sort of man at
all costs.”
“Really? I thought he seemed pretty decent. But anyway, Tiffanie, I need to see the casino boss. now.”
“Aren’t you afraid they might carve you up?”
“It shouldn’t come to that. Do you know who runs this place?”
With arms crossed, Tiffanie shook her head slowly. L,“All I know is they’re connected to some big shot overseas and have been known to play masked at the tables. This casino is Beaconfield’s grey area. You’ve seen the clientele–wealthy and powerful. Who knows how many secrets they hold over them?”
Indeed, the patrons were all influential, some even with political ties. If anything happened to the casino, the dirty laundry of all who had passed through its doors would be aired. It wouldn’t just be Beaconfield facing upheaval but potentially the entire country. That was why both business magnates and politicians preferred the casino to operate without a hitch. It was the secret to its longstanding presence.
Brielle gazed out at the night, curiosity getting the better of her. “Have you heard anything about them holding Beaconfield’s elite hostage?”
The glint in Tiffanie’s eyes flared with the thrill of gossip. “Well, rumors are all over the place, but nobody’s sure. There was this one bigwig’s son who got detained here. He came in fat and sassy and left looking like a skeleton. Do you know what happened to him?”
Tiffanie’s voice dropped to a whisper, “Rumor has it he was drained dry by a bevy of beauties every day.”
Brielle’s mouth twitched, and she rubbed her temples. Trust Tiffanie to deliver the most. outlandish stories.
The waiting server spoke up respectfully, “Ms. Brielle?”
With no other option, Brielle asked Tiffanie to stay put and followed the server.
