Chapter 117
Indeed, they were playing with substantial stakes. When Melanie lost a four–figure sum in this particular round, Eugene did not even blink an eye when he handed over the money.
Melanie’s luck did not improve for the rest of the evening, and she continued to lose in subsequent rounds.
After ending another round, Simon threw his cards on the table and said to Eugene, “Are you losing on purpose?”
Melanie had been losing consistently, and her mood was terrible by now. “I already said I didn’t want to play.”
Kellen, who was enjoying the spectacle at this moment, was the biggest winner of the night. He seemed to be having a great time. He said to Simon, “Mr. Scott here is the one paying for her losses. Why are you getting worked up?”
While their dynamics were evident in the way they spoke to one another, Melanie could not shake the feeling that something was off. There seemed to be something going on.
She hesitated for a moment, thinking of getting up. However, Eugene, who was seated next to her, casually said, “Deal the cards.”
The card machine set up the next round. Kellen asked, “Will you be joining the game yourself?”
“She’s not very good at it,” he replied.
Melanie lowered her gaze and picked up the cards silently. The scent emanating from Eugene beside her permeated the air.
Amidst the various scents that surrounded her, Melanie was able to swiftly identify Eugene’s distinctly cool and clear aura. She got a bit lost in thought until Eugene reached over and grabbed the cards from her hand. He threw them onto the table.
That snapped her back to reality.
Eugene ended up leaning quite close to her because of that, and his fingertips unexpectedly brushed against Melanie’s.
When Eugene noticed that Melody was in a daze, he raised a brow. Otherwise, he was as nonchalant as usual. However, his next words carried a hint of harshness. “If you lose again, I’ll deduct it from your salary.”
Melanie frowned but did not get lost in thought again.
It was not clear if Eugene was actually good at the game or if it was a coincidence, but ever since he arrived, Melanie had not lost a single round. Although she did not win much, things had mostly evened out.
On the other hand, Simon ended up being the biggest loser as he lost to all three of his opponents. By the end of it all, his face had darkened with frustration.
Kellen decided to call it a night and pushed the cards away before suggesting they disband. Eugene and Melanie had driven over. Simon planned to return to the hotel with them.
Chapter 117
Melanie had been drinking tonight. On the other hand, Eugene was sober, so he took the wheel. Still a little groggy from the alcohol, Melanie hesitated before opening the back door. She immediately heard Simon’s discontented remark, “You reek of alcohol.”
She paused and then went to sit in the front passenger seat instead.
Eugene did not say anything. He just opened the car window and let in the cool breeze that made Melanie’s temples ache. Frowning, she leaned back in her seat. Halfway through the journey, a light rain started, and they had to close the windows.
“It stinks,” Simon said, expressing his disgust as soon as the windows were closed.
Melanie knew he was referring to her, but she chose to ignore it.
However, Simon kept at it. He looked at Melanie with contempt and said, “Melanie, did you feel particularly noble when you drank on behalf of Eugene?”
When Melanie did not reply, he continued, “You did the same when Kellen was the other party too. Do you think you’re Eugene’s wife?”
The moment he said that, Eugene’s phone rang.
Simon stretched his neck to take a look and chuckled. He even reached out to poke Melanie’s shoulder. “His real wife is calling.”
Melanie looked at Simon coldly and then moved her shoulder, deftly avoiding his hand. Given Simon’s support for Eugene and Viola, someone unfamiliar with them might think he was Eugene’s mother.
Ignoring Simon, Eugene said to Melanie, “Help me answer the phone.”
Since he was driving, it was inconvenient for him to pick up the call. Melanie lowered her gaze and answered the call on Eugene’s phone.
