Chapter 30
Menu
The yacht set sail. Zach and I returned to the deck. Inside, Evan was surrounded by admirers, effortlessly handling the flattery, occasionally offering a faint smile, seemingly unfazed by Maria’s presence. Huang Kaihao was creating opportunities for his granddaughter. Olivia Huang was bold, constantly trying to chat with Evan, practically writing “I’m interested in you” on her face. Evan remained polite, neither cold nor overly warm. Maria stood beside him; though composed, she seemed… strained. Ah. Heartbreak. As a woman, I understood her inner turmoil. I watched them, my eyes darting between the three, like a gossipy neighbor.
Suddenly, Evan looked towards me….! I held my breath, unable to hide my intense interest; he’d seen right through.
- me.
“Zach, may I take a walk?” I nervously asked.
“Sure, go ahead. I’ll keep an eye on things.” He readily agreed.
“Okay, call me if anything happens.” I walked away, my heels clicking. I found a secluded spot with two chairs and sat down. Waves crashed against the hull; the distant city lights shimmered, scattered across the night. I completely relaxed.
After enjoying the sea breeze, I took out my phone. After calling Sherry, I’d turned off my old phone; getting a new one here. Over a hundred missed calls… even though it was off. There were unknown numbers, my parents, Sherry, friends, former colleagues, even business acquaintances.
Opening WhatsApp, I saw several messages from Sherry. The earliest: Don’t answer, don’t respond, don’t trust, it’s all Julian! An hour later: Olivia, where are you? My parents: Where are you? Come home! Gloria: Where are you?
Each message showed the concern of everyone in my life… Julian, you lunatic!
Exhaling wearily, I exited WhatsApp, noticing numerous text and voice messages. Initially calm, asking my whereabouts, then turning frantic and enraged, the latest voice message was from five minutes ago. His voice was low, hoarse, broken.
“Honey, I’m sorry, I know I’m wrong, I’m a bastard, I deserve to die, I’m sorry… Give me another chance… Punish me however you want, take my life… Just go and relax, I’ll wait for you at home… I only made one mistake; you can’t… you can’t just sentence me to death…”
I quickly closed my phone. It felt like I was one second away from being pulled back into the abyss by his pitiful cries.
In Chicago, Julian sat on the lawn, his appearance haggard, his hair disheveled, stubble on his chin; empty bottles littered the ground; the house loomed behind him, dark and ominous. He didn’t dare enter, didn’t dare step into the house without me. He’d searched all day, using every method, but I’d vanished; there was no trace… The fear of losing me choked him. He looked up at the moon, his eyes red.
I looked up at the moon at sea. It was a full moon; the light was so bright, piercing my eyes; then, the surface shattered into countless cracks, like our irretrievable past.
I don’t know how long I sat there. Until Zach called, asking me to join them on the second deck. I went up. The second deck was an entertainment area–a pool, karaoke, a home theater, a game room, an indoor golf course… everything. Pure relaxation. Zach told me they were playing Texas Hold’em. I smiled; the wealthy loved this money–burning
game.
We found a seat, getting some desserts. About an hour later, Evan called us in. Zach and I went to the game room. It was filled with the scent of cigars; the wealthy sat around an oval table, some elated by their wins, others frustrated by their losses. Chips were piled high; the dealer was alluringly attractive; servers brought wine, champagne, and cigars; the game unfolded amidst calls of “raise” or “fold,” showcasing the extravagance.
20.2%
< Chapter 30
Menu
Evan wasn’t smoking; he had a glass of champagne, looking composed, in a different world from the others. Based on his chips, he’d won significantly. Maria, sitting beside him, looked drunk, leaning her head on her hand, drowsy.
“Take Ms. An outside. She’s drunk,” he calmly ordered.
Zach and I approached to help.
“I’m fine,” Maria pushed us away. We tried several times, but she wouldn’t let us.
“Ms. An…” Zach didn’t dare touch her; I thought, since I’m a woman, I could, placing my arms around her waist to lift
her.
“Don’t touch me!” Maria violently pushed me away; luckily, Zach caught me. I was startled. Everyone looked over.
“Evan’s face grew cold; he stood, helping Maria up.“Take over for me.”
… I wasn’t sure who he was addressing. Zach didn’t respond; I did. He helped Maria out. Zach looked at me worriedly; he’d handle things. Before he could say anything, I calmly sat down.
I looked at my cards, then the community cards. Not losing was easy; I could fold, but I was representing Evan; consistently folding was beneath me. I quickly formulated a strategy; appearing calm, giving the impression of a seasoned player.
After half an hour, I played cautiously, checking, folding, calling, raising when I had a good hand, betting moderately, aiming to be inconspicuous. But after a while, I got excited; seeing a potential royal flush, I almost went all–in; Zach frantically pressed my hand…
“Whoa, you’re going to lose everything! I asked you to take over, not to gamble recklessly!”
“Ms. Frost, check on the boss; I’ll take over.” Zach said with a smile.
“No…”
“No, you’re going!” He firmly interrupted me. I stood, looking at my cards with regret. Leaving the room, several wealthy men followed my figure–a stunning beauty, slender yet curvaceous; even her gambling style was bold. They imagined getting my number, a passionate encounter; the losses were forgotten. She was just a secretary; Evan wouldn’t be so stingy as to not share.
Leaving the game room, remembering Zach’s words, I laughed. The boss wouldn’t be with Maria now; only a fool would do that. Of course, I knew it was an excuse.
Getting some water, I walked toward the stairs to the third deck, my head spinning, needing some fresh air. Reaching the deck, nearing the circular sofa, I turned and saw them kissing–Evan’s back was to me; Maria was on tiptoe, her arms around his neck… Oh my god-!! I choked on my water.
< Chapter 31
Chapter 31
