Chapter 122:
The jab couldn’t have been more obvious. Tapping his own chest, Percy replied, “That’s right. I finished third in a world-famous hacking competition. The Navy could use someone like me. Even Brad had good things to say. You really think everyone from the Owen family is as worthless as you?”
A sudden laugh burst from Rylie. “Are you talking about that contest? The trophy meant nothing, just some plastic hype. Brad was only trying to be polite because he’s older than you.”
In truth, her entry into the competition was out of sheer boredom, and the system’s weak security made it laughably easy — Britton could have taken first without breaking a sweat. No one could say Percy had real talent.
Percy’s patience had clearly reached its limit. “You think you’re better than me? What do you even know, being a woman and all?”
Rylie tossed another ping pong ball into a cup. “Maybe I don’t know everything, but I’m certain I can beat you. Want to test that out?”
From the corner, one of the rich guys let out a low whistle and said, “Come on, Rylie, even we can’t win against Percy at this. Don’t set yourself up to lose.”
A smirk played on Rylie’s lips. “So, are we playing or what?”
Excitement lit up Percy’s face, but he wasn’t in any rush to make it easy for her. He gave a discreet signal, and a glamorous woman at his side chimed in, “What’s the fun in just drinking? Why not clear out the other side’s cups and add a little dare for whoever loses?”
Percy, not missing a beat, raised the stakes. “Alright, if you lose, Rylie, you’ve got to do a striptease right here on the pole. Deal?”
Her answer was a calm smile. “Fine, but if you’re the one who loses?”
Confident to the point of arrogance, Percy replied, “That’s not going to happen.” Rylie’s grin only widened. “So, if you end up losing, you’ll be the one stripping and putting on a show for everyone, okay?”
Percy gave a firm nod. “Sure.”
Cheers erupted from the crowd, drawing glances from every corner of the bar and sending a wave of energy through the room like a spark on dry timber.
Your escape begins with gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝓬𝗈m
Even the noise made its way to the suite on the upper floor.
Inside the VIP room, a man in a dark suit lounged on a sofa, holding an unlit cigar. He waved off the lighter offered by the man kneeling beside him. “I don’t smoke anymore. What’s all that fuss outside?”
“Just some kids getting overexcited.”
Ronan Boyd leaned closer, holding out a lighter with a nervous smile. “I know your health isn’t great. I wouldn’t have dragged you to such a smoky mess if it weren’t important.”
Brad ignored the lighter, turning it over in his hand. “The mayor’s secretary got arrested this morning. Same with the Wilde family. Tell me, Ronan — how deep are you in this?”
“I swear I wasn’t part of their organ trafficking. I do have lines I don’t cross,” Ronan replied, trying to sound steady. “But now they’re trying to frame me. If that sticks, I’m done.”
Brad spoke coolly. “I’m in the military. I don’t cover for criminals.”
Ronan quickly added, “Of course, I understand. But you know this bar is just a side business. It’s to maintain relationships with big clients who buy medical equipment. I assure you, my dealings in medical devices are entirely legitimate. I wouldn’t risk anything else, especially when the equipment for your fleet alone is profitable enough.”
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