Chapter 814:
Catching the genuine excitement in her brother’s face, Rylie grinned. “Then I’ll count on you to bring it home.”
“This bear wasn’t just thrown in for fun. My grandmother arranged it as a highlight for tonight. And just so you know, the room’s packed with heirs who’ve grown up playing pool,” Johnny said, appearing at Marcus’ side with his cue stick in hand, his eyes locked on Rylie even as he addressed Marcus. “You might find this match harder than you think.”
Marcus lifted an eyebrow and let a smirk play at his lips. “Is that a challenge? Maybe I could use a partner. How about we join forces?”
While they spoke, more guests filtered in. Candice and Frank came through the doors, drawing a few glances. The moment Candice caught sight of the bear, several wealthy heirs from the crowd quickly gathered around her, each eager to make an impression.
With her father commanding the Army, Candice’s background carried a different weight than that of the business heirs. They saw her as someone whose connections reached into both the political and military worlds — something money alone could never buy.
Tension simmered beneath Candice’s calm exterior every time Rylie’s name came up. When Frank nudged her and said, “Looks like Rylie’s got her sights set on that bear. I see her brother and Johnny at the billiards table already warming up,” her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
Kristen spoke up before Candice could respond. “I thought so too. That bear’s no ordinary trinket. The artist poured everything into it, and collectors go wild for pieces like that.”
The moment Candice realized that Rylie was interested in the bear, her expression shifted from mild annoyance to open challenge. Rivalry, not greed, fueled her next words as she turned to the circle of eager onlookers. “That bear is certainly tempting, but billiards isn’t one of my talents. I’d gladly cheer for anyone willing to win it on my behalf.”
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs．c𝗈𝗺, a world of tales
That single statement caught the attention of several heirs, who perked up at the opportunity.
With the Nixon family’s long legacy in the military, everyone understood what it would mean to get on Candice’s good side. For these business heirs, impressing the only Nixon daughter could open doors that money alone could not.
Suddenly, the billiards experts who had been watching from the sidelines abandoned their hesitation. Competition flickered in their eyes as they assessed Marcus and Johnny across the table, each hoping to win both the game and Candice’s approval.
Not far from the excitement, the older generation sat tucked around the bar. Glasses clinked as they traded stories and discussed business, the mood restrained and formal compared to the spirited crowd by the pool table.
Gazing through the glass wall, Kendrick remarked, “It’s something else, watching how much energy they all have. Meanwhile, we’re stuck hashing out numbers. Kind of bleak, if you ask me.”
Brad stretched his legs and grinned, teasing, “Feeling left out? You could always jump in and show them how it’s done.”
“Let them enjoy it. Our days at the table are behind us.” With a sideways look, Kendrick shook his head.
For a moment, Brad paused, arching an eyebrow as he weighed Kendrick’s words.
Brad paused, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at Kendrick. “I’m really not that much older, you know.”
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