Chapter 552
Stella thought Tallie had a point and nodded gently. “Yeah, true.”
38
5 vouchers
Elnora’s presence was just too strong. She’d make a great business partner, but as a lover, that was a different
story.
After all, a marriage alliance was just a business deal at its core. Albert probably only saw Elnora as a business partner, nothing more.
Stella let out a deep breath and smiled as she changed the subject and steered toward the parking lot.
Just as they reached the entrance of the parking lot, Albert drove past them.
Stella looked up and peered into the car. She saw Elnora and Albert sitting in the back seat.
Elnora looked calm and composed, while Albert was turned toward her, talking to her. He was smiling, his gaze locked on Elnora, and there was an expression in his eyes that Stella had never seen before.
Whatever he said, Elnora just nodded slightly, her face stayed impassive. Meanwhile, Albert wasn’t fazed; he just kept chatting with her. There was even a subtle sense that he was trying to win her favor.
Stella took a deep breath, her grip on the wheelchair armrest tightening unconsciously. She wasn’t exactly childhood friends with Albert, but she’d known him for years.
She’d seen him back in his youth, all impulsive and reckless. And she’d watched him grow more steadily and composed after he took his place in the Campbell family business.
As the Campbell family’s only heir, Albert was always the one others tried to win over; never the one doing the pleasing. She’d never seen him act so carefully, trying to win someone else over.
The car drove past them, but the shock in Stella’s eyes wouldn’t fade.
Tallie noticed something was off and bent down to ask softly, “What’s wrong?”
Stella looked away and shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
Tallie glanced at the car as it drove away, caught sight of the license plate, and softly reassured her, “Stella, don’t let it bother you,”
Stella nodded. “Yeah, maybe I’m just overthinking it.”
At the billiards hall, Albert and his crew walked in, shrugged off their suits, and started hashing out the rules and what they’d be betting on.
The guys were all seriously wealthy, and their bets were tied to their latest business ventures.
The stakes were high, at least 300,000 dollars on the line, no matter who won or lost.
Elnora kept out of their conversation, and Albert glanced over at her.
12:57 Thu, Apr 23 M…
Chapter 552
38
5 vouchers.
Elnora had taken off her suit jacket and was busy picking out a pool cue. She was wearing a perfectly tailored white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, showing off her graceful and slender arms.
Noticing Albert checking out Elnora, Kaelin chimed in. “Hey, Albert, let’s spice things up. How about you and Ms. Finley partner up, like a married couple?”
Kaelin was the best pool player out of all the guys. His uncle was a pro, so he basically grew up around the
game.
Albert just raised an eyebrow and didn’t respond.
Meanwhile, Elnora had already picked out her cue. Hearing Kaelin’s suggestion, she replied in a calm voice, “No need. Just play like you always do.”
Albert scoffed and glanced at Kaelin. “You hear that? My Elnora doesn’t need you to go easy on her.”
Kaelin smirked. “Ms. Finley, you really are a badass. Seriously, you’re a legend among women.”
Eamon had picked out his cue, too. Seeing Elnora was planning to go solo, he leaned in and quietly warned her, “Kaelin’s a beast at pool. You’d have a better shot if you teamed up with Albert. You don’t have to prove anything in front of these guys.”
Eamon meant well. After all, the stakes for this game were no joke.
Albert walked over to Elnora, grabbed another cue by her side, and said calmly, “Eamon, relax. If my Elnora loses, I’ll pick up the tab.”
The Campbell family wouldn’t break over such a bet.
Eamon noticed the irritation in Albert’s tone and paused for a moment.
Meanwhile, Kaelin jumped in to smooth things over. “Now that Albert’s got your back, I can play all out. Ms. Finley, don’t blame me if I get competitive,” he said with a grin.
Elnora smiled warmly. “Then please don’t hold back, Kaelin.”
Kaelin grinned and casually picked up a cue.
Eamon had picked up on Albert’s hostility and looked a bit confused.
Benedict walked over and quietly said, “Ms. Finley’s been giving Albert the cold shoulder all day, but she’s all friendly with you. Of course, he’s gonna feel a little jealous.”
“Just steer clear for now,” Benedict added.
Eamon finally put the pieces together. ‘So that’s what this is about. No wonder Albert had been throwing him those subtle, moody looks all day!’
Once the stakes were settled, with Albert covering any losses for Elnora, they drew lots to decide who would break.
Apr
Chapter 552
38
5 vouchers
After the draw, Benedict took the first shot.
Albert walked over to Elnora and asked calmly, “You know how to play?”
Elnora replied, “I’m not exactly an expert.”
Albert raised an eyebrow and smiled. “So you’re not really good at it, but you’re still willing to bet big? You’ve got guts, Ms. Finley, but this game is all about skill.”
Elnora shot him a sideways glance. “I just want to have some fun.”
Albert chuckled. “Sure, play any way you like.”
Elnora nodded.
Kaelin had already taken his shot. He glanced over, saw Albert chatting with Elnora, and called out, Finley, your turn.”
Albert looked at her and raised his hand in a “go ahead” gesture.
“Ms.
Elnora picked up her cue, walked over to the table, leaned over, her posture flawless and professional, like she’d been playing for years.
Kaelin’s eyes widened in surprise. He elbowed Albert and teased, “Man, didn’t expect your wife to be such a natural at this.”
Albert stayed quiet, his gaze locked on Elnora’s waist. If her hands were that soft, her waist had to be just as supple.
Albert walked over just as Elnora lined up her shot. But as soon as she hit the ball, she totally miscued. The stick slipped and missed.
The crowd, who’d been hyped up and expecting a show, were totally dumbfounded. They all thought Elnora was going to crush it.
Kaelin balled his fist and pressed it to his lips, trying hard not to crack up.
Meanwhile, Elnora just stood next to the table, looking completely bewildered. ‘Wow, I really am rusty…”
Albert couldn’t help but smile. He’d never seen Elnora look so out of it. He walked over and gently reassured her. “It’s okay. I’ll win it back for you.”
Elnora didn’t say anything; she just quietly yielded the table, letting Albert take the lead.
Albert sank his balls one after another, and while he was at it, he used his shots to block Benedict’s balls, making things easier for Elnora later.
Benedict realized his ball had ended up in a tough position thanks to Albert.
He cursed under his breath and started playing dirty right back at Kaelin, trying not to lose too badly.
12:57 Thu, Apr 23 M…
Chapter 552
Even so, Kaelin managed to sink another ball. Now he just needed one more to finish his run.
But because Benedict was playing defensively, Kaelin’s last shot was left at a tough angle.
Figuring he was already locked in for second place, Kaelin waved Elnora over to take her turn.
38
5 vouchers
Elnora stepped up again, leaned forward over the table, her waist dipping smoothly as she lined up her shot.
Albert came over, ready to show her where to aim and how to sink the ball. “You-”
But before he could get the words out, Elnora had already made her move. Her shot was swift, and the ball sank clean as a whistle.
Kaelin, who’d been focused on countering Benedict, paused mid-action.
Elnora was already taking her second shot. The ball sank again, just as clean.
Without missing a beat, she went for her third shot. Her three balls went in one after another, each sinking smoothly.
Maybe the first shot was luck, but the next two showed she really knew what she was doing.
After sinking the balls, Elnora noticed everyone’s eyes on her. She nodded slightly and said in a low voice, “Thanks for letting me win.”
田
AD
Comment
Send gift
