:
83
+8 Pearls
The enormous display showed various “games“-races between humans and crocodiles, people being used as shooting targets, gambling, and even life–and–death struggles with tigers. The scenes were gruesome, and Clara was terrified.
“You know why the father turned to violence?” Howard asked, his voice calm and measured. “It’s because his son is kind. The father’s abandonment of his family shows how selfish he is. With debts piling up and the threat of death looming without money, do you think someone that selfish wouldn’t take desperate measures?”
He noticed her fear and studied her closely. Her beautiful face, her eyes clear and innocent, and her small, tight lips–something about her stirred something within him.
“I don’t want the project any longer. Goodbye, Mr. Xander,” Clara managed, using all her strength to get the words out. She stepped back, but her legs felt stiff and made it hard to move.
“There’s no need for a fruitless endeavor. You might have lost, but you could still win.” Howard closed the distance between them, leaning in close to whisper in her ear, “Let’s play a game. If you win, you won’t just get the project, but also…”
A sly smile formed on his lips, the feeling of his breath on her skin sending a shiver down her spine. She turned to him with a flicker of unsureness in her gaze.
“You hate betting with other people’s lives, but your own life is yours to gamble. Pick one of the games on the screen. If you win, I’ll keep my word.” He waited patiently for her decision.
Clara glanced at the various “life and death” games displayed on the screen again. “Alright, I’ll
make a bet.”
If she could win…
“You’re decisive!” He applauded her, then led her toward the arena where the “life and death” games took place. After winding through several corridors, they reached a massive underground arena.
The audience in the stands buzzed as they placed bets on who would survive. The participants were close to death and there out of desperation for cash.
“Choose whichever game you want. Rest assured, everyone in the stands is alright, as they won’t know your identity. They’re all wealthy heirs, playboys, or business elites—all with something to hide–so they won’t spill any secrets about this place.”
Anyone who entered had to go through extensive screening and hand over leverage before being allowed inside. The place was completely concealed from the outside world. Howard’s explanation had made her realize how dangerous he truly was with a mind far more twisted
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11:53 Sat, Oct 18 M…
Chapter 25 He’s Here
:
than Michael’s–at least Michael didn’t play so dirty.
83
+8 Pearls
She looked around the arena. The games included people being fixed as targets and shot at, and tiger fights that offered no escape. The only option she had was the crocodile race–she could swim. Her hand instinctively reached for her silver needles–only three remained.
“Crocodiles,” Clara said, meeting Howard’s calm gaze. She wasn’t sure if three silver needles would suffice for her to win. Crocodiles were tough, with thick hides.
“Take her to the ‘crocodile‘ competition,” he ordered his lackeys. “Push everyone else back and let her go first.”
“Yes, sir!” the lackey responded and led her off.
Not long after, another lackey approached him and reported, “Mr. Xander, Michael is here.”
Send Gifts
(11)
