Pete''s order made things quieter on his end. His smile carried a hint of displeasure as he asked, "Ms. Arl, what did you just say?"


    "I said we should go our separate ways," I replied.


    He shook his head. "What about the first part?"


    "I said thank you."


    He gritted his teeth and said hoarsely, "I''m at The Royals. If you want to thank me in person, you''d bettere here, but I doubt you dare to do so."


    I found it somewhat amusing, but from his expression, it was clear he wasn''t expecting a simple thank you. He seemed to want me to go over and confront him. "Fine."


    I had made up my mind. I didn''t like to owe anyone a favor, and I knew that thanking Pete wouldn''t be as easy as it sounded.


    -Thung up the video call, and noting his casual attire, changed into a simrly casual outfit myself. Staring


    at my shoulder-length hair in the mirror, I still felt a bit uneasy.


    The Royals, the top clubhouse choice for social events, was known for its excellent service. I was escorted politely to Pete''s private room. When I opened the door, I was met with uproariousughter from both men and women.


    Before I could understand what was happening, I found myself face-to-face with the narrow, cold eyes of


    Nichs.


    Pete leaped up like a monkey,ughing heartily. "I won Nick, see, I told you she woulde."


    Nichs elegantly lifted his ss, took a sip, and softly said, "Il cover the bill tonight. Let everyone enjoy themselves."


    It was clear to me what was going on. My heart ached deeply-the man who hurt me the most and my most painful rival were working together, using me as the subject of a bet.


    I had a thousand thoughts of wanting to leave, but that would be too cowardly. My nature had never been


    that of a deserter.


    I walked into the room amidst theughter, calmly surveying my surroundings. Over the past four years. the status of Nichs'' wife had indeed given me some advantages. Even though I was only 26 and not particrly old, my presence could stillmand respect from some people, especially those around my and Pete''s age.


    As they quieted down to watch me, I managed a slight smile. I took a clean ss from the table and poured myself a drink.


    "Let''s put this one on Mr. Hawk''s tab," I said.


    Nichs looked up at me, his eyes as dark as ink, but he didn''t respond. I wasn''t embarrassed. I raised


    my ss and addressed Pete directly.


    I said, "A few days ago, I had some bad luck, but thanks to Mr. Shelman here, I managed to get out of it. I came today to say thank you.


    "Since our families are quite close, and we''ve known each other since childhood, I can''t say anything too sentimental. All my gratitude is here in this drink."


    Pete looked a bit dazed. I ignored him and continued, "I''ll finish this drink, and you can do as you please." I downed the drink in one gulp and threw the ss to the floor with a crash.


    I smiled lightly and looked at Pete casually. "Whether you ept my thanks or not, I''ve said it. Next, as I mentioned before, we shall go on our separate ways."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    His eyes reddened. He stood up and threw a ss to the floor at my feet, shouting, "Ariana Jones, what do you mean by that?"


    For the first time, he had called me by my full name and not "Ms. Ari", indicating that he was serious. Although I had blocked his number before, we had never formally said goodbye. Emotions were strange. Even though he wasn''t my best friend, he had been a ymate since childhood, and losing that connection suddenly brought a subtle sadness.


    I coldly replied, "I mean, I don''t want to y with you anymore."