Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 816

Chapter 816 The Bet

Harold shot him a look.

+35 Free Co

Spencer leaned forward, a teasing grin on his face. “So, how long has it been now? Still flying solo? No one on the scene?”

Lowell, sitting off to the side, simply chuckled and shook his head, staying out of it.

Harold raised an eyebrow at Spencer. “Your old man really didn’t fill you in?”

“Fill me in on what?” Spencer clearly had no clue about the wedding yet–the invitation had already gone out to Anthony for the whole family.

A slow, mischievous smile spread across Harold’s face. An idea formed, one he knew was trouble. “Heard you dropped some serious cash on a meteorite recently.”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“How about a little wager?”

That got Spencer’s attention. He glanced toward Claudia, who was standing across the room. “What kind of wager?”

“You think I can get her to come over here in under a minute?” Harold took a casual sip of his bourbon.

“Seriously? Look at her. She’s in lounge pants and a hoodie, no makeup, hair in a messy bun, wearing sneakers. Girls like that are sweet, sure, but they don’t play games. You couldn’t pull that off in a month, let alone sixty seconds. Honestly, I’m more worried you’ll get shut down before the minute’s up.”

Lowell stayed quiet, but the smirk on his face said everything. Looked like someone was about to be a few dollars lighter tonight.

“You in or not?” Harold pressed, all confidence.

“What’s the stake?” Spencer asked.

“Whatever you want. Name it.”

Spencer sank back into the leather couch, his eyes still on Claudia. “Alright, fine. I’ll even give you three minutes. If you actually pull it off, I’ll hand–deliver that meteorite to your doorstep.”

Harold poured himself another finger of whiskey, knocked it back, and pushed to his feet, making his way toward Claudia.

Lowell watched him go and muttered to Spencer, “Don’t come crying to me later.”

Please Harold’s smooth with business guys, but with women? He’s got the patience of a gnat. No way.”

With that, Spencer pulled out his phone and hit record. “Gotta document this historic attempt.”

173

Mon, Jul 6

Chapter 816 The Bet

+35 Free Coins

Claudia was glancing toward the restroom, wondering what was taking Chelsea so long, when she spotted Harold approaching. His cheeks were flushed–he’d definitely had a few.

“Harold, what are you doing over here?” she asked, searching his face.

Without a word, Harold closed the distance, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her close.

Claudia went still, then gently pushed against his chest. “What’s going on? Is everything okay with the family-”

Harold looked down at her, leaned in, and brushed a kiss against the corner of her mouth.

Claudia blinked, thoroughly confused. “You’ve had too much to drink.”

“Kiss me,” he murmured, his voice low and a little slurry.

That threw her. “Maybe… maybe we should just head home first?”

It was too public here, and he was acting off.

“Right here. Just once.” His words were soft but insistent.

From his spot on the couch, Spencer stared at his phone screen, eyes wide. “No shame at all? He just goes in for a kiss and she’s frozen. Why isn’t she slapping him?”

But before he could finish the thought, the Claudia on his screen rose onto her toes and kissed Harold back.

She couldn’t quite reach him, so Harold bent down to meet her.

“Wait a second…” Spencer zoomed in on the recording. “No. No way. Did I just lose a meteorite? Was this a setup?”

The pieces clicked into place.

Lowell burst out laughing. “That’s his wife, man.”

“Huh?” Spencer lowered his phone, stunned.

“He already sent the invites. Your dad really didn’t tell you?” Lowell was grinning now.

“I knew it! Something felt off! Since when is Harold a decent guy?!”

Spencer jumped up, already scanning for an exit.

“Where are you running off to?” Lowell called after him.

“Business trip!”

“A business trip? Aren’t you worried he’ll clean out your place while you’re gone?”

2/3

18:24 Mon, Jul 6

Chapter 816 The Bet

Spencer clicked his tongue. “The meteorite’s coming with me!”

+35 Free Coms

No way he was letting Harold swindle him out of a rock that expensive. Time for a strategic retreat.

Lowell’s laughter followed him out.

Over by the entrance, Claudia broke the kiss gently. Harold seemed to forget what came next, just staring

at her.

Her soft voice brought him back. “Wait for me in the car, okay? Chelsea’s still inside…”

Harold squeezed her hand. “Let’s go home. I already called a ride for her. The owner here is Dad’s friend- she’ll be fine. I made sure of it.”

“Oh.” Claudia felt the warmth of his palm against hers. “Are you really drunk? Did you drive here?”

“Took a rideshare.” Harold reached up to touch her cheek, but she caught his hand, lacing her fingers with his.

“Behave,” she whispered, then led him toward the exit.

Harold glanced back toward where Lowell was sitting. Spencer was long gone.

Lowell gave him a knowing wave, as if to say, Go on, get out of here.

Harold smiled. He wasn’t planning on going back anyway.

Just as Claudia stepped out of the bar, holding Harold’s hand, Chelsea’s brother Noah and Katrina walked

1. in.

“Hey there!” Katrina called to Joseph at the host stand, slightly out of breath. “We’re looking for a friend- she was here earlier and had a bit too much to drink. Have you seen her?”

Joseph glanced up from his ledger. “Think she headed to the restroom a while back.”

Noah, standing behind Katrina, studied her for a moment before stepping forward. “Was there more than one woman overdoing it here tonight?” he asked Joseph, his tone casual but intent.

3/3