Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 336

"That happened? Why didn't you ever mention it?" Julius's brows knitted together in a tight frown.

"I didn't think it was that important at the time, and then I just forgot about it."

"From now on, you need to tell me about things like that. I worry about your safety, do you understand?"

"I understand." Back then, their relationship hadn't been nearly this deep. It was only later that she had Norma look into Steve's background, so it simply hadn't crossed her mind to bring it up to him.

"Well, as punishment for keeping things from me, tonight you have to..."

He leaned in and whispered his specific, demanding intentions for the evening right into her ear.

Hearing his shameless request, Stella's face flushed crimson. "Julius, that was ages ago! Are you seriously bringing up ancient history to get what you want?"

"I don't care. That's what I want."

The strict, composed CEO had instantly transformed into a stubborn toddler.

Stella looked at him in disbelief. "Mr. Blackwood, are you whining?"

"Just tell me if you agree or not." When it came to his own happiness, he was nothing if not persistent.

Blushing furiously, Stella refused. "No way. I don't have the energy."

She was already exhausted when she didn't have to do any of the work; taking the lead sounded like a guaranteed backache.

"That's fine. I'll help you."

"Julius, you have no shame."

"I'm only shameless with you." What was the point of having pride around his own wife? Pride wouldn't get him what he wanted.

In the end, Julius got exactly what he wanted.

And Stella entirely forgot about investigating Steve and the corrupt referee.

...

She wasn't reckless, after all!

The venue was already set up, resembling a massive boxing ring. The rules were straightforward: the order of fights was determined by a random draw, fighters would face off one-on-one, and whoever was knocked out of the ring was eliminated.

A total of one hundred countries had sent representatives. Any country that didn't have a fighter present automatically forfeited.

The first round would eliminate fifty fighters, the second round twenty-five, and so on, until only one person remained as the ultimate victor.

The winner would claim the right for their country to host the next international martial arts championship.

With ten minutes left until the first match.

Stella and Julius found their seats, only to notice the Veridia team captain from yesterday pacing frantically, looking completely panicked.

"Julius, let's go ask him what happened. He looks like he's in trouble. Maybe we can help."

"Alright." Being in a foreign country in a high-stakes environment like this, it was only right to check in on their own people. If they could help, they would.