She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 100

Confident to the point of stupidity, Leroy nodded immediately. “Fine.”

The booth exploded in cheers. Someone whistled and shouted, drawing attention from all over the bar. Phones came out and someone was already recording.

The noise carried upstairs to the VIP lounge. A man in a black suit sat back on the sofa, a cigar pinched between his fingers—unlit. He waved off the man kneeling at his feet, trying to light it.

“I quit,” he said flatly. “What’s all that noise outside?”

“Probably some kids getting carried away.”

Gavin handed Lucian the lighter anyway and forced a servile smile. “I know you’re not in great health, sir. If this weren’t urgent, I’d never bring you to a place like this.”

Lucian set the cigar down and rolled the lighter in his hand. “The mayor’s secretary got arrested this morning, along with the Walsh family. How involved were you?”

Gavin swallowed. “I didn’t touch the organ trafficking. I have limits. But they’re trying to dump everything on me. If they succeed, I’m finished.”

Lucian’s gaze was cool. “I’m military. I don’t protect criminals.”

“Of course. I understand.” Gavin hurried on. “But you know this bar is just a side business. I use it to keep relationships with major clients who buy medical equipment. You have to understand that part. I swear everything I do in medical supplies is legitimate, no kickbacks, no corruption. Just your fleet’s purchases are enough to keep me rich. I don’t need anything else.”

Under Lucian’s deep, measuring stare, Gavin’s heart lurched. He raised a hand and swore quickly, “I swear to you, this is a one-sided smear campaign. I didn’t do anything else. And the Walsh family even tried to hack into the fleet’s medical system to get soldiers’ health data. I told you the truth immediately. I have no hidden agenda!”

Lucian was silent for a moment. Then he lifted a hand slightly. “I understand.”

Gavin exhaled, relieved. That meant Lucian would keep him from being thrown to the wolves.

Downstairs, the shouting grew louder. Gavin frowned and asked the attendant at the door, “What’s going on down there? It’s getting out of hand. My guest is being disturbed.”

The attendant stepped in and explained, “It’s Leroy Seabrook. He’s related to the Lonsdales. He set up a bet with his cousin, Loyce.”

Gavin’s brow furrowed. “I don’t care who it is. Go warn them to keep it down. I’ll comp their drinks. Just don’t bother my guest.”

The attendant was about to agree when Lucian spoke, rising to his feet. He adjusted his suit jacket, expression unreadable. “No need. I’ll go take a look.”

Gavin was surprised Lucian would care about some spoiled kids’ game, but he didn’t dare show it. He lowered his head and trailed after him.

“There’s nothing worth watching,” Gavin said carefully. “Just rich kids playing a stupid little game.”

Both landed.

Again.

And again.

Leroy could call it luck once or twice, but by the time he tried to breathe, half his cups were gone, and Loyce hadn’t missed a single throw.

When Leroy threw again, the ball sailed wide and bounced on the floor. Sweat beaded at his hairline. His fingers began tapping the table without him noticing.

“Nervous, Leroy?” Loyce rested her chin on her hand, smiling like she had all night.

“Shut up.” Leroy stood abruptly, leaned forward, and threw hard. This time one went in. He exhaled and glared at her. “Your turn.”

Loyce picked up the ball, casual as if she were reaching for a napkin. She didn’t even look at the cups. Then she grabbed three balls at once and tossed them in a single smooth motion. They spun through the air and dropped, perfectly, into Leroy’s last three cups.

The entire bar went silent.