Chapter 44 Having Fun
"I made it clear that you would keep me updated on whatever happened there." Tiara shouted from the other end of the phone.
"Come down, girl. I am fine. Nothing happened." Ariadne assured her.
She was currently in her bed, after returning to her room a while ago. After Ariadne slammed Mrs. Garner in front of everyone, the insults stopped, and everyone resumed normal conversation. Crystal and Catherine acted normally while Mrs. Garner's head hung down in shame. However, Xander appeared disturbed after the argument, and left early with his men. Ariadne and Mark went back to their rooms after speaking with a few people after dinner, while Crystal stayed with the ladies.
The first thing Ariadne did when she returned to her room was call Tiara to check on the kids. She didn't tell anyone what happened at the festival back home. She didn't want them to worry about her. However, Tiara managed to get every news about her.
"By the way, how did you know about this?" Ariadne asked.
"I have my ways." Tiara answered.
"Is it Jose?" The only person that Ariadne could think of to tell Tiara about the incident was Jose. She was aware that they were in contact with one another.
"You don't need to know."
"Don't worry. I have survived two days unharmed. Only one day to go." Ariadne said mockingly, as if she was in a battle of survival. "I don't think she will try anything now that both of her plans have failed."
"Still be careful. If she somehow gets an opportunity, she will not pass it up." Tiara said.
Crystal, despite being the mastermind of the targeting, got away with it, as all of the blame was placed on Mrs. Garner. Tom was also blamed for everything on the first day, while Crystal remained innocent. She always targeted indirectly by using other people and never got involved directly. In this way, the other person was blamed, while she always remained unaffected. As her plans had failed, she wouldn't try anything else. After all, if she tried again, people would notice her manipulation. Ariadne was quite familiar with her games, as she had spent her life coping with Crystal's manipulation.
"Have you found a reliable investor?" Tiara asked, changing the topic.
"I have a few people in my mind, but I haven't talked to them about it." Ariadne replied. "We will discuss it with them later."
"Yes, we need to run a background check as well. They need to be trustworthy." Tiara paused before adding, "umm... Talking of trustworthy... I think the most trusted person for us will be Mark Steele. Why don't you consider him?"
"I'll think about it."
Mark was also on Ariadne's mind. He would undoubtedly be the most trustworthy person, and she was confident that he would agree to become an investor as well. However, she wanted to be professional, so she decided to consider other options as well, and Mark would be her last option.
..........
The last day of the festival had arrived. Ariadne got a surprise early in the morning, when Jennifer barged into her room with her fiance. She was out of town on vacation with her fiance. When she returned, she heard about Mark's return and decided to attend the festival and enjoy with her two best friends. Mark, Ariadne and Jennifer were inseparable during their school days. However, as they grew older, they became preoccupied with their own lives. Ariadne and Mark went abroad, while Jennifer remained in the city alone. They were overjoyed to finally get together after so many years. They ate breakfast together and explored the resort. However, they didn't go to the golf court where Xander had gone. Crystal, on the other hand, remained glued to Xander throughout the day, keeping her distance from Mrs. Garner and Catherine.
...
When evening arrived, the resort was illuminated with bright lights. Since it was the last day of the festival everyone wanted to make the most of it. The entertainment area was converted into a nightclub with a dance floor and drinks served at the counters. There were also casino games. Overall, it was a night of entertainment. Everyone dressed to kill. Ariadne and Jennifer wore shimmering party dresses. While Jennifer was with her fiance, Mark was Ariadne's partner.
The two attractive couples arrived together at the party, drawing everyone's attention. While Crystal was already present in the party, there was no sign of Xander. As Crystal saw Ariadne, she clenched her jaw. She hadn't been in a good mood since last night, thanks to Ariadne. She did, however, maintain a cheerful demeanor. They both avoided one another. Ariadne approached Lady Linda as soon as she saw her. The others followed her as well.
"Good evening, Lady Linda." Ariadne greeted her while they hugged.
In just two days, they developed an affectionate relationship between them.
"This's Jennifer, my childhood friend, and her fiance, Mr. Dean Paul." she introduced them.
"It's nice to meet you Lady Linda. I am a huge fan of Linda Fashion." Jennifer said, hugging the lady.
"Oh, thanks dear. You two look lovely together."
"Thank you." Dean said as he shook hands with Lady Linda.
Jennifer's fiance was a businessman from Q City. They met in a party and were attracted to each other. They had been dating for several years, and were about to marry in a few months. Others joined them, and they conversed for quite some time.
"Let's go to the game section." Jennifer suggested Ariadne.
Though Ariadne had no idea how to play any of the casino games, she agreed, and the couples headed towards the game section.
...
Mark sat down to play the poker game while the others watched. He was a skilled poker player, and easily won two games in a row. Ariadne cheered for him. They were having fun.
"Let's have a game between us, Mr. Steele. What do you say?" a voice spoke up from behind as Mark won his third round.
They turned to see Xander and his men. Crystal was standing beside him. Ariadne returned her gaze to Mark, hoping he would deny it.
"Sure, Mr. Blake. Please take a seat." Mark replied. He looked at Ariadne and gave her an assuring smile.
Xander approached the table and took a seat across from Mark and Ariadne. Crystal took the seat beside Xander while Toby and Jose stood behind him. The game began and the cards were dealt. Mark and Xander studied their cards carefully.
Ariadne became tensed. Even though it was just a poker game, both men were arrogant and didn't like losing. The last thing she wanted to see was another scene.
As the men locked eyes across the table, tension filled the air. They were rivals in every sense of the word and determined to claim victory as there was more at stake than money.
"You are good, Mr. Blake." Mark said with a smirk, laying down a winning hand. "But I think... I have got you this time."
Xander chuckled, amused. "Don't count me out yet, Mr. Steele."
The game continued, with each man pushing the other to their limits. The crowd grew larger as the match intensified. After all, the two most prominent figures of Zavion City were competing against each other.
As the final hand was dealt, the tension reached it's peak. Mark and Xander locked eyes once again, a silent challenge passing between them. And then Xander laid down his winning hand, a triumphant smile on his face. The room erupted in cheers and applause as Xander claimed victory. Crystal beamed arrogantly from his side. Despite his disappointment, Mark couldn't help but admire his opponent.
"Well played Mr. Blake." he said, extending a hand in congratulations. "You truly are a master of the game."
Xander smiled and shook Mark's hand firmly. "You're not bad either." he praised the young man.
Ariadne squeezed Mark's hand while smiling at him. She was proud of him, even though he had lost. Xander glanced at Ariadne before standing up and leaving the table. Crystal and his men followed. Mark continued to play with the others.
.
"Let them have fun here. Let's go try the roulette." Jennifer suggested after a while, as both Mark and Dean were engrossed in the poker game.
Ariadne agreed, and they made their way to the roulette table after informing the two men. However, Ariadne paused when she saw Xander and Crystal.
"I think we shouldn't go there. Let's go somewhere else." she said.
Jennifer noticed them as well. "You can't avoid them. Would you leave this world too, given that they live here?"
Ariadne rolled her eyes at Jennifer's words, making her laugh.
Jennifer dragged her to the table, and they immediately caught everyone's attention. Catherine was bidding alongside Crystal, while Xander was talking with a businessman and watching the game.
Jennifer placed three bids and won the final one. She encouraged Ariadne to place a bid, but Ariadne hesitated as she was inexperienced. Nonetheless, she chose number three. However, she lost, and Crystal smirked while Xander silently observed her. Ariadne made another bid. Crystal also placed a bid this time around. However, Ariadne lost again, while Crystal won. She shot her an arrogant look.
"Okay, let's go... this's not my cup of tea. I'll never win." Ariadne said, sighing.
"Come on, Aria, one last time." Jennifer persisted.
Across the table, Xander said something into Crystal's ear before walking away. As Ariadne was debating whether or not to place another bid, someone whispered in her ear.
"Select number seven."
The sudden voice startled Ariadne, and she immediately looked back. She was met with Xander's back. He told her and walked away. Ariadne stared at his back dumbfounded.
"What happened?" Jennifer asked.
Nobody noticed Xander speak to her.
"Nothing." Ariadne said as she concentrated on the numbers. "Number seven." she announced after a while and held her breath.
Crystal selected number nine. When the ball came to a stop on the wheel, Ariadne's eyes widened with surprise.
"You have won, Aria." Jennifer yelled as she jumped with excitement and hugged Ariadne tightly.
Ariadne couldn't believe she had won. While they were overjoyed, Crystal gritted her teeth and walked away with Catherine. Jennifer and Ariadne collected their rewards and joined Mark and Dean.