In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

Unable to find common ground in conversation, they decided to play poker instead.

Wanting to liven things up, Isla made phone calls inviting more people to join. During the waiting period, Grace filled in for two rounds.

"Mrs. Brooke isn't answering her phone. Is something wrong?"

"You don't know? Last night, Mrs. Brooke stormed into Fortress, wielding a knife. It's said that when she arrived, the screens in the lobby were playing a loop of her husband with a woman," Jean recounted excitedly.

"What video?"

"You know, that kind."

The ladies burst into laughter.

"Did she offend someone? The Brooke family has a solid background. Isn't this a slap in their face?"

"Fortress doesn't easily disclose client privacy. Whoever did this must be a big shot."

Grace gazed at the cards in her hand, smiling but saying nothing.

Bored of the women's chatter, Victor excused himself for some fresh air.

a text to Grace. "I'll wait

her plan, too. After two rounds,

to stand up,

sounded. "Sorry for being

Grace

Though she was aging and had fine lines at the corners of her eyes, her every move

called," Priscilla

glanced at Grace. "Oh, it's rare to see

appreciate how

familiar and hesitated

"I have some

I'm sorry, ladies."

reached the door, she overheard Jean asking, "I heard your son, Jake, had an accident. Is

Jake?

As soon as he recovered, Raymond sent

handle and stepped back. "My plans got canceled. I'll

time, but Isla had already stood up to vacate her seat. "Then, let's enjoy ourselves.

across from Priscilla. "I've met the other ladies before,