No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Ernest, how do you reckon we should settle this?"

Brown lounged back in his chair, a sly smirk playing on his lips as he addressed Ernest.

It was clear as day that Brown had his own plans on how to toy with Ernest; this whole act was just him having a bit of fun at someone else's expense. Ernest remained cool as a cucumber, "However you want to settle it, works for me."

I had to hand it to Ernest; the guy was solid as a rock. Whether it was Henrik or Brown stirring up trouble, he faced it all without batting an eyelid.

"So, we're at odds because of this little game, aren't we?" Brown casually spun a colorful billiard ball in his hand as he spoke.

Ernest stayed silent, prompting Brown to turn his attention to me, "How about you and I play a game? If you win, I'll grant you a request, including letting Ernest off the hook."

He had been itching to challenge me to a game since our first meeting, and it seemed his obsession hadn't waned.

I couldn't fathom why he was so set on playing against me. I hadn't competed professionally or left anyone feeling embarrassed in defeat.

"Why do you want to play against me?" I voiced my confusion.

"Because I want to see if you're as good as they say. You played flawlessly in the tournament last week," Brown's challenge was clear.

Here I was on his turf, and whether I liked it or not, he had ways to make me play. So, I might as well accept.

favor. I looked him right in the eye, "If I win, you're really gonna let the

didn't directly ask him to spare Ernest, as his indifference towards me didn't warrant

word is my bond,"

dropped the bomb, "And if you lose?

hard,

Clap, clap!

applauded, "Spoken like a true firecracker. No wonder you've got men falling over themselves for

a gesture from him, a billiard table was brought

"Here? Really?" I frowned.

that?" Brown asked,

place reeks. The ambiance

all wrong

off my aim,"

ΛΟ

set

because I knew Brown wouldn't dare harm me. I was valuable to someone behind

move to my billiard room," Brown conceded

inspect Conrad's wounds, then ordered his men, "Get a doc to