Chapter 22

Chapter 22:

Jacob added Eileen to the lively group chat, where Huey was quick to send a message.

“Eileen, stick with me, and I’ll protect you tonight. We’ll take them on together!”

Casting a sidelong look at Bryan, Eileen noted everyone’s preoccupation with their conversations. She was about to dwell on their earlier conversation when Jacob teased, “You’ve got guts for someone so young. Let’s put your skills to the test tonight!”

Vivian replied, “No teasing; Eileen’s boyfriend just wants to protect her in the game. He doesn’t care if he’ll lose or win.”

Kian threw in a playful barb. “Do I hear wedding bells? I’d better start saving for a grand gift for your marriage.”

Huey’s response was prompt. “A wedding would surely call for a celebration with all of you, but it’s up to Eileen.”

The chatter didn’t sit well with Eileen, prompting her to discreetly mute the conversation. After the last note was sung at karaoke, Jacob, buzzing with energy, ushered Eileen toward Bryan’s suite.

They navigated through the space—bathroom to the left, a generous living room ahead, and bedrooms to the right. However, the room felt less spacious with a full gathering convened around the coffee table.

When the clock struck, the gaming session began. Bryan and Kian, with Vivian in tow, formed one team, while Eileen allied with Huey.

Vivian, though not a gaming ace, definitely showed more prowess than Eileen, who quickly became the team’s underperformer, faltering in the initial practice round.

Huey’s encouragement filtered through Jacob’s phone, which was on speaker. “Eileen, put on your headphones and jump on the voice chat. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back.”

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That warm-up defeat sparked a competitive blaze in Huey. A player known as Ax had bested him swiftly—Huey was taken aback by the player’s sharp gaming instincts. Determined to redeem himself in the eyes of his team and not let Eileen down, Huey silently pledged to up his game.

As Eileen made to retrieve her headphones, Bryan intercepted her with a pair of Bluetooth earpieces. “Use these. No need to go and grab your own earphones.”

Eileen accepted the device, pairing it with her phone and slipping one earpiece in her ear to join the voice chat, Huey’s voice now a private channel in her ear. They dove into another round, with Eileen following Huey’s lead on strategy.

move to ensure their game

level, she had the power to sync with her team, becoming an extension of their will. Huey, wielding the strength to deal significant blows, assisted her in acquiring gear, including

even, with both teams having claimed three eliminations, ramping up the

excitement. “Eileen, flank from the left and scout the bush, and I’ll strike

Huey’s plan, and their trap ensnared Vivian effortlessly. Eileen heard Vivian’s call for aid. “Bryan, I need

joy, before a new threat loomed—a stealthy adversary with a

now!” Huey urged,

her character to safety. Meanwhile, Vivian said to

view, Eileen followed Huey’s directive. “Stay hidden

respond, but Bryan was quicker, circling the bushes before shifting

Bryan, Eileen caught the gleam in his eyes, a sly grin playing on his face. A wave of anxiety washed over her—his

my lead. Our team’s

remained his elusive bane, always one step ahead,

suspicions arose as he scrutinized Bryan’s gaming ID. It felt familiar, but he couldn’t remember

enthusiasm even without a personal stake in

to strike Huey rather than focus on the game’s objectives gave the team more time before they finally

let out a long sigh, casting a blank look toward Bryan and voicing his frustration to Huey. “Good, but as the founder of the game, you

a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Wait. ‘Ax’? That’s Bryan’s main

said. “A name that

energy. “No way! He’s Apex, the legend himself? The man’s a gaming titan! And I’m supposed to beat him? This

She swiftly removed the earpiece, seeking respite. Her gaze drifted to Bryan, who sat back casually, a

in his ear. It turned out he had been privy to Huey’s strategy all

headphones and, with a chuckle, activated the speaker. “Why not talk to your hero?

suddenly ceased, leaving the

guard, said, ‘You

absence of Huey’s online presence. Then, her phone buzzed

Pass a message to my hero, will you? I’ll treat him to dinner

into a soft smile at the underlying admiration in Huey’s words. She relayed to the room, “Huey had

face. “Playing this game brings me back to the old days. You know,

get carried away. I’m not familiar with

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