Chapter 139
Feeling an inexplicable sense of unease, Victoria quickly called Diana.
But the call didn't go through.
She sent a message, but there was no response either.
She had no idea what Diana was up to.
Despite her unease, Victoria finished editing the photos. By the time she was done, it was already 11 p.m.
She took a shower and lay in bed, her mind racing with thoughts, unable to fall asleep.
Just then, her phone buzzed. She grabbed it eagerly, only to see a message from Evie.
Evie sent her a photo.
Evie: [Tsk tsk, so the big star and the fake sweetheart are besties? Figures birds of a feather flock together.]
Victoria opened the photo. In the dimly lit VIP room, Henry was surrounded by his group of friends.
Sarah and Sophia were both there.
Next to Henry were Barrell and Gideon, while Jayce was off in a corner, his head bowed, his emotions unreadable.
Victoria's gaze lingered on Sophia and Sarah.
Sophia's hostility and the bizarre incident of snatching the camera seemed like pieces of a puzzle suddenly connecting.
Victoria: [Stay away from them. They're nothing but bad luck.]
Evie: [Got it. Whatever you say.]
Victoria pondered for a long time but couldn't make sense of it. She finally spritzed herself with some aromatherapy mist and drifted off to sleep.
At Night Club, the card table was intense, strategies clashing back and forth.
Barrett groaned, "Henry, did you have a shot of adrenaline tonight? How many times are you going to crush me? Give me a break, will you?"
Henry held a cigarette between his fingers, a thin veil of smoke framing his sharp, handsome features. He glanced up at Barrett. "Your poor skills are hardly my fault."
No man would admit to being bad at anything. Barrett's competitive streak flared, and he immediately started another round.
Inevitably, he lost again. He downed two shots and protested, "I'm done! I need a break. You keep targeting me–go take someone else down!"
Gideon smirked slightly, adjusting his gold–rimmed glasses as he looked at Henry. "How's her memory coming along?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Henry shot him a cold glare.
Gideon raised an eyebrow. Ah... now he understood why Henry was in such a bad mood.
So Victoria's memory had returned, and it must've hit him where it hurt.
Barrett yanked Jayce over and shoved him into his seat. "Jayce, get revenge for me! Henry's been brutal tonight–I've had too many drinks already. Just make him down one for me!"
The liquor was strong, and drinking too much would be rough.
Their game wasn't about winning money or women. Losers drank, couldn't leave for bathroom breaks, and faced dire consequences if they couldn't finish their drink.
The winners could make any demand they wanted.
Henry stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, the motion casual, and a sharp, intense aura surrounded him.
His striking eyes were icy as he looked at Jayce. "You want to play?"
Jayce glanced at the cards in front of him, then slowly raised his eyes to meet Henry's cold stare.
He thought of his intentions–someday, this fragile peace between them would break.
Picking up the cards, he said, "Never played before. I'll give it a shot."
Barrett chimed in, "You've always been the genius type. You've got this! I'm rooting for you!"
Gideon watched the scene unfold, amusement flickering in his eyes.
He felt like he had stumbled upon something significant.
He wasn't sure, so he decided to observe a bit more...
The private room was filled with soft, soothing music, yet there was an inexplicable tension in the air that could be felt even from the sidelines.
Sarah glanced over, a faint smile on her lips, and said, "This is the first time I've seen Jayce playing cards."
Sophia cast a glance at Sarah, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. She knew about Sarah's feelings for Henry, but she didn't see her as a threat.
She was all too familiar with the events from back then. Sarah had missed her chance once, and she'd never become Mrs. Harrison in this lifetime.
Back then, Sophia had been pleasantly surprised by Sarah's decision.
But who would've thought Victoria aka Vika would come out of nowhere and swiftly become Mrs. Harrison, leaving her no time to react! That was why she resented Victoria the most.
But this time, she was determined to win Henry back!
Sophia composed herself and said with a light smile, "Let's go over and take a look."
Sarah nodded, and the two of them walked over, sitting on either side of Henry.
The heavy scent of their perfume enveloped him.
He frowned and said, "Both of you, back off."
Sarah and Sophia both froze, their expressions stiff.
Sophia said, "Henry, I'm always lucky. Sitting next to me, you're bound to keep winning."
Sarah added gently, "I won't bother you. I'm just watching."
This scene left the others in the room surprised for a moment before they broke into quiet laughter.
Gideon immediately quipped, "After all these years as friends, we're just side characters next to Henry. The moment he shows up, it's like we don't even exist. Right, Barrett?"
Barrett, who had been holding back his words, finally spoke up, frowning, "Sarah, Sophia, it's getting late. Shouldn't you be home getting your beauty sleep? Isn't that what you girls care about?"
"What's the deal with sitting on both sides of Henry like that? Trying to make Henry hold you both in his arms at once? Well, that depends on whether Henry even likes you two!" Barrett thought.
Sophia teased, "How do you know so much? Got a girlfriend?"
Barrett raised a brow and replied, "It's research for finding a girlfriend. When it comes to relationships, I'm all about loyalty. Once I choose someone, I never waver!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine.
At that moment, Jayce chimed in, "Me too."
Barrett didn't have time to figure out the source of the chill before hearing Jayce's words. He immediately widened his eyes in surprise. "Jayce, you like someone?"
"Yeah," Jayce admitted without hesitation.
It wasn't just Barrett–everyone else's interest was piqued, and they all turned to look at Jayce.
After all, Jayce was known for being reserve. No one had ever seen him show interest in anyone before. The only people close to him were Edward and his bodyguard, Delia.
Gideon asked curiously, "If someone caught your eye, they must be extraordinary. When did this happen? Bring her around so we can meet her."
Hearing this, Jayce lifted his gaze and looked directly at Henry. "I definitely will," he said firmly.
"Four of a kind," Henry announced casually.
Henry threw down two cards without hesitation, smirking slightly. "If you're not going to focus on the game, just drink."
After playing his strong hand, he followed with a low card, securing his win.
He leaned back, crossing his long legs with a relaxed yet regal air. His strikingly handsome face remained impassive, but his eyes held an undeniable chill.
"When you bring your girlfriend around, let me know. My wife and I will have a gift ready for her," Henry said matter–of–factly.