Chapter 3

In the month that followed, Julian Thorne openly took Chloe Parker to all sorts of events.

Just like a pair of young lovers madly in love.

Julian Thorne, worth billions, let her drag him to street food stalls, take sticker photos, and kiss on the wind-swept shores of Bali.

He even went with her to watch Leo Archer’s offline match.

Leo Archer.

The hottest e-sports player of the moment.

At just nineteen, the boy had already shown astonishing talent.

Last year, he had led his team to win the world championship.

Chloe Parker wore a headband in support of him, clinging to Julian Thorne’s arm, enthusiastically snapping photos at the stadium entrance.

Julian Thorne, slightly jealous, wrapped his arm around her waist. “You like this little boy who hasn’t even grown up yet that much?”

“I just like watching his matches, that’s all.”

Chloe Parker smiled sweetly and kissed him on the cheek.

“Of course, I love you the most!”

My car was parked by the roadside, witnessing the whole scene.

Just as I managed to suppress the nausea in my chest, a call from Julian Thorne came through:

“The project you mentioned yesterday–we’ll talk about it another day.”

His tone was cold and impatient.

“I have things to do tonight, won’t be home.”

I gave a silent laugh and deliberately asked,

“What’s keeping you?”

“To watch Leo Archer’s match–”

Before he finished, Chloe Parker suddenly gave a mocking snort beside him,

“What does a boring old woman like her know about Leo Archer?”

Through the car window, I watched her snatch the phone from Julian Thorne’s hand.

“Auntie, don’t ask things you shouldn’t. Hanging up now.”

Her voice was spoiled and imperious.

But she was young and beautiful, blooming like a vibrant flower in full blossom.

So Julian Thorne only playfully pinched her cheek and walked side by side with her into the VIP seats.

Everyone prefers youth and beauty.

And of course, I was no exception.

My phone lit up again. This time it was Leo Archer calling.

His tone was hardly pleasant: “Are you coming or not?”

“You said last time you’d come watch me play, but then something came up. It’s not going to happen again, is it?”

“I’m here.”

I rapped my knuckle lightly on the car window.

“But… you’re too popular–I could only get a seat in the stands. I’ll come find you after the match.”

Leo Archer let out a soft laugh:

“Tsk, you need to buy a ticket yourself just to watch me play?”

“I had the club reserve a box for you. Just go straight there.”

He paused, then suddenly added,

“My dear, have you thought about it? You said you owed me for missing last time. If I win this time, what will my reward be?”

“What do you want?”

“What do I want… Anything?”

The last few words came out in a slightly husky voice.

Even through the phone, I could picture the curve of his lips.

And the way those beautiful, sharp eyes would land on me, the secret desire quietly rising within them.

I smiled indulgently.

“Anything.”

There was a second of silence on the other end.

He said, “Victoria Sterling, if I win the championship, tonight is mine.”

The match began.

Through the glass, I saw Leo Archer put on his headphones, his fingers flying swiftly across the keyboard.

His expression was stern and cold, his focus never wavering for a second.

Until the screen flashed a crimson “3:0”.

“Champions!!–”

Amid the deafening cheers of the crowd, he finally stood up. Through the crowd and the crisscrossing lights, our eyes met.

My lips moved silently: “Congratulations.”

He smiled, imitating me, mouthing the words in silence:

“Now, you’re mine.”

This night belonged to Leo Archer.