Liam shot her a sidelong glance, a faint smile curling at his lips. “It wouldn’t be any fun without you. We’re one short—waiting on you to make it a full table.”
“We’re partners, you know. Is this your way of saying you don’t think much of us?”
Liam always had a way of pinning people down with just a few words, leaving them in an awkward spot.
“Maybe she’s just short on cash?” Millie interjected, trying to smooth things over. “She’s only an assistant, after all. Probably not rolling in it. Don’t give her a hard time.”
“I’ll play.” A man’s voice called out from the hallway before anyone could reply.
Everyone’s attention turned to the door.
Gian appeared, arriving late after his meeting. He strolled in and looked straight at Danielle. “Have fun. Win or lose, I’ve got you covered.”
Moments like these were all about going with the flow.
Refusing to play would be embarrassing.
And after all, it was just a card game.
“Exactly,” Alexander said, his gaze lingering on Danielle with a hint of a smile. “What’s there to be afraid of? It’s a friendly game, not a firing squad.”
Millie arched a brow, lips curving. “Mr. Atwood, you’re awfully generous—spoiling your assistant like that?”
Gian first offered a quick apology to Mr. Keeley. “Sorry I’m late.”
Mr. Keeley greeted him with a polite handshake. “No worries at all.”
Gian gave a wry smile. “It’s just a card game, not some soap-opera showdown between wives and mistresses.”
Millie’s expression tightened ever so slightly.
His jab was subtle, but everyone who mattered caught the drift.
He made his way to Danielle, leaning down to speak softly. “How’d the talks go?”
“Fine,” Danielle replied coolly. “I’ll play a couple rounds and head out. The three of them are in cahoots anyway—playing against them is just handing them money.”
But Gian, for some reason, had faith in her. “One against three? I think you’ll do just fine.”
The private room had its own card table.
The four of them took their seats.
Danielle sat just after Alexander in the rotation.
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