Redmption 224


    Eden’s eyes narrowed slightly. Though his smile remained, it took on a more yful edge. It


    seemed he was considering something.


    I didn’t concern myself with what he was pondering and went straight to the point. “Mr. Griffins, if it’s


    difficult for you, then never mind.”


    He chuckled awkwardly and said, “There’s nothing difficult about it. Even if you wanted me, I’d


    dly agree.”


    His response was a bit too smooth. But before I could say anything, Derick cleared his throat twice,


    as if to remind Eden.


    Eden let out a mischievousugh and made a gesture at me. “Ladies first.”


    I wasn’t interested in dragging things out with him. Since he wanted me to start, I decided to finish it


    quickly. So, I took my cue and cleared the table without giving him a chance.


    Eden didn’t look like someone who had lost a round. Instead, he apuded and said, “As expected


    of Derick’s sister! You really are something.”


    He added, “I’ll ept this loss. But you have to let me show my skills too, right?” As he spoke, he


    signaled to a nearby assistant to rearrange the balls.


    He picked up his cue and swiftly cleared the table, showing why he was a champion. The entire


    process was faster than I was by a minute.


    I didn’t hold back my apuse and said, “You’re even better, Mr. Griffins.”


    “ording to the rules we agreed on, you still won. So, what do you want me to promise you?”


    Eden said as he narrowed his eyes.


    I took a deep breath and said, “I want to meet your father, Mr. Arthur.”


    His eyes darkened with a shadow of mncholy. I knew he was curious about my reason, so I


    exined directly, “I have something that I need Mr. Arthur to authenticate.”


    Eden’s furrowed brow rxed slightly. “Oh, is it some sort of treasure?”


    “No,” I replied, not disclosing what it was.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Eden, being perceptive, didn’t press further: After a brief silence, he said, “Alright, I can bring you


    there, but


    11


    He paused, ncing at Derick and then back at me. “My dad’s health isn’t very good right now, and


    he doesn’t see outsiders.”


    This implied that even if he took me to see Arthur, it was unlikely I would meet him. I considered his


    words and realized he was setting a trap. I couldn’t fall for it.


    So, I disyed a look of regret and said, “In that case, never mind.”


    wasn’t worried about my efforts being in vain. I had piqued his interest, and he was now, curious


    about what I wanted Arthur to authenticate.


    Eden’s eyes narrowed again. He was clearly surprised that I wasn’t ying along with his game. He


    stared at me for a few seconds, thenughed. “You’re not an easy target, are you?”


    He understood my tactic of pretending to give up. But I couldn’t admit it. I defended myself, “I don’t


    like to force people.”


    “I enjoy helping others,” Eden said.


    I breathed a sigh of relief. Eden signaled to the nearby assistant to reset the balls, then said,


    “Maddie, how about this? Let’s y a few more serious games.”


    My one clear shot had clearly sparked hispetitive spirit. At this point, I couldn’t dampen his


    enthusiasm, and I had to satisfy his desire forpetition.


    I agreed and yed a few more rounds with him. I let him win four out of five games, ensuring he


    experienced the joy of victory.


    “Maddie, are you holding back because you’re looking down on me?” Eden said as we finished.