Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)
Redmption 224

Redmption 224

Eden’s eyes narrowed slightly. Though his smile remained, it took on a more playful edge. Itseemed he was considering something.

I didn’t concern myself with what he was pondering and went straight to the point. “Mr. Griffins, if it’sdifficult for you, then never mind.”

He chuckled awkwardly and said, “There’s nothing difficult about it. Even if you wanted me, I’dgladly 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 mischievous laugh 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 itquickly. 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 applauded and said, “As expectedof Derick’s sister! You really are something.”

He added, “I’ll accept this loss. But you have to let me show my skills too, right?” As he spoke, hesignaled 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 entireprocess was faster than I was by a minute.

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

“According 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 melancholy. I knew he was curious about my reason, so Iexplained directly, “I have something that I need Mr. Arthur to authenticate.”

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

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

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

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He paused, glancing at Derick and then back at me. “My dad’s health isn’t very good right now, andhe doesn’t see outsiders.”

This implied that even if he took me to see Arthur, it was unlikely I would meet him. I considered hiswords and realized he was setting a trap. I couldn’t fall for it.

So, I displayed 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, curiousabout what I wanted Arthur to authenticate.

Eden’s eyes narrowed again. He was clearly surprised that I wasn’t playing along with his game. Hestared at me for a few seconds, then laughed. “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’tlike 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 play a few more serious games.”

My one clear shot had clearly sparked his competitive spirit. At this point, I couldn’t dampen hisenthusiasm, and I had to satisfy his desire for competition.

I agreed and played a few more rounds with him. I let him win four out of five games, ensuring heexperienced the joy of victory.

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