Chapter 222

Nathaniel's question instantly sucked the air out of the room.

Oliver let out an exasperated sigh. "I can't believe you two are actually debating love. That's never been my problem. No woman's worth giving up my freedom for."

He drained his whiskey and slammed the glass down. "But if I lose this damn case, freedom's off the table anyway! Enough moping - let's do something fun."

"Like what?" Dominic perked up immediately.

"How about a drinking game? Loser takes whatever punishment we dish out."

"Boring." Nathaniel's voice was flat. Clearly not interested.

Then something clicked. "Is it a counting game?" he asked suddenly.

"Sure, whatever you want." Oliver shrugged.

"Let's do that then." Nathaniel's sudden enthusiasm surprised them. Truth was, he couldn't accept losing to Vivian every single time. This was his chance to prove whether he sucked at the game or if she was just that good.

The game began.

Workaholic Nathaniel rarely went out, so predictably, he lost spectacularly to Dominic and Oliver.

He waited for his punishment like a man.

"My turn first!" Oliver announced. "Nathaniel, call your wife right now. Minimum ten minutes."

"No." Instant refusal.

Oliver smirked. "What, scared of a little phone call? Didn't take you for a coward."

Provoked, Nathaniel pulled out his phone. Dialed. Then realized with a jolt - Vivian had blocked his number. The call wouldn't even connect.

Dominic and Oliver howled with laughter. Exactly the reaction they'd hoped for.

"My turn." Dominic finally caught his breath. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."

He nodded toward the entrance. "Dance with the second person who walks in. Simple enough?"

Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "Child's play."

A dance with a stranger? He was confident anyone would accept.

The first entrant was a sharply dressed man.

Then a vision in white glided through the doors - a stunning woman with an aura that commanded attention.