Chapter 225

Sophia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A pro? Male or female? Gorgeous? What's your connection?" She could sniff out gossip like a bloodhound.

Vivian flashed a cryptic smile. "Male, and yes, devastatingly handsome. You've met him before."

Nathaniel's expression darkened. "Who is he to you?" The edge in his voice betrayed his jealousy.

Ignoring him, Vivian pulled out her phone and dialed.

"Just keep walking straight," she instructed after a brief exchange.

Moments later, a striking figure appeared at the lounge entrance. His black mask accentuated the intensity of his piercing gaze.

Vivian stood, waving eagerly. "Over here!"

Nathaniel, Sophia, Dominic, and Oliver all turned in unison.

The stranger approached, then removed his mask.

Sophia gasped. "Wait—isn't he like a carbon copy of Nathaniel?"

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Don't insult him. This is Julian Carter. You literally introduced us, remember?"

She gestured for Julian to sit beside her. "Long drive? Hands okay? We need you sharp for the match. These two are dead weight—it's all on us now."

Julian settled in, his demeanor ice-cool. He unlocked his phone with a flick of his wrist. "Easy."

"Enough chitchat—let's crush this!" Vivian declared, herding everyone toward the gaming area.

Nathaniel's initial jealousy faded when he saw Vivian's laser focus on the game, her attention purely strategic. He followed without another word.

Time to impress her with my skills, he thought, gripping his phone tighter.

The quartet dove into the match, their intensity drawing bewildered stares from other patrons.

Dominic frowned. "Julian Carter? The reclusive genius actually knows Vivian?"

Oliver scoffed. "Seriously? A Nathaniel lookalike? She’s clearly not over him."

"Of course they look alike," Dominic muttered. "Julian’s his cousin. The Blackwoods disowned his branch, but the man’s a tech prodigy—QuantumTech’s lead engineer and majority shareholder, 'Mr. Y.'"

Oliver’s jaw dropped. "That’s Mr. Y?!"

Rumors swirled about Mr. Y and Nathaniel’s "unusual" bond—some even claimed they’d married overseas. The truth was far simpler: family ties explained QuantumTech’s exclusive partnership with Blackwood Group. Their symbiotic success was undeniable.

Oliver squinted at Julian, now fully immersed in the game. "Genius engineer my ass. Dude’s a basement-dwelling gamer. Probably pays someone to do his job."

Dominic smirked. "Even geniuses need hobbies. Bet you’d lose your mind if you knew his other alias."