Chapter 634

"That's more like it." Satisfied with his answer, Miranda finally released him, her excitement bubbling over. "This match is crucial for the Neverfall Navigators. I wonder if Demon will make an appearance."

Hayden sighed in resignation. His own wife idolized another man—a much younger one at that. Unwilling to dwell on it, he tried to change the subject. “I heard Shanley is dating someone. I wonder what kind of girl managed to capture that iceberg's heart."

"Probably just a rumor," Miranda said, popping a small snack into her mouth and chewing thoughtfully. "Who would even be interested in him? He's too old, has a terrible temper, and all he ever does is work. Besides a handsome face and a lot of money, he has nothing going for him. Any girl who falls for him must be blind." "I suppose you have a point," Hayden conceded, finding his wife's logic sound. "Also..." Miranda glanced around conspiratorially before lowering her voice. "The internet is full of rumors that he's gay. For all we know, he just found some girl to play along and throw the reporters off his trail."

The thought sent a sharp pang through Hayden's heart, but he quickly composed himself. Well, their son would live his own life. If that didn't include grandchildren, they would just have to enjoy their own fortune.

"Come on," Miranda said, having long ago made peace with reality. She glanced up at the sky. "It's still early. Let's go grab a drink at a bar."

The couple had decided to wait until after the WKL finals to return to the family estate. If they went back now, they'd get an earful from their parents and a lecture from their son.

It felt like the world was upside down sometimes. They often wondered who the real parents were in the family.

...

With only one day left until the WKL eSports finals, the computer science students all received their official invitations. Once again, they were for the front row of the VIP section.

Not only that, but in an unprecedented move, the finals would be live-streamed for free.

The operating costs for an event like the WKL eSports tournament were astronomical, and revenue typically came from selling broadcasting rights to television networks and online platforms. A free live stream could only mean one thing: the organizers were obscenely wealthy.

As school let out on Friday, Juniper's phone rang before she even left the campus.

"Juniper, let's grab a drink," Luella said.

"Now?" Juniper checked the time, hesitating.

Luella's voice came through again, dripping with sarcasm. "Whipped, are we? Gotta

get permission from the old man to have a single drink?"

“Fine,” Juniper said with a smirk. "Send me the address."

It had been a while since she'd seen Luella. It would be a good chance to ask about

the situation at the base and the status of their other ventures.

A moment later, an address popped up on her phone: a high-end bar in

the center a playground for the

rich that offered every kind of entertainment imaginable.

To avoid worrying Shanley, Juniper sent him a quick text.

Shanley: [Don't stay out too late. Don't you have the match tomorrow?] Juniper: [Got it.]

Shanley: [Go have fun.]

Juniper: [.]

With the conversation over, Juniper hailed a cab and headed for the bar.

By seven p.m., the dance floor was a sea of moving bodies, lights flashed in a dazzling display, and the music was deafening.

After getting out of the car, Juniper

pulled on her cap and walked

straight to the private room, her bag

slung over her shoulder. Her tall,

striking figure drew more than a few way.

glances along the

A few minutes later, she reached the room and pushed open the door.

“Juniper, over here!" Luella called out. She was lounging on a sofa surrounded by a

few pretty young women, drinking and singing.

"You sang just now, right? Here's your bonus." Luella grabbed a** handful of cash from the table and

stuffed it into the hands of agirl with short hair.