The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 172: She Beat Franco

Chapter 172: She Beat Franco

On that Friday after Erik’s birthday, Franco organized a party at the Midnight Club. Of course, Cassie and Julia were also invited.

The third floor of Midnight Club was exclusive for gaming where people can play bowling or billiards while enjoying alcohol.

"How are you, Aryana? I am glad that we meet here today and not at the hospital." Alex stood beside her and handed her a glass of wine.

"He he, it is unusual for us to meet outside the hospital. Glad to see you here." She accepted the wine glass from him.

"So where did both of you hide in the last 4 days? You have a great tan." Alex regarded her with curious eyes.

"On an island in the pacific," Aryana replied matter-of-factly. She was watching Franco and Erik who were playing pool.

"Do you know how to play pool, Alex?"

Alex shook his head. Marlon who just came from the bathroom led Aryana to the table beside Erik and Franco.

"Come, let’s play." Marlon readied the balls and handed the cue stick to Aryana. During the first round, Aryana lost to Marlon, but in the second round, she won. Erik and Franco stopped playing and watched the two battle. Aryana won the third round and Marlon was embarrassed.

"Shame on you Marlon. To think that you were beaten by a woman." Franco insulted Marlon.

"Didn’t you lose last time? How about you play with her?" Marlon retorted.

"Sure." Franco took Marlon’s cue and started the game. He pocketed almost half of the balls before he made a mistake and it was Aryana’s turn.

Aryana’s third ball was difficult. She was frowning and doing mental calculations when Erik gave her a tip. "Hit the ball at the side at 45 degrees angle. Don’t hit too hard."

Aryana did as Erik suggested and the ball went inside the pocket.

"Hey, that’s cheating. No coaching." Franco complained.

"How can that be cheating? Don’t worry, when it is your turn, I will also give you a tip and besides she is a woman." there was a hint o mockery in Erik’s voice.

Aryana hit her fifth ball and it went into the corner pocket. She was about to target her sixth ball when the click-clack of the women’s shoes was heard.

"What are doing guys?" Cassie asked sweetly. She looked around and her smile broadened when she saw Erik. She quickened her steps and hugged him then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She frowned when she saw Aryana holding a cue stick and leaning on the pool table.

"Belated Happy birthday Erik." She passed him a beautifully wrapped box. Her lackeys were with her and they also handed their gifts.

Karla glared at Aryana and it did not escape Marlon’s gaze.

"Thank you, everyone. If you want to play, please do so." Erik announced, then focused his attention on Aryana and Franco’s game.

"Erik, can you teach us how to play pool?" Cassie asked in a coquettish manner while looking expectantly at Erik.

"I am not qualified to be a teacher of this game." He raised his hand an attendant came running to him.

"Teach these ladies how to play pool." Erik returned his focus to the game.

Cassie was disappointed but she obediently followed the game attendant to the next table.

Meanwhile, at Aryana’s table, Franco was swearing. ’Damn! Why is she so good? One more ball and she will emerge as the winner.’

Aryana hit the ball with her cue. The ball spun and rolled toward the corner pocket before disappearing."

"You are awesome Aryna. Franco did not have the chance to get back at the table." Alex praised her.

Franco pursed his lips.

Aryana smiled inwardly. Franco seemed to not like her and she was happy to defeat him in a game and crush his ego.

"Darling, how can a mere woman beat you at this game?" It was Julia. She gave Franco a peck on the cheek.

’Darling? Are she and Franco a couple?’ Aryana glanced at Erik and questioned him with her eyes. Erik just ignored her.

"Well, Aryana is good at playing," Franco said casually after hugging and kissing Julia. "Let’s play another round. I have to regain my reputation."

It was Aryana’s turn to hit first. As expected, the balls just scattered.

Franco sneered and took his position. The balls that his cue ball hit disappeared into the pocket. It was his last ball and Franco became overconfident. He hit the ball. It rolled and stopped around 2 centimeters from the corner pocket.

"O shit! What rotten luck!" Franco cursed. He got a glass of wine from the passing waiter and downed it in one gulp.

Aryana took her position and started hitting the ball. After a few minutes, she was down to her last ball. She was about to push her cue when shrill cries of happiness were heard from the other table.

"Why Cassie, you learned so fast." Rhia praised Cassie loudly.

Aryana was irritated. Marlon understood her body language and reprimanded Cassie and her friends to keep their voices down which they complied begrudgingly

"Can’t we express our happiness? Who does she think she is?" Rhia grumbled.

Aryana breathed deeply and push the white ball to the remaining ball. It rolled slowly and disappeared into the middle pocket.

Erik, Marlon, and Alex clapped their hands."

"What an embarrassing defeat Franco. How can your ball stop just s few centimeters from the pocket?"

"I just go lucky," Aryna said humbly.

"You have to pay Aryana to double this time Franco." It was a rare opportunity for Marlon to mock Franco.

Franco asked for Aryana’s bank account and transferred a hundred thousand to it.

"How about we go bowling so more people can play?" Alex asked.

"That is a good idea, Alex. Let us split into two groups." Marlon agreed.

There were four men so each group will have two male members and three ladies. Cassie wanted to be with Erik so Team A has Erik, Alex, Aryana, Cassie, and Rhia. Team B was led by Franco along with Marlon. For the ladies, they have Karla, Rhia, and Julia.

Cassie stood beside Erik and spoke to him gently. "Erik, back in college you were always the top player in college. We will definitely win."

Aryana’s gaze darted between the slender hands that were clutching Erik’s arm and to Erik’s face whose expression showed that he was not minding the touch.