Chapter 578

I froze, not knowing what to say. Before I could react, someone in the crowd shouted, “The organizers keep letting their own people play. This is rigged! How about I go up instead? If she beats me, we’ll forget that last mistake.”

I turned toward the voice. It was Yara, standing with Hayden next to her, looking as calm as ever, his eyes locked on me with that same steady stare. This woman wasn’t just bold, she was good. She had the guts to challenge me in front of everyone, which meant she had to be at least as skilled as she was confident.

The crowd immediately started chanting, “Let her play! Let her play!” The announcer glanced over at Hernan, who gave a small nod. He then announced that Yara would be joining me.

“Ms. Kay, I look forward to learning from you,” Yara said, stepping forward and offering her hand. I didn’t know her real intentions, but I couldn’t back down now. I was already on stage, practically shoved into the spotlight. For Steve, for my own pride—I couldn’t back down.

I reached out, our fingers barely brushing as we shook hands. “Let’s both do our best.” My unexpected entry had already set the crowd off, but with Yara stepping up too—and both of us being women—the energy was next level. This was supposed to be a legit match, but the rules were bending every second; players swapped in and out like it was no big deal. It screamed money, power, and all the shady stuff behind the scenes.

But now wasn’t the time to think about any of that. I was here, and I was going to give it everything I had. “Just play like you always do—keep the energy up, get the crowd on their feet. That’ll help,” Steve murmured as I stepped toward the table. His earlier distraction plan clicked in my head. I started to see where this was going.

I gave him a quick glance before taking my position. Yara stood on the other side of the table.

Chapter 579

Just as I thought the match was about to start, Yara spoke up. “She’s got her guy here cheering her on, and I’m here alone. Doesn’t seem fair, does it?”

Oh, I knew exactly what she was trying to do—bring Hayden into this. I flashed her a smile. “You’re welcome to bring yours up too.”

“Bring him up! Bring him up!” The crowd caught on, chanting for Hayden. The announcer looked over at Hernan, who gave a subtle nod, still lounging like he had zero care in the world. With his status and sharp mind, Hernan knew exactly what was at stake. But he wasn’t stopping it—he was letting it unfold. Which meant he had his own plans cooking.

If he was playing some bigger game, then Steve and I weren’t going to have an easy exit. Hernan had everyone here like pawns on a chessboard, waiting for the right moment.

As I was caught in that thought, Yara waved Hayden up to the stage. Under her gaze, he stood and walked over to her side. Seeing them together—so perfectly in sync—was like a punch to the gut.

I forced myself to look away and walked over to the referee. Yara joined me, and he held up a coin, explaining that heads would be mine, tails hers. We both nodded, and he flicked it into the air. The coin spun, landed heads-up.

First shot was mine. Yara gestured for me to go ahead. I stepped up to the table, while she and Hayden stood together on the opposite side, watching. Yara gave a little nod, motioning for me to go ahead. I stepped up to the table, while she and Hayden stood together on the opposite side, watching.

I picked up my cue, took a steadying breath, and lined up my shot. With a sharp strike, I sent the cue ball crashing into the cluster, scattering balls across the table. Two dropped into pockets, and I was ready for my next shot.

Thud!