Chapter 2014
Mark's face underwent an immediate transformation, disbelief etched across his features as if he couldn't believe those words came from Abner. If he wasn't good enough for Shirley, then who was? Certainly not Abner, just a high school kid.
A fierce glint appeared in Mark's eyes as he stared intently at Abner's retreating figure. However, Abner clearly had no interest in getting entangled in this drama and briskly walked past without further engagement.
Mark tossed his cigarette onto the ground, muttering a curse under his breath. He then picked up his phone and called Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis was in a desperate situation, evident from the hesitation in his voice as he answered.
"It's Mark. Shirley was cornered by some debt collectors today. If I hadn't shown up in time, things could've gotten really bad. You don't want anything to happen to her, right? My demand is simple: have her marry me, and I'll cover the debt."Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
Mr. Davis, currently under house arrest, found making a call to be quite difficult. His wife had informed him that they'd sold the house but were still $500,000 short-a mess he had dragged his family into. If those debt collectors targeted Shirley, she would be in grave danger.
Mr. Davis did love Shirley, without a doubt. But his overwhelming pride often made him dismiss any advice, clinging to absolute authority at home, which led him to this predicament.
The thought of Shirley getting hurt because of him was unbearable. Mr. Davis's eyes closed tightly, aware that Mark was forcing him into a difficult decision.
"Mark, what do you need me to do?"
"Push Shirley to the edge. She might be disappointed in me, but she won't let me die."
A moment of silence passed before Mr. Davis sighed deeply.
"Alright."
Mark's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"I'll be waiting for the good news. Don't worry, if Shirley and I get married, I'll treat her well."
The call ended, leaving Shirley completely unaware of what was happening. She waited at home for Abner, who didn't return until late. Around 10 pm, she finally called him.
"Abner, are you still at school?"
Abner looked at the poker game in front of him, a gentle look in his eyes.
"Yeah, Shirley, I might be a bit late tonight."
He was seated at a poker table surrounded by men in suits, clearly not an ordinary crowd. Invited to a high-stakes game that promised big money- and the risk of losing everything-Abner did not hesitate.
He calculated the odds and went all in, as his opponent, a middle-aged man, raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Young man, are you sure? You've seen my cards. If I play a spade next, you lose, and you'll have to leave your hand behind. Aren't you scared?" Determination filled Abner's eyes. "I just want to know how much I'll win."
Cash was piled high on a nearby table, an intimidating sight he wasn't accustomed to. But with nothing to lose but his life, Abner felt oddly at peace. "Two hundred thousand dollars. Win this round, and it's all yours."
Abner's eyes sparkled with resolve. "Deal."
The middle-aged man caressed the edge of his card before flipping it over slowly.