357: GOLDDIGGER’S GAMBIT LUKE’S POV “Do I look like I’m joking?“I told you, I’m broke.” I lied to her. I guess she was just a gold digger, and one thing my grandfather had taught me was never to roll with gold diggers. Camila’s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized me, her lips forming a pout. “Come on, you can’t fool me. You’re wearing an expensive suit and exude a confident aura. I know wealth when I see it.” I shook my head, trying to maintain my façade. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Camila, but appearances can be deceiving. This suit? It’s all fake. I just borrowed it for the night.” She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest, clearly not buying my story. Oh, please. You expect me to believe that? You’re just playing hard to get, aren’t you? Trying to be all mysterious and enigmatic.” I chuckled, finding her persistence both amusing and annoying. “Believe what you want, Camila. But the truth is, I’m not the wealthy playboy you seem to think I am. I’m just a regular guy trying to get by.” She studied me for a moment longer, her expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, she relented. “Fine, have it your way. But I still think there’s more to you than meets the eye.” I shrugged, not wanting to delve any further into the conversation. “Suit yourself. So, what’s your story, Camila? What brings you to a place like this tonight?” She flashed me a coy smile, her earlier disappointment seemingly forgotten. “Oh, you know. I’m just out for a bit of fun and looking for some excitement. And maybe a handsome stranger will keep me company.” I raised an eyebrow, amused by her flirtatious demeanor. “Well, you certainly seem to have found one.” She laughed; the sound was musical and infectious. “Don’t tell me you’re talking about yourself.” “Well, I’m actually,” I answered, scratching the back of my head. fer not rich, then we have no business together.” “Are you for real?” I asked her. “Yes, do you think I’ll be wasting my time talking to broke–an idiot?” 357: GOLDDIGGER’S GAMBIT 274 I felt a surge of frustration rising within me as Camila continued to belittle those she deemed unworthy of her time. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to diffuse the tension. “Camila, there’s no need for insults. We can have a civil conversation without resorting to name–calling.” But she wasn’t about to back down. “Oh, please. Spare me the moral lecture. You’re just as pathetic as the rest of them.” I continued to play along. “Listen, Camila. I don’t value such language. I may not have wealth, but I have something far more valuable–respect.” She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Respect? Please. “Respect doesn’t pay the bills, Luke.” I’m done here. I have no interest in continuing this conversation with someone who can’t see past material wealth.” With that, I pushed back my chair and stood up, p Own at Camila with a mixture of anger and disappointment. She watched me stand up, a smug smirk playing on her lips. “Go ahead, idiot.“Run away like the coward you are. You’ll never be good enough for someone like me.” A man approached me. “Mr. Reynold, I have something to tell you.” I looked at him. “And what is that?” “I’m from Tendaopies, and I’m here to inform you that our company is interested in collaborating with The Reynolds.” “Oh, I see. I’ll inform my grandfather about it.” “No problem. Just provide your contact information so I can call you to discuss things later.” “Okay,” I said with a nod. After that, I exchanged contact with the man before he walked away. “The Reynolds?” Camila’s words caught my attention, and I turned to face her. “Hold on a minute, are you Luke Reynold, grandson of Sir Reynold and owner of The Reynolds Company?” I glared at her. “Why do you care?” coll me; I want to know.” “Oh, you’re so eager to talk to me noh?” “Are you Luke Reynold?” #57. GOLDDIGGER’S GAMBIT 3/4 “You know my name is Luke,” I replied, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, but I didn’t know you were the grandson of Sir Reynold.” “Well, now you do.” 1 gave her a fake smile. “Oh my god!” “What?” I queried, giving her a disgusting look. Camila’s sudden change in demeanor caught me off guard, but I remained wary of her intentions. “What’s with the sudden interest, Camila? I thought you weren’t interested in talking to broke guys like me.‘ She rushed to explain herself, her words tumbling out in a desperate plea. “No, Luke, you don’t understand. I didn’t know who you were before. Please, I didn’t mean to offend you.” I crossed my arms, skeptical of her sudden change of heart. “Oh, now you want to chat because you know who my grandfather is? Sorry, Camila, but I’m not interested in being used for my family’s wealth.” Her eyes widened, a flicker of panic flashing across her features. “No, Luke, it’s not like that. I genuinely want to get to know you. Please, give me a chance.” I shook my head, unmoved by her pleas. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that would be a good idea. I can’t trust someone who judges people based on their wealth.” She reached out to touch my arm, her voice softening. “Please, Luke. I promise, I’ll make it up to you. Just give me a chance to prove that I’m not like that.” “Don’t touch me.” I drew away from her touch, my resolve firm. “I think it’s best if we go our separate ways. Goodbye.” With that, I turned around and walked away. I left the club, and I didn’t even wait for Daniel. I stood outside, taking in the fresh air and staring at the sky. I had to take a deep breath. Something was still on my mind: my discussion with my grandfather concerning The Walkers and how he suddenly fell silent. While I wasn’t entirely comfortable with the situation, I also didn’t want to overburden him with questions. It would only be a waste of time. to take a little stroll, and then later, I’d return to the club to get Daniel. Walking along the road, the cool night air refreshed my skin. The city’s neon lights were awesome, displaying the bustling nightlife around me. Couples strolled hand in hand, with laughter and music filling the air. 357: GOLDDIGGER’S GAMBIT 4/4 Despite the encounter with Camila leaving a sour taste in my mouth, I found solace in the simple pleasure of taking a leisurely walk. It gave me time to clear my head and reflect on the events of the evening. Still wandering and lost in thought, my mind drifted back to the conversation with the representative from Tendaopies. Reynolds’s prospect of working with their company was an exciting opportunity, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of my mind. My grandfather’s… Ughh nevermind. Dwelling on it wouldn’t get me anywhere. For now, I needed to focus on the present and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I heard a voice from a nearby building, and I stopped. It was a lady singing, and her voice was so captivating. I tread closer to the building to see who this person was.
