Nicolas gave a small smile and put one end of the biscuit in his mouth, and Sophia did the same.
They began eating from each end, gradually getting closer…
As their faces nearly touched, Nicolas didn’t back away, and it seemed they might actually kiss. Sophia held onto her skirt, prepared to snap the biscuit and accept defeat.
Just as they were about to touch, the door to their room flew open.
A cold voice called out, “If there’s a game, why wasn’t I invited?”
Bianca’s eyes widened in surprise at the door.
The familiar voice made Sophia jump, causing her to bite through the biscuit and look towards the entrance.
Michael and Dave were standing at the door!
“Michael, when did you get back?”
Brandon jumped up from his seat. He had told Dave that Bianca was at the club, but he thought Michael was still abroad and didn’t expect to see him.
Michael looked sharply at Sophia and Nicolas as he entered. He scoffed, “Why ask? Does someone wish I hadn’t come back? Am I interrupting your fun?”
Sophia felt nervous when she saw Michael. He had just seen her playing the game with Nicolas…
For a moment, Sophia felt like she was caught doing something wrong, but then she told herself not to worry. She had no connection with Michael.
It was her choice who she played games with and what games she played. It was none of his business.
Realizing this, Sophia calmed herself and looked at Michael without much interest.
“Absolutely not! Having you and Dave here only adds to the fun, right?” Brandon said with a forced smile.
Michael had earlier told Nicolas to stay away from Sophia, but here they were, close together, sharing a biscuit.
This was a difficult situation!
Brandon gave Dave a disgruntled look as if to say, “Why didn’t you tell me Michael was coming back?”
Dave ignored Brandon’s accusing look, seeming distant and unbothered.
“It’s an honor to have you join us. Please, take a seat,” Nicolas said, standing and offering chairs, though his tone was cold.
Michael looked around the room quickly before sitting down in an armchair with his chilly attitude.
Dave sat across from him, leaning back on the sofa and crossing his legs, appearing detached from the tension and just watching them.
At this, Diana tugged on Bianca’s sleeve and whispered, “Why does he always have to show up before you?”
Bianca looked at Dave. His strong presence made the room feel more tense. She looked away and stayed silent.
“Well…” Brandon, feeling the growing awkwardness, rubbed his nose and tried to make things lighter. “Shall we continue the game?”
“Go on,” Michael snorted.
Brandon turned to Dave and asked, “What about you?”
“With everyone in such high spirits, I wouldn’t dream of ruining the mood,” Dave answered casually, after a quick glance at Bianca.
Brandon felt a headache coming on. With these two joining them, he doubted the games would be fun anymore. He silently hoped he wouldn’t end up playing against Bianca or Sophia, worried about potential complications.
“Alright, let’s continue.”
Brandon gathered his courage and looked at Sophia. “Sophia lost the last round, so it’s time for her punishment.”
“The winner of this round decides her punishment.” Brandon glanced at Nicolas, then leaned back in his chair.
After looking briefly at Michael, Nicolas asked Sophia, “Are you ready to accept any punishment?”
Sophia nodded and said, “Yes, I lost, fair and square.”
“Okay.” Nicolas tilted his head up slightly and gave Michael a challenging smile. “Then, your punishment is to kiss me.”
This statement shocked not only Sophia but also Brandon.
Brandon stared at Nicolas with wide eyes.
Was he crazy? Provoking Michael like that?
Michael’s face showed no emotion as he calmly lit a cigarette, allowing the smoke to hide his expression.
He exhaled a puff of smoke, his icy stare fixed on Sophia.
“Nicolas, are you serious?” Sophia was shocked by Nicolas’s bold demand. She had always thought of him as a gentleman.
Nicolas looked at Sophia with soft eyes and reminded her, “You said it yourself, you lost.”
Everyone was silent, waiting to see what Sophia would do.
She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and leaned towards his cheek.
But just as she was about to touch his cheek, Nicolas gently pushed on her shoulder, guiding her towards his lips, and said, “I meant here.”
Brandon, Bianca, and Diana were all taken aback.
They hadn’t expected the always polite Nicolas to make such a bold move in private!
This daring request surprised everyone.
Michael took a puff from his cigarette, watching Sophia intently.
Despite being shocked, Sophia was ready to face the result of her loss. She lifted her head and moved closer to Nicolas’s lips.
As the smoke swirled around him, Michael’s eyes grew sharper, and his eyes turned a darker shade of red.
Just as Sophia and Nicolas were about to kiss, Michael suddenly jumped up from the sofa. He moved quickly, grabbed Sophia’s arm, pulled her up, and held her tightly.
Nicolas stood up quickly and shouted, “What are you doing?”
Michael didn’t answer him. He looked coldly at Sophia and said in a sharp voice, “I need to talk to you alone. Come with me.”
Sophia pulled away from his grip, not wanting to argue with Michael in front of everyone. “Whatever you have to say, say it here.”
Michael clicked his tongue sharply, showing his irritation. He grabbed her wrist again and tried to pull her out of the room forcefully, holding on firmly.
“Michael Yates!” Nicolas yelled angrily as he moved to intervene.
Suddenly, Michael threw a punch, hitting Nicolas so hard that he stumbled back several steps. If Brandon hadn’t caught him, he might have fallen.
“Calm down! How could you punch him?” Brandon shouted, barely containing his anger.
Even though they pretended not to know each other at work to avoid rumors, Nicolas was his brother and treated him well at home.
Seeing his brother hit, Brandon’s anger surged. He clenched his fists, ready to react, but he held back, knowing Michael’s family was too powerful to confront.
Nicolas wiped blood from his mouth with his hand, his eyes filled with fury.
“Michael, are you out of your mind?” Sophia yelled, shocked and alarmed by his actions.
Michael glared at Nicolas, his eyes sharp and cold. “Nicolas, if you touch her again, the next time will be worse than a punch.”
With that, he pulled Sophia’s arm and left quickly.
“Let go of me, Michael!” Sophia fought against his tight hold.