The door swung open to a room filled with boisterous laughter, immediately drawing my gaze to the man seated in the place of honor., Something about him seemed familiar.,

"Meet Allen, my golfing buddy and great friend,

" Jefferson introduced with a gesture towards him., As I scrutinized the man's features, his name clicked in my mind: Allen Clark. The son of the influential Lord Clark, currently at the helm of the Clark Group., I had done my homework on him online. He was known as a snooker enthusiast, having clinched the amateur championship title., Somehow, I had overlooked the possibility of him crossing paths with Jefferson, let alone being close friends.,

"Is this our little Felicia?

" Allen chimed in with a smile., His voice sounded warm, but it sent shivers down my spine. Despite his clean public profile, if his father was involved in murky dealings, he couldn't be entirely innocent. Looks can be deceiving, after all.,

"Felicia, just call him Allen,

" Jefferson said as he pulled out a chair for me.

"He's the guy to turn to if you ever need anything.

", As Jefferson also moved to take a seat, Allen spoke up,

"Jefferson, take this seat. Let's have Felicia between us, so I can get to know her better.

", Hearing this made my heart skip a beat. I've always been somewhat wary around strangers, especially someone like Allen., I glanced at Jefferson for reassurance. Without missing a beat and still focusing on setting the table, he said,

"This way, you can join the conversation too.

" Jefferson's words were comforting., And in my heart, I applauded myself for relying on him. He hadn't left me in an awkward position., Allen chuckled,

"Jefferson, I've never seen you so protective of a girl before.

", Jefferson meticulously arranged the cutlery in front of me, ensuring everything was perfectly aligned,

"She's like a sister. Not just any girl.

", His words served as a subtle warning to Allen that I was off-limits. Frankly, I was touched., With Jefferson putting it so plainly, Allen, being the wise guy he is, just laughed it off and looked at me,

"You've got a good one in Jefferson.

", Before I could respond, Jefferson had already steered the conversation towards the recent sports event they were discussing., After a while, Allen glanced at me,

"Jefferson, we've been hogging the conversation. Hope you're not feeling left out, Felicia.

",

"She won't be bored. She knows just as much about the game as we do, maybe even more. Her skills are top-tier among the ladies,

" Jefferson boasted., Allen seemed genuinely surprised,

"Really? How about after dinner, we head to Jefferson's place for a few rounds?

",

"Sounds good,

" Jefferson agreed.

"You play her. Five rounds, and if she wins just one, you lose.

",

"Deal!

" Allen was quick to accept., Throughout their conversation, my opinion wasn't sought, but I didn't object. Allen was my ticket to meeting Lord Clark., After dinner, we made our way to the billiard room., Jefferson advised,

"Just play your usual game.

", I nodded, picking up a cue and facing Allen,

"So, if I win one round, I win the bet, right?

",

"Absolutely,

" Allen confirmed, all smiles.,

"And if I win, is there a reward?

" I asked., Allen glanced at Jefferson, asking,

"She wants a prize?

", Jefferson just shrugged.

"You can afford it, Allen.

",

"Sure,

" Allen agreed readily.

"Ask for anything, as long as it's within my power to grant.

", After a brief pause, I said,

"I want Mr. Clark to grant me a favor. But don't worry, it's nothing illegal or unethical.

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