Chapter 433: What’s There To Scared Of?

Beyond the pool, several stylish buildings probably had different uses.

While she was thinking about this, Nicolas mentioned, "This place has a lot of fun and relaxing activities, including special bath services. If you're tired, you can take a hot bath later. I've also booked other rooms for you all to have a comfortable night's rest."

Although Nicolas was known for being reserved and somewhat cold, traits that made him hard to get close to in the entertainment world, he had warmly welcomed them to the club and carefully arranged everything.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Foster," Bianca said gratefully, noticing how quickly Nicolas shifted his eyes away from Sophia, which was quite revealing.

"We are all acquaintances here. Just call me Nicolas," he suggested with a small smile. "The dishes here are special to Edenfield. Please, try some."

He then rang a bell. Soon after, a waiter came in and started serving dinner.

****

Meanwhile, at the airport parking lot, a silver-gray Bugatti was parked under the night sky.

Dave was leaning against the car door, smoking a cigarette. The tip glowed softly in the dark.

Approaching from afar, Michael wore a grey trench coat. When he saw Dave, a slight smile appeared on his face.

"Why are you here to pick me up?" Michael asked with a curious smile as he approached.

Dave put out his cigarette, threw it in the trash, and replied calmly, "I was on a TV show nearby. I stopped by since I was close to the airport."

Michael looked surprised and asked, "You? On a show? That's hard to believe!"

Dave just gave him a casual glance, then opened the car door and got into the driver's seat. Seeing this, Michael walked around to the passenger side and joined him.

Once inside, Michael asked, "You've always avoided interviews. What made you decide to join a TV show now?”

Dave lowered his head, fixed his sleeves, and said, "Now that the Phoenix Alliance Group is separate from the Evans Group, we can't use their resources like we used to. We need to look for new business opportunities..."

"And?" Michael quickly cut in as Dave stopped talking.

"Nothing more," Dave replied, placing his hand on the steering wheel.

Actually, his choice to work with the "Star Search" team wasn't just for business reasons. It also involved Bianca.

After they had split up, he found it hard to find any reason to see her.

The idea that Bianca is with Blake every day frustrated him so much that he made his decision impulsively.

"Dave, are you really planning to cut ties with the Evans Group? To win you back, Lucas will definitely step in. The Evans Group is powerful. How will you compete with them?"

Michael, who had heard some rumors, looked at Dave with concern.

"You're curious?" Dave smirked and said, "Just wait and see. But don't worry. The overseas operations are registered under Phoenix Alliance Group. My grandpa can't interfere with them."

"It's not the business I'm worried about. It's that…"

Even though Michael trusted Dave's skills and strategies, he was still cautious about the clever Lucas and Rupert.

"Don't overthink it. When you want to do something, just figure out what needs to be done and do it. If you're too cautious and hesitate, how will you ever stand out in this competitive business world?" Dave started the car and looked ahead. "Let's go. To celebrate your return, I'm taking you somewhere special."

"Where?" Michael asked, curious.

"You'll see when we get there," Dave replied, with a small smile on his face.

****

After dinner, they relaxed on the living room sofa. Nicolas was making coffee with skill and grace.

Brandon watched him, amused. Nicolas liked making coffee and taking care of plants, habits that seemed suited to an older person.

Brandon found watching these activities dull, so he turned his attention to Diana, who was sitting in a corner.

An idea popped into his head, and he suggested, "How about we play a game?"

"What game?" Diana quickly asked, then went quiet and leaned back on the sofa.

The others looked at Brandon, curious.

Sitting up, Brandon asked, "Have you ever heard of the 'Pocky Game'?"

Pocky is a type of snack, a slim, stick-shaped biscuit.

Diana knew the game from her time in nightclubs but chose to stay quiet. She didn't want to give Brandon a chance to tease her.

Bianca knew the snack but had never played the game. She shook her head.

Brandon explained, grinning wider, "The Pocky Game involves two people, selected by drawing lots. They eat from opposite ends of the same long stick-shaped biscuit Pocky. Whoever lets go first or bites off the biscuit loses and faces a penalty. So, are you up for it?"

As he finished, he looked straight at Diana.

Diana felt a rush of competitiveness and sat up straight, saying, "Let's play. What's there to be scared of?"

Bianca and Sophia looked at each other. It would be embarrassing to back out now.

Nicolas shrugged casually and said, "I'm in.”

"Okay!" Brandon stood up and signaled for an attendant.

Shortly after, the attendant brought several boxes of Pocky biscuits and a deck of cards, placing them on the table before leaving.

Brandon picked up the deck and said, "We'll draw cards to decide the players. The two with the lowest numbers will play the Pocky game. The loser has to accept a punishment the winner chooses. Let’s make sure it's fair, no cheating."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Since there are no objections, let's get started.”

Brandon placed the cards down, and everyone took one.

"Once I count to one, reveal your cards together," he instructed.

After saying this, Brandon began counting down.

"Three, two, one!"

At that moment, everyone revealed their cards. Sophia had a 2 and Nicolas had a 5.

Sophia quietly put her card back on the table, clearly unhappy with her luck.

Brandon laughed and looked at them, saying, "For our first round, fate has chosen our movie king and queen! Let's see you two set an example. Come on!"

He took a Pocky biscuit from the box and gave it to them.

With an encouraging smile, Bianca said, "Go on, Sophia!"

She was aware of Nicolas' fondness for Sophia. Considering his appearance and status, he seemed like a good match for her.

Bianca hoped this game might lead to something more between them tonight.

Nicolas kept his cool, took the biscuit from Brandon, sat next to Sophia, and asked softly, "Is this okay?"

Sophia, ready to play, nodded and said, "Of course."