Chapter 26：Strikes a deal. (1/2)

[Note: This chapter has already been written but it's SO long (4,474 words) that I've decided to split it up. I will be releasing all of them today, but it will be done randomly.]

- - -

For the four of us, there wasn't even any need to say ANYTHING to each other.

”We would like to split the money.”

Our lightless eyes speak volumes.

All of us have had enough.

The host is speechless at first but quickly pulls himself together. ”WOW! This has never happened before in the entire 'I Challenge You!' history for a match to end at a tie and to split the prize money this way. There's always a first time, I suppose!”

”YOU HEARD THEM EVERYBODY!~ These fantastic players have decided to split the money. Let's give them a round of applause for giving us such a fantastic show today! It's our best yet!” He claps excitedly, and everyone just follows suit.

He spins around and gesticulates his hands wildly. ”Each team will be awarded $50,000 each!”

”And the losing team will treat the winning team out for dinner tonight!”, the host grins.

”Thank you once again for joining our show: Mr. Jett Harland, Mr. Charles Boet, Mr. Ren Hille, and last but not least, Ms. Therysia Raley!”

* * * * *

After the show, as promised, they will be treating us to dinner.

It's thankfully the last thing we have on the agenda for today.

Big Red Studios has been more than accommodating. They're even taking us to a relatively highly rated restaurant.

No matter how good this place is, though, it still won't be enough to make it up to us; I'm still quite pissed with them.

We were told that we could order absolutely ANYTHING we wanted.

I'm still contemplating on whether I should make them regret saying that.

...

I go back home to freshen up. It was a long day, and I needed a shower.

Changing into something more appropriate, I wear a soft, gorgeous long-sleeved red short dress; it has some tasteful ruffles at the end of the skirt. I then pair it with black velvet knee-high boots.

Instead of taking my car, however, I decided to take a cab in case I do feel like drinking.

...

The posh restaurant is called 'Lumiere', which has a decent variety of European food and delicious alcoholic drinks.

The atmosphere and vibe, in general, is somewhere between a bar and a semi-fine dining setting. It's comfortable enough without being too uptight or too noisy.

We place our orders, and it doesn't take long for them to come back with our appetizers.

I haven't been paying attention because of how tired I am at the moment. I'm mostly quiet the entire time.

Soon, we quickly go through the rest of the courses and are just waiting for dessert now.

Ren has been sneaking longing glances at me, and Jett looks like he's ready to punch his eyes in.

Charles couldn't take it anymore and glances to the side as he coughs and laughs at the same time.

This is shaping up to be a lovely dinner... not.

I nonchalantly watch Charles as I wasn't sure why he reacted that way.