Page 86 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“Here you go,” Noelle whispers as she hands me a glass of champagne.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

She stands next to me so that I’m now wedged between her and Cordelia, who is flanked by her personal bodyguards.

One by one, players are being eliminated, and apparently, they aren’t allowed to buy back in. Once you’re out, you’re out.

Remaining at the table are Grant, Fred, and two people I have yet to formally meet—a woman named Taby and a man called Rick.

Taby looks at me intensely as the next round of cards is dealt.

I have seen Taby around in the neighborhood, but nothing out of the norm. She must be involved in this somehow too. Grant and I have to investigate our neighbors further.

Another round takes place, and Fred is eliminated.

The anger spiraling behind his eyes is off-putting and makes me question what exactly he had riding on this tournament outside of the winning pot.

Looking over at Cordelia, I see a twitch in her jaw. Perhaps he was being tested too.

Thinking back, Fred Jones moved into the neighborhood not long before Grant and I did. Months maybe. It’s not like everyone who lives in the neighborhood is part of this ring. Some people are truly innocent, yet I have a feeling Fred isn’t. He must be like us, trying to get involved for some reason.

His file didn’t bring back any known arrests. He’s white collar, running several interconnected businesses. Maybe he’s trying to use the Carolinas mafia to get a piece of the pie.

The rounds continue until it’s finally just Grant and Taby left in the tournament. A sly grin stretches across Taby’s face as soon as she gets her cards. I wish I could see Grant’s expression better.

The tension in the air is thick, and it feels as though this round is taking hours instead of mere minutes.

Noelle places a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I realize that I’ve been frozen in place, methodically watching each move. Cordelia shifts her weight, and I realize that she’s more invested than I am in seeing who wins.

Other card games are happening after this, but something tells me the poker tournament is the one to watch.

Grant raises Taby and places what could be the final bet.

Taby eyes her cards carefully, and for the first time all night, I sense uncertainty there.

Sucking in a deep breath of air, I wait, like everyone around me, to see what her move will be. Is this woman going to be the one to stop Grant?

Taby smiles widely and lays out her cards. Grant follows suit, and I slowly see a winning hand flash before me.

He did it. Grant beat Taby and won the poker tournament.

Cordelia starts to clap next to me, and soon, sounds erupt from around the room. Grant and Taby get up from their seats and shake hands. She says something to him, and he gives her a small nod before pulling away.

Grant’s eyes search the audience until they land on mine.

He flashes me a breathtaking smile, one that makes my skin prick with goose bumps.

This man of mine won. We’re in. After tonight, it should be smooth sailing, and I can finally make the real move I’ve been wanting to make on my husband.

Grant steps through the crowd of well-wishers until he finally reaches me.

“What do you think, Mrs. Weston?”

I wrap my arms around his neck and stare up at him.

“You did good, Mr. Weston.”

I bite down on my lip in indecision.

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