The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 71

71 The Jealousy Gambit

## Hazel’s POV

The Social Club’s gaming lounge pulsed with electronic music and the infectious chatter of Vegas-style excitement. After our brunch and heartfelt conversation, Scarlett had insisted we explore the casino area, claiming it would “take my mind off

things.”

“Remind me again why we’re here?” I asked, clutching my small evening purse.

“Because,” Chloe linked her arm through mine, “nothing cures heartache like watching rich people lose money.”

Thea laughed, scanning the room with appraising eyes. “Plus, I’ve been dying to try their new poker tables.”

We rounded the corner into the high-stakes area and my heart stopped. There, at the center table, sat Liam. My Liam-the man I’d left a heartbroken note for just hours ago.

He wasn’t alone. Damian, Noah, and the other guys were gathered around the table with drinks in hand. But what made my blood run cold was the woman leaning over Liam’s shoulder, her low-cut dress offering him a perfect view as she whispered something in his ear.

Liam’s lips curved into a smile at whatever she’d said.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I breathed.

The other women followed my gaze. Chloe’s jaw dropped. “That bastard!”

“Is that…?” Thea squinted. “That’s Victoria Winters, the swimsuit model.”

I felt my face flush with anger and humiliation. Here I was, plotting a forgiveness scheme, while he was already flirting with supermodels.

“I’m going to kill Noah,” Chloe hissed, spotting her boyfriend laughing with another woman at the table.

Scarlett put her hands on her hips, surveying the scene. Her fiery gaze landed on something-or someone-across the room. “Ladies, follow me.”

71 The Jealousy Gambit

We trailed behind her like ducklings, moving away from Liam’s table toward a group of impeccably dressed men at another poker station.

“Levi!” Scarlett called out, her voice honey-sweet.

A man with dark hair and a chiseled jawline looked up. His face broke into a grin when he saw Scarlett. The family resemblance was unmistakable-this was Scarlett’s infamous playboy brother.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite sister,” he stood, kissing her cheek. “What brings you ladies to the dark side?”

“We’re looking for some fun,” Scarlett declared loudly. “Mind if we join you boys?”

I glanced nervously back at Liam’s table. None of them had noticed us yet.

“Are you sure about this?” I whispered to Scarlett.

Her eyes flashed with determination. “Trust me. If there’s one thing men can’t stand, it’s seeing their women with other men.”

Levi seemed to catch on immediately. “Ahh, I see what’s happening.” He glanced over at Liam’s table. “The infamous Sterling and his crew, right? Consider me your willing accomplice.”

He snapped his fingers, and his friends immediately made room for us. Within moments, we were seated among them, laughing a bit too loudly at their jokes.

Levi was particularly attentive, offering me a drink and leaning in close. “So you’re the famous Hazel I’ve heard so much about.”

I accepted the glass. “All good things, I hope?”

“Very good things,” he winked. “Though no one mentioned how stunning you are.”

I felt my face flush-this time not from anger. Levi was handsome and knew exactly what he was doing. I played along, touching his arm when he made a joke.

It took exactly three minutes for our plan to work.

“Cat.”

The deep voice behind me sent a shiver down my spine. I turned slowly, feigning surprise.

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71 The Jealousy Gambit

“Liam! What are you doing here?”

His violet-blue eyes were stormy, jaw clenched tight. He spared a withering glance at Levi’s hand, which was resting casually on the back of my chair.

“I could ask you the same question,” he replied coldly.

Around us, similar confrontations were unfolding. Noah had materialized behind Chloe. Damian stood with arms crossed beside Thea. Their faces all shared the same

barely contained jealousy.

“Just enjoying a night out with friends,” I replied innocently.

Levi stood, extending his hand to Liam. “Levi Hamilton. Scarlett’s brother.”

Liam shook it with visible reluctance. “Sterling. Hazel’s—”

“Ex,” I interrupted quickly.

Something flashed in Liam’s eyes-pain, fury, determination.

“Actually,” Liam’s voice dropped dangerously low, “we’re working through some things.

Aren’t we, Cat?”

I raised my eyebrows. “Are we? That’s news to me.”

Levi chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension. “Seems like you two need to get your story

straight.”

“Stay out of this,” Liam snapped.

“Careful, Sterling,” Levi warned, his smile never faltering. “These ladies chose our table

for a reason.”

The air crackled with testosterone-fueled hostility.

Thea, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward. “How about we make this interesting?”

All eyes turned to her.

“A friendly game of poker,” she suggested. “Your team against theirs.”

“What’s the stake?” Damian asked, his arm now possessively around Thea’s waist.

Levi grinned. “If we win, we take these lovely ladies out for dinner. Your treat.”

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