The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 86

86 Let the Games Begin

86 Let the Games Begin

Morning light streamed through Chloe’s guest bedroom window, waking me from a deep, peaceful sleep. The events of last night-Liam’s surprise serenade, the

confrontation between the two groups of men, and our dramatic exit-felt like a dream

now.

I stretched, hearing voices and laughter drifting from the kitchen. The scent of coffee pulled me from the comfort of the bed.

“Well, look who’s finally awake,” Chloe called as I shuffled into her spacious kitchen.

The others were already gathered around the island countertop, mugs in hand, still in pajamas.

“Coffee,” I mumbled, accepting the steaming cup Thea handed me.

“How did you sleep?” Jessica asked, spreading cream cheese on her bagel.

“Better than I have in weeks,” I admitted, taking a grateful sip. “No work stress, no Liam drama-just peace.”

Scarlett snorted. “After the show those men put on last night, I doubt peace will last long.”

“Speaking of which…” Chloe held up her phone, screen filled with text notifications. “Damian has sent approximately twenty apologies since dawn.”

“Owen too,” Thea sighed, scrolling through her own messages. “At least he knows he messed up.”

I checked my phone. Three missed calls from Liam and a simple text: *We need to talk.

Please.*

“Nothing from Levi?” Stella asked me, peering over my shoulder.

“No, but we’re not really at that stage,” I replied, putting my phone down. “He was just being friendly.”

“Friendly enough to put his arm around you,” Jessica teased.

Before I could respond, Scarlett’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and raised an

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86 Let the Games Begin

eyebrow.

“It’s my brother,” she announced before answering. “Hey Levi, what’s up?”

+62

We all watched as she listened, her expression shifting from surprise to amusement.

“Hold on, let me ask them,” she said, covering the speaker. “Levi wants to know if we’d like to join him and his friends tonight at the Social Club’s casino. He says he wants to make up for the awkwardness last night.”

“The exclusive casino downtown?” Thea asked, impressed.

Scarlett nodded. “His friend Kyle is a member.”

Chloe’s eyes

lit up

with mischief. “Tell him we’d love to.”

After Scarlett confirmed and hung up, she looked at Chloe suspiciously. “What are you planning? I know that look.””

Chloe leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “What if we let Liam’s group know where we’ll be tonight?”

My stomach fluttered. “You want them to crash it? After the disaster last night?”

“Not crash,” Chloe clarified. “I want them to see us having a fantastic time with other men. Let them work for it a little.”

“That’s evil,” Jessica said with admiration. “I love it.”

I hesitated. “I don’t know. Playing games seems-”

“It’s not games,” Scarlett interrupted. “It’s strategy. These men need to understand they can’t just track us down whenever they want and expect forgiveness.”

Thea nodded. “Owen could use the reminder that I have options.”

“So we’re doing this?” Stella confirmed, excitement building in her voice.

“Operation Make Them Sweat is a go,” Chloe declared, raising her coffee mug in a toast.

I reluctantly clinked my mug against hers. “Fine, but how do we even let them know without being obvious?”

“I’ll handle that,” Thea said with a sly smile. “Owen and I share location with each other for emergencies. I’ll just happen to leave it on tonight.”

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“And I’ll text Noah that I’m busy tonight,” Chloe added. “He’ll assume I’m with Damian and get jealous enough to investigate.”

The plan was set. We spent the rest of the day preparing, picking outfits from Chloe’s extensive wardrobe, and getting ready. By early evening, we were transformed into five women ready for a night of high-stakes entertainment.

I wore a sleek black dress that hugged my curves without being too flashy, while Chloe opted for a daring red number that would definitely catch attention. Scarlett, Jessica, and Thea looked equally stunning in their chosen outfits.

“Remember,” Chloe instructed as we climbed into her car, “act surprised when they show up.”

“If they show up,” I countered.

Scarlett laughed. “After Liam’s karaoke performance? Trust me, he’ll come running”

The Social Club was housed in a historic building downtown, its façade discreet except for a small gold plaque beside the door. A suited doorman checked our names against Levi’s guest list before ushering us inside.

The interior was opulent without being gaudy-rich mahogany panels, crystal chandeliers, and plush carpeting. The atmosphere hummed with quiet conversation and the occasional cheer from a winning table.

Levi spotted us immediately, waving us over to where he stood with Kyle, Jason, and two other men I didn’t recognize.

“Ladies, you all look incredible,” Levi said, his eyes lingering on me. “Welcome to our Friday night tradition.”

Kyle handed each of us a champagne flute. “To new friends,” he toasted.

I sipped the champagne, feeling a flutter of anticipation. Thea had confirmed her location sharing was active, and Chloe had sent her cryptic text to Noah. Now we just had to wait.

“Blackjack table’s open,” Jason announced. “Shall we?”

We followed him to a green-felt table where a dealer waited patiently. Levi guided me to a seat beside him, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back.

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“Ever played before?” he asked.

“A few times,” I replied, remembering those rare casino nights with Liam months ago. He’d been a remarkably strategic player.

The dealer began distributing cards. I was just about to place my first bet when a warm hand landed firmly on my shoulder.

The familiar touch sent electricity down my spine. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

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