Chapter 1650
Garrett slumped into a chair, his face the very picture of heartbreak. âMan, Iâm in no mood for games right now.â
Zavier, barely looking up from his computer screen, replied with a cold, âThen you can just get out.â
âSeriously? Is that how you ask for my help with game testing? Now that itâs making bank, look at you,â Garrett retorted. âZav, you canât treat people this way. Youâre gonna end up friendless.â
Zavier quirked an eyebrow. âHow did you even manage to get a girlfriend with that mouth?â
âAre you kidding? I had a girlfriend because Iâm a catch. First off, Iâm hot. Secondly, Iâm loaded.â
Zavier couldnât help but chuckle. âA fine specimen of humanity, and here you are, talking about yourself like youâre a piece of merchandise.â
âIâm just telling the truth, Zav,â Garrett shot back, exasperated.e2
Zavier, done with the conversation, checked his watch, stood up, and headed for the door.
âWhere are you off to? Everybodyâs here breaking their backs testing your game,â Garrett called after him.
âMarc and the guys are back at school. Weâre grabbing a bite to eat, Zavier replied, slipping on his jacket.
âMarcus? Steven? Lucas?â Garrettâs interest was piqued.
Yeah, itâs been a couple of months, Zavier said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Garrett hurried to catch up. âZav, those guys are legends. Marcus, especially. Heâs only twenty and has been running the Hartley Group for years, turning it into a global powerhouse.â
Marcus, Steven, and Lucas were all students at Capital College, but Marcus had taken over his familyâs empire even before starting college. Despite rarely attending classes, Marcus managed to top his courses, making his presence on campus a rarity.
Garrett had long wanted to meet these titans of the industry but never found the opportunity. âZav, take me along. I want to meet them.â
Zavier didnât respond but gave him a look that said it all.
âFine, fine, I wonât go. Iâll keep an eye on the testers here and make sure they get their reports done,â Garrett conceded.
âAppreciate it,â Zavier said, and with that, he left.
Garrett grumbled to himself, âAppreciate it, my foot.â
The rendezvous was at a private bistro near the school, owned by Marcus himself. Known for his picky palate, Marcus had not only brought his personal chef to Capital College but had also built his own restaurant.
Marcusâ bistro was an exclusive spot that didnât serve the public, only his inner circle. Its privacy, cuisine, tastes, and hygiene were beyond reproach. When all four were at Capital, they enjoyed meeting there for meals, tea, and cards. However, with their busy schedules, it was rare for the four to gather.
Todayâs full house wasnât just because of the new semester but also because the Rivera family had arranged a fiancée for Zavier.
As soon as Zavier stepped in, Stevenâs teasing voice greeted him, âZavier, congratulations on snagging a delicate bride!â
Without missing a beat, Zavier landed a playful punch on Stevenâs arm. âAre you looking for a beating, Steven? You know I canât stand her, and Iâm being forced into this. Whatâs there to congratulate?â
Lucas chimed in, âIf you truly didnât like her, with your expertise, this engagement would have never happened.â
In other words, the successful engagement had something to do with Zavierâs own plans.
Zavier grinned. âAt least you guys get me.â
Steven continued, âWe all know youâve got your eye on taking over Rivera Inc., but youâre not yet sure you can beat those eyeing the company. So youâre playing this game to throw them off.â
âCan you leave me some dignity? Donât lay me bare,â Zavier protested, turning to Marcus, who had been silent. âMarc, Iâm curious about your take on this.â
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