She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 689

Realizing their blunt speculation might have struck a nerve with Lucian, the women quickly quieted down.

Sensing the heavy shift in the atmosphere, the host sprang into action, cranking the music back up and grabbing a microphone. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen! Tonight is a Christmas party! The goal is to celebrate, forget our troubles, and turn up the heat! Up next is our 'Holiday Heartbeat Challenge'!"

As an upbeat, heavy-bass track flooded the room, the tension dissolved, and the crowd eagerly shifted gears.

Robert bounded over to Lucian and Loyce. "Come on, let's go play!"

Lucian looked down at Loyce, leaving the decision to her. She nodded. "Let's do it."

They followed the crowd toward the edge of the illuminated pool.

The host excitedly explained the rules.

The first round was simple. Men and women would draw numbers from a box to form random, temporary partnerships. Each pair had exactly one minute to stare at each other and memorize their partner's outfit, features, and accessories. Afterward, they'd stand back-to-back and answer rapid-fire questions about the other person. A correct answer earned points.

The pair with the highest score would walk away with five thousand dollars in cash. The pair in dead last would be subjected to a barrage of water balloons.

Channing and Luna had also joined the fray, pulling their numbers from the box and raising their hands.

By sheer coincidence, Channing was paired with a random female officer, while Luna ended up drawing the same number as Lucian.

Luna stared at the slip of paper. She hadn't forgotten how Lucian had ruthlessly played her over that diamond bracelet at the auction.

She frowned in disgust. "I am not partnering with him."

Channing leaned in and whispered urgently, "Everyone is watching. If you throw a fit and walk away now, they'll tear us apart in the gossip circles. Just endure it for me, baby. Please."

Luna let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine. The things I do for love."

Meanwhile, Loyce had drawn Robert. Robert chuckled, holding his slip of paper out toward Lucian. "Want to trade, Boss?"

The sharp-eyed host immediately pointed a finger at them. "Hey! Keep it fair! You two are practically glued together—you probably know each other's pulse rates by now! No trading, Robert! No cheating!"

The crowd erupted in laughter.

Lucian smiled helplessly, shooting a challenging, raised-eyebrow look at Loyce. "Looks like we're settling this on our own merits."

Loyce smirked. "I never lose."

Six pairs lined up along the edge of the pool.

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