Chapter 1704: Chapter 1704

Chapter 1704

She spun around and reached into her purse, pulling out a small box and handing it to Skyler. “Open it up. See if you like it. If not, just tell me what you’re into, and I’ll get it for you.”

Skyler was a last-minute addition to the group, thanks to Zavier’s invitation. The presence of girls was a surprise, let alone the thought of bringing gifts. “Rosle, I didn’t get you anything.”

Rosie waved off the concern. “I gave you a gift, not to get one in return. Come on, open it! I really hope you like it.”

Feeling the sincerity in Rosie’s eyes, Skyler reluctantly unraveled the box to discover a stunning necklace inside. It bore no designer logo, and Skyler couldn’t guess the price, but the craftsmanship and quality hinted at a hefty tag. “Rosie, maybe I shouldn’t…”

But Rosie cut in, “It’s a token of friendship. You can’t say no.”

Skyler tried to protest, “But…”

“No buts,” Rosie insisted, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “You have no idea how small my social circle is. Aside from Lucas and his buddies, I’m pretty much a lone wolf. And now, finally, I meet a girl my age, and you’re not getting away from becoming my friend.e2

“And I’m picky, you know. I felt a click with you the moment I saw you. That’s why I’m befriending you. Hanging out with those boys is like being invisible. All they do is talk shop or play cards and drink. I might as well be talking to a wall.

“Skyler, let’s exchange numbers. If I ever need a chat and there’s no one around, would you mind if I hit you up? A sweetheart like you wouldn’t say no to me, right?”

Rosie was a whirlwind of words, leaving no room for Skyler to chime in.

Skyler ended up accepting the gift and swapping contact info with Rosie, mentally noting to return the favor with a thoughtful present after the final paycheck from the game came through.

“Let’s grab something to eat,” Rosie suggested, changing the subject.

“Sure,” Skyler agreed.

Suddenly, Lucas’ voice called out, “Rosie, come here.”

“What’s up?” she responded.

“I’m on a losing streak. I need my lucky charm,” he said, though he never truly cared about luck. He simply wanted Rosie by his side, every minute of the day.

Rosie retorted, “No way!”

Steven chuckled, “Lucas, have some dignity, will you?”

Zavier quipped, “Look who’s talking!”

Marcus interjected, “Focus on the game, gents.”

Steven taunted, “Marc, I swear, if you weren’t rich and good-looking, you’d be single for life.”

“Is a wife more important than a career?” Marcus asked dryly.

Steven shot back, “Please, talking to you about passion is like talking to a brick wall.”

Lucas joined in, “Marc, don’t you ever think of settling down? Sure, not all marriages are happy, but you’ve got to look on the bright side sometimes.”

Marcus replied flatly, “You guys are too young to be so obsessed with romance. Shouldn’t you be focusing on your careers?”

Lucas defended, “What’s wrong with thinking about the girl you love?”

Steven added, “If it weren’t for his duty to run the Hartley Group, Marc would’ve been a monk. Just look after yourselves and don’t bother trying to change his mind.”

Marcus had enough of the topic and directed the attention back to the game. “Zavier, it’s your turn.”

Zavier announced, “Nine of diamonds.”

Marcus declared, “I’ve won.”