Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 37

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 37**

Renee shifted her gaze slightly, allowing her attention to drift toward Kayla, her voice steady and composed as always. “At least you’ve got some self-awareness,” she remarked, letting the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing, “But maybe next time, think twice before you throw yourself at people like that. It’s not just embarrassing for you; it’s painful for everyone who has to watch. Honestly, I could feel the cringe radiating all the way from across the golf course.”

The jab was unmistakably directed at Kayla’s earlier attempt to fetch bottled water for Jasper. The memory of Kayla’s hasty retreat sent a ripple of discomfort through the group, and Renee’s words landed like a sharp stone in a still pond.

Kayla’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, a mix of anger and humiliation swirling within her. “I-I had a job to do, okay? I was trying to connect with Mr. Zeller! I wanted to foster some cooperation between him and my family. You don’t understand anything!” Her voice trembled slightly, revealing the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“I don’t want to understand,” Renee shot back, her tone icy and unyielding. “And don’t forget what I told you to do.” With that, she pivoted on her heel and strode away, leaving Kayla standing there, fists clenched tight, caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Should she adhere to Renee’s demands or carve her own path?

The private room hummed with the lively chatter of a dozen or so men and women, their laughter and conversations creating an electric atmosphere. It was a place where alliances were forged and deals sealed, and tonight, the air was thick with potential.

“Since we’ve got a bit of time on our hands, how about we play a game of Brag, Mr. Zeller?” Julian suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “It’s a fast-paced three-card poker game that’s quite popular and a lot of fun.”

In this world, business transactions often unfolded over drinks or at a card table. As long as both parties were willing to engage, there was always a way to negotiate.

“I’m in,” Chris chimed in eagerly, his love for card games evident in his enthusiastic response.

The room buzzed with agreement, and all eyes turned expectantly toward Jasper, the guest of honor. His approval was essential; without it, the game would remain a mere idea.

Jasper let out a low, amused chuckle, raising an eyebrow in mock contemplation. “Well, since everyone seems so eager, how could I possibly dampen the mood?”

“Fantastic! Let’s take our seats then,” Adam exclaimed with a laugh, gesturing for Jasper and his entourage to join them at the table.

As the group moved toward the round table, a few individuals who weren’t interested in card games drifted away, seeking other forms of entertainment.

To Jasper’s left sat his best friend from abroad, a strikingly handsome man with an exotic allure named Sylas Holbrook. Beside him were Conrad Klein and Caspian Thorne, both of whom shared in the excitement. The seat to Jasper’s right remained conspicuously empty, a silent acknowledgment that it was being reserved for the lady of honor that night. No one dared to occupy it.

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