The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78 A Tempter in Disguise

Chapter 78 A Tempter in Disguise

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“Unless,” Sloane said, her eyes sliding past Summer and landing squarely on Samantha, “Samantha joins the match too–with the same stakes.”

She had seen the two whispering earlier, no need to guess who was really pulling the strings.

Samantha hadn’t expected to be dragged in. She gave a fake smile and said sweetly, “I’m not very good at bowling. I think I’ll sit this one out.” She did want to beat Sloane, badly. But if she lost to someone who didn’t even know how to bowl? That’d be humiliating.

“Then I’m not playing either,” Sloane replied coolly and turned to leave.

“Wait!” Samantha saw she was actually leaving and quickly pretended to hesitate. “Alright, alright. Since you insist, I’ll do it.”

“Great.” Sloane turned back. “Match starts in half an hour.”

She walked toward Lucas, who had just returned from a phone call. “Didn’t you say you’d teach me to bowl? Can we start now?”

Summer scoffed loudly, making sure everyone nearby could hear. “Sloane, are you that desperate to win? My cousin was just being polite–he doesn’t waste time on people like you.”

“Mr. Hawthorne never teaches anyone,” Samantha chimed in quietly. “I remember once at the tennis courts, that prodigy Lu Shihan asked him to teach her. He didn’t even look at her—just shut her down on the spot. She was so embarrassed she had to leave in front of everyone. And you think you’re going to get him to coach you? Unrealistic.”

Adrian crossed his arms, waiting to watch Sloane get ruthlessly turned down by Lucas.

Lucas’s aloofness was legendary in Stonebridge. He was known for being cold, decisive, and completely indifferent to others‘ requests. So the three of them were sure–absolutely sure— he would never agree.

But then, Lucas looked at Sloane and gave a small nod, his voice low and warm. “Let’s start now.”

He pointed to a lane off to the side. “Let’s go over there.”

“Alright.”

They walked off together, shoulder to shoulder–leaving three people frozen in place.

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7:56 Thu, Sep 4

Chapter 78 A Tempter in Disguise

77

+20 Free Coins

“This can’t be happening…” Summer muttered, stunned. Her voice cracked as she tried to deny what was right in front of her. “He’s never cared about stuff like this. Why would he actually agree to teach Sloane?”

Samantha’s face turned pale, then green, then pale again. Jealousy gnawed at her like a venomous snake.

Adrian stared after them, brow tightly furrowed, saying nothing.

On the other side, Lucas picked up a bowling ball and demonstrated his grip. “Fingers go here. It’ll help you control direction and power.”

He handed the ball to Sloane, who copied his form.

Then Lucas stepped behind her, leaning down slightly. His hands rested lightly on her shoulders. His breath grazed her ear as he spoke. “Lean forward. Bend your knees. Keep your balance–it’ll help your release.”

Sloane tilted her head to look up at him. His sharp jawline was clean and striking, exuding a strong masculine edge.

His high–bridged nose gave his profile a striking definition. His lips parted slightly, the rich baritone of his voice like velvet against her ear. “Hold steady. Feel where the power comes from.”

His lips were soft in color, the shape refined. Every tiny movement of his felt like it was crafted to stir something deep inside her–like a devil cloaked in charm.

“Want to give it a try?” Lucas asked, his gaze meeting hers.

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