Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1479

Winona then added, “But, you know, I would love to watch that train wreck. Keaton falling in love would be epic. We’d have so much gossip.” Elysia and Blossom shared a wicked laugh. “I’d pay to see that,” Elysia said. “Let’s pray the universe grants Mr. Huber a ‘true love’ trial experience,” Blossom added, “just so we can watch his world burn.” Winona arched an eyebrow and mimicked Keaton’s voice, “I don’t owe you three anything, do I?” “Hahaha…” As the three friends were chatting, Lowell suddenly burst into the room. His brow was furrowed, his face grim. He was walking so fast that he didn’t even notice Elysia as he passed. Sensing trouble, Elysia called out, “Lowell.” Lowell stopped in his tracks and quickly composed himself. “Elysia. Ms. Newsom, Ms. Blythe.” Elysia stood up. “Are you looking for Tarquin?” “Yes.” “Did something happen?” Lowell hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile. “Just work stuff. There’s a document that needs Tarquin’s signature. The project manager tracked us down to the bar and is waiting downstairs.” Elysia wasn’t suspicious. “Is it that urgent?” “Yeah, I think he was worried Tarquin would be out of Jindale City for the holiday weekend, so he came over tonight. You ladies continue your chat, I’ll just go find Tarquin.” Elysia didn’t think much of it. “He’s in the back room playing cards. Go on in.” “Okay.” Lowell smiled and waved goodbye, but the moment he was out of Elysia’s line of sight, his expression turned dark again. He walked to the inner room, knocked, and pushed the door open. There were no outsiders in the room. Lowell’s face was grim as he said, “Tarquin, the Punikon family has issued a formal challenge.” Tarquin’s eyes narrowed as he took the challenge letter from Lowell and read it. Lowell was furious. “They could have sent this anytime, but they wait for your birthday! And they deliver it straight to the bar. They’re obviously trying to crash the party and ruin things for us.” Keaton, who was sitting nearby, narrowed his charismatic eyes. “Are they still downstairs?” “Yeah, at the entrance. They don’t look like the local Punikon dojo guys. They seem to be from Thyania, and they’re incredibly arrogant.” Keaton let out a cold snort. “Causing a scene in my club? They’ve got some nerve. I’ll go handle this.”

As Keaton stood up to leave, Tarquin stopped him. “Don’t bother. It’s beneath us to meet them.” More importantly, Elysia was here tonight, and he didn’t want to cause a scene that would frighten her. In a surprisingly good mood, Tarquin accepted the challenge letter. He said to Lowell, “Go tell them I’ve accepted their challenge. And give them your contact information. Tell them to call you directly if they need anything, so they don’t have to keep running around.” Lowell was worried. “Tarquin, they’re making such a big show of this. They must be confident they can win. By accepting, aren’t you walking right into their trap?” Tarquin remained calm. He needed to investigate Master Bernard and his wife, and this would require a meeting with Punikon’s grandfather. The challenge letter conveniently gave him a reason to go to Border City. Plus, a trip to Thyania would give him an opportunity to check on Axel in Mariana Land. Without offering much explanation, Tarquin simply said, “Just do as I say.” Lowell was silent. He didn’t know what Tarquin was thinking, and he really didn’t want him to accept the challenge. Punikon’s grandfather was a major figure in the martial arts world, a man with real skills. Moreover, the match was set in Thyania, on their home turf. Going there was like walking into the lion’s den. But Tarquin had given his order, and Lowell had no choice but to obey.