Retribution Rewind: Back To Ten Years Ago Novel by Novia Osborn

Annie was intrigued at first, but the moment he asked, she lost interest.

Jackson whispered close in her ear, “My challenge is to kiss the first person who walks. into the private room within ten minutes. If no one enters, I’ll pick someone of the opposite gender from the group inside.”

Annie caught on right away. ‘It seems Melinda was trying to do something with Jackson without being too obvious. Little did she know things wouldn’t unfold as planned. No wonder she looks uneasy. Hold on… Jackson texted me earlier, insisting I come within ten minutes or face the consequences.‘ She shot a furious glance at Jackson, ready to explode.

But Jackson ratted her out shamelessly. “The King of Spades is in her hands.”

Annie’s anger surged, and she shot him a fierce look. ‘Great, you’re totally on my list

now!‘

Melinda, unruffled by Annie having the King of Spades, provocatively raised her chin. “What’s the matter, Ms. Sanders? Can’t handle the game?”

Annie forced a smile, stood up, and went out. “There’s nothing I can’t handle.”

The bar bustled with people, and no one knew who would be the first guy to come. Everyone eagerly waited, excited to see what would unfold.

“Here he comes! Oh my, it’s a sleazy baldy!”

“Goodness gracious, look at those big yellow teeth. How disgusting!”

“What now? I’m starting to feel bad for her.”

“Mr. Hudson isn’t feeling sorry at all. Why are you pitying her? Right, Mr. Hudson?”

Jackson adjusted his stance, his eyes fixed on Annie with a composed demeanor.

Annie glanced at baldy and confidently approached him calmly.

Seeing such a gorgeous woman heading his way, the baldy beamed, staring at Annie up and down intently. However, the moment Annie spoke, he promptly waved his hand. “No.”

“What?” Everyone was puzzled. ‘What’s going on? A stunning woman made the first move, and the guy outright declined?‘

1/4

Annie shrugged and sauntered back, stating “Alright, mission accomplished.”

Without any surprise, everyone settled back into the private room disappointedly.

Melinda gritted her teeth, clearly caught off guard by how easily this punishment was evaded.

jackson chuckled and whispered to Annie in hushed tones. “Did you ask him if he needs a night taxi servicer

Annie’s eyebrows arched a flicker of shockcrossing her eyes. Is this guy a mind–reader or just really inwight How did he manage to use that oUE?

Jackson caught her expressions and knew he was spot on. When the baldy saw Annie approaching, his luunful eyes bad is up inly if she had mentioned a night out. she’d be genting hans right about now night? A night taxi service? Two extra word. and divaster’s avoided soothly Senart magve, he addesired silently

hausled

But recalling the creepy look in the bald ger’s eyes towards Annie, a flicker of unease Burged through jackson. He shot a glance Donald who grasped the cue and headed

over to the baldy.

The rest remind oblicus, erunsing to private room to resume the game.

Annie was extra focused this name, observing Melinda’s every move closely. When she

oticed Melanda abonat to drew a cand scowly interjected, “Yll go fire that time.”

Melinda madenly raised her eyes, astonished.

Annie was kinda wary at first, wondering how Melinda scored the King twice in a row nailed the right person’s maste, and how jackson guessed her card was the King of Spurs. But now, canchang Melinda’s reaction, the curtain lifted. This card deck was probably fixed. No dilly–sallying Annie seped the card Melinda was eyeing, nailing the King as anticipated the ended as Menda and said “Aren’t you gonna draw a card,

As Sassath**

Melinda’s expression turned extremely grin. Even though her makeup masked her pallid face, the panic in her eyes was crystal

Jackson propped his head with one hand, observing everything, his usually cool eyes showing signs of warmth. Looks this girl’s pretty sharp, quite a rarity for the Sanders family?

The tables turned the moment Annie got the King “Well, since everyone’s so skilled ar this game, here’s a twist. The Red Ace goeste the dance floor, finds a couple, and gives the man a passionate kiss,” she smiled.

Instantly, screams filled the room.

“Wow, that’s exciting. It’s going to cause a stir!”

“Have you thought about what happens if a man draws the Red Ace? Oh, my eyes!”

“It would be even wilder if a man picks it!”

“Why do you look so distressed, Melinda? Oh? You drew the Red Ace!”

Melinda bit her lower lip and appealed to Jackson pitifully, “Mr. Hudson, I’m a public figure. If someone recognizes me…”

Annie cut her off, smirking, “What? Can’t you handle the game?“–the same words Melinda had tossed at Annie.

“Mr. Hudson…” Melinda didn’t even glance at Annie, only directing her gaze at Jackson with a pitiful look. Her eyes reddened, a slight sniffle breaking the tense air, portraying a touching appearance.

Some onlookers couldn’t stand it and spoke up, “Why not change the task? Let’s be real, Melinda’s a celeb, and it’s not cool for her to kiss someone else’s boyfriend.”

“Who came up with this anyway? Isn’t this just asking for trouble?” another one piped up, purposely exaggerating their tone as if aiming it directly at Annie.

Annie happened to be the type who responded better to persuasion than force. Upon hearing the sarcastic comments, she spoke coldly with a smile, “Sorry, I’m a bit lost here. Are we meant to give Ms. Smith special treatment just because she’s a star?”

Jackson swiftly adjusted his posture, eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.

Rather than answering, Melinda showed a more pained expression, prompting the man beside to voice his support for her. “It’s just that Melinda’s job is a bit tricky…”

“Oh? Is Mr. Hudson’s situation any different? Or mine, for that matter? Ms. Smith started this game herself, and I just proposed a task like the ones before. If she can’t handle it, why should I take the blame?” Annie shot back.

These words silenced many, as both Jackson and Annie had completed the punishment task without a fuss when it was their turn.

Seeing the tide turning in Annie’s favor, Melinda grew anxious, crying out, “Ms. Sanders, I may have rubbed you the wrong way earlier, but the card draws are random, and I can’t influence them.” She sounded like Annie was purposefully striking back at her, though it was the truth.

‘All looks, no brains.‘ Annie glanced at Melinda and calmly replied, “Ms. Smith, let’s not get too worked up about it. If you say the draw is random, then your punishment is simply luck of the draw.”

Melinda seethed with anger, but she had to hold back. She knew Annie was being deceitful, but exposing it would only make matters worse. Desperate, she turned to Jackson, her last hope, and pleaded, “Mr. Hudson, could you talk to Ms. Sanders for me? You invited her here, and she might listen.”

In the entertainment world, good looks and a great physique were key advantages, and Melinda clearly knew how to leverage them. However, Jackson had never been one to be tender towards women.

“Why bother?” He raised the corners of his lips nonchalantly, showing complete indifference.