Chapter 120

Zachary Montgomery lounged on the sofa with his crew, smug confidence radiating from their relaxed postures. His lips curled into a mocking smirk as he took in Benjamin Rivers' sour expression.

"Benjamin Rivers," Zachary drawled, "I was going to be merciful and let you walk away if you'd just bark like a dog. But you chose this path. Now you'll lose Silver Moon Estate to me - and still end up barking on live stream. Remember, this was your choice!"

Though uncertainty gnawed at him, Benjamin clenched his jaw. "The game hasn't even started yet. Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

Zachary snorted. "Save your tears for when you're howling to the camera."

"Enough talk!" Benjamin snapped. "Let's play."

Phones appeared as the game launched. Zachary's five-man squad formed instantly while Evelyn Whitmore and Benjamin waited for matchmaking.

Three usernames popped up on their team: William Kingsley, Lily Fontaine, and Oliver Quinn.

The match began.

Benjamin's palms were slick with sweat, his initial pessimism weighing heavy. Then he saw their teammates' levels. His eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. These weren't just good players - they were elite.

"Holy shit!" he whispered to Evelyn. "We got matched with max-level players! Just stay back and don't screw this up for us."

Evelyn didn't respond. Her character moved with purpose, charging straight into enemy territory.

"Damn it, Evelyn! Fall back!" Benjamin shouted, scrambling to cover her advance.

Then the system announcements began flashing:

[First blood!]

[Double kill!]

[Triple kill!]

[Quadra kill!]

[Penta kill!]

Benjamin's mouth fell open. Evelyn's level-one character had just wiped out the entire enemy team in the opening minutes.

"That's... not a beginner," he muttered, reassessing the quiet woman beside him.

Zachary's team's initial arrogance evaporated as they struggled to mount any defense. Their panic was palpable, their movements growing increasingly desperate.

When the victory screen appeared, Zachary hurled his phone against the wall.

Benjamin practically vibrated with triumph. He extended his hand, grinning. "Pay up, Montgomery."