Chapter 358: The Punishment of a Bad Girl
As they were talking, the final result was announced on the monitor in front of them: "And the winner of this race is... 'Uncle's Got a Gun'!"
Just as Ron had predicted, Caroline, who had been bouncing with excitement, slunk back defeated. Before she returned, Ron gave Max a wink, and Max quickly tucked the betting slips into her pocket.
"No way, what happened? It was so close! My horse almost won! It should have been a lock."
"Nothing is a lock, except death, taxes, and Taylor Swift writing breakup songs about her exes," Max said casually. "What if our horse had actually finished first?"
"It was just a miscalculation this time. It happens all the time at the track," Caroline said, trying to sound calm, but her hand involuntarily gripped Max's pleadingly. "Max, if we win the next one, I can make back all that money. I can't keep losing. When I used to bet on horses with Dad, I never lost twice in a row."
Ron thought to himself, "Back then, Mr. Channing was one of the wealthiest men in Los Angeles. Everyone was just kissing his ass, so naturally they didn't care about the pocket change they lost on horses. You really think you've got some kind of gift?"
But there was no need to say those words aloud; reality would soon slap her in the face again. If that didn't bring her to her senses, then she'd truly be wasting that Wharton Business School diploma.
"You really think you can win again? If you're that confident, I can lend you money. However, if you lose, I'll have to take Chestnut to pay off the debt. You don't mind, do you?"
Ron took out his wallet, but before he could hand it over, Caroline snatched it away.
"Thank you, Ron. Don't worry, I'll definitely pay you back with interest when I win the next race. Hell, when I win, I'll treat you to dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp. I saw one on the way here. Wait for me, watch me work this magic!"
After saying that, Caroline strutted away, swaying her hips as she headed back to the betting window. This time, Ron didn't even bother asking which horse she'd bet on.
Win or lose, she'll definitely keep gambling until she's tapped out. She can't even see through such a basic casino con? Did you buy that Wharton degree on eBay?!
I think Phoenix University is more your speed!
Sure enough, not long after—about one race's worth of time—Caroline, now an honorary graduate of Phoenix University Online, returned looking dejected. This time, her chosen horse was "Balls to the Wall," while the winner was "Gone Fishin'."
Ron's friend who'd accidentally had a chair leg inserted in his rectum was indeed very honest; nothing had changed.
"Caroline, where's your magic? Is your magic just making money disappear?" Max mocked mercilessly. "If that's the case, I can do that magic too, and I can even conjure up two tallboys of PBR every time."
"Uh... there's a little problem, Ron. Can I pay you back the money I owe you later? I promise, I'll pay you back as soon as I have it. Or, I can use my shares in the cupcake shop as collateral."
"That's a no from me, Caroline. That's not what you said earlier. We agreed that if you can't pay me back, you have to give me Chestnut. Max can be my witness. I'm taking her home with me today."
Caroline lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers nervously. Usually, Ron would soften by this point, but not this time. He wanted to teach Caroline an unforgettable lesson. He winked at Max, meaning, "Don't interfere, just watch the show." Max nodded without hesitation.
"Wait!" Caroline finally panicked. Chestnut was one of her last remaining connections to her old life, and she couldn't afford to lose her. "You don't have a place to keep a horse, but I happen to have a small yard at my place. I can help you board her, and I'll even waive all the feed costs. Ron, please, for our friendship, please."
Caroline grabbed Ron's arm, but Ron gently pushed her away. "You don't need to worry about where I keep the horse. I recently had my cousin's husband help me buy a property in Malibu with acreage where Chestnut can run free.
As for a groom, I think Max would be more suitable than you. At least, several times when I've passed by your place in the mornings, Max was the one walking the horse for you. Max, would you like to take on a new side gig? For our friendship, I guarantee the pay will be generous."
"Of course! Big house, luxury car in the driveway, and the owner is rarely home—it's like I'm lady of the manor!"
"Max!" Caroline stamped her foot angrily.
"What? Did I say something wrong? You just gambled away all our emergency fund. If the landlord raises the rent, we won't even be able to cover it."
"Okay, I admit I lost control. Oh God, my father went off the rails with his investments, and I must have inherited that gene. Now, because of one stupid gambling binge, I'm going to lose Chestnut."
Caroline hung her head, looking pitifully at Ron after Max's rebuke. Max also gave Ron a look, as if to say, "Time to reel her in?"
Ron nodded gently, taking in Caroline's pitiful appearance.
"Good thing I didn't put all my eggs in one basket!" Max changed the subject, proudly reaching into her bra to pull out three betting slips. "Let me see which beauties I bet on.
First race, 'Messy Dress,' second race, 'Uncle's Got a Gun,' and third race, 'Gone Fishin'.' Oh man, if I put them in reverse order, I'd definitely get arrested for soliciting minors and thrown in jail!"
"Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!" Caroline's eyes went wide as she stared intently at the tickets in Max's hand, just like when Max first saw her luxurious soaking tub, exclaiming "Oh my God" three times in a row.
"These were all the winners! Max, we're rich! These tickets add up to a whopping nine thousand dollars! We won't have to worry about rent for six months.
Max, how did you do that? You hit the trifecta! How about we try again and win back a whole year's rent?"
"These are all Ron's! You gambling addict!" Max tapped her head with the tickets.
If Caroline hadn't realized what was happening by now, she'd be truly dense. She playfully stuck out her tongue, "Ron, about Chestnut..."
"Chestnut is mine now, of course. You have to face the consequences of your actions," Ron said, watching Caroline's spirits deflate, then his tone suddenly shifted. "But, if you're a good girl, maybe I can agree to let Chestnut continue boarding at your place for me."
"Really?!" Caroline excitedly threw her arms around Ron's neck and planted a big kiss on him, drawing the collective fury of the surrounding gold-diggers. Daggers of jealousy focused on her, but she remained unfazed, triumphantly planting another big kiss on Ron's cheek.
"How should I be good? Like yesterday?"
Ron shook his head. "No, that would be letting you off too easy. You've been a bad girl, so you need to be punished."
"Punished? How?"
A wicked smile played on Ron's lips. "I think maybe tonight we can try something a little different..."
(End of Chapter)
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