All Chapters of The Hidden Game: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The fact that Victor had Caleb read to Marcus was no secret among the correctional officers.Marcus got to start work half an hour later every day, and some correctional officers even brought his strawberry jam to the mailroom—all because of the warden's favor.Though some inmates knew about this arrangement, they were not many. Caleb deliberately mentioned in the library that Marcus was under Victor's protection. He did it so Princess would know it would be best not to cross Marcus.However, information often got distorted, and people always enjoyed a juicier story.As the gossip spread, even those who originally knew the truth began to believe that there was indeed an unspoken deal between Caleb and Marcus. For example, some said Caleb was interested in Marcus' body and had promised to keep him safe in exchange for sleeping with him."Do you know what the inmates are saying about you?" When Hector called Caleb into the infirmary, Caleb had initially thought it was just for a c

Once a person's interest had been completely deflated, it was hard to rekindle it.It seemed that Caleb's presence might not have been necessary after all. Marcus had already managed to cool Princess's interest.Caleb bit his lip, struggling with whether he should voice his question. Technically, whether Marcus was a bottom or not shouldn't concern him, and he shouldn't be so curious.Besides, there were clearly more important matters he needed to figure out.Caleb managed to suppress the turmoil inside him and asked slowly, "How did you know about the surveillance cameras?""This?" Marcus walked over to the filing cabinets, glancing at the haphazardly stacked newspapers. "It's pretty obvious."The recreation room was empty except for two filing cabinets placed side by side in the corner. If there were hidden cameras in the room, they would undoubtedly be concealed around these cabinets.The storage cabinet was a light green metal unit that had once been used for holding mops an

Back in the library, Princess had vanished without a trace.Caleb greeted the correctional officer who had been keeping watch and took his seat in his work area, braving the curious stares of the inmates present.Marcus, however, sat in the front row closest to Caleb, where his comic book still lay unfinished.Usually, Caleb would have been eager for lunch to be over. It was so he could enjoy his free time in the afternoon once the inmates were gone.But today, he dreaded the arrival of two o'clock, because it meant he would be left alone with Marcus in the library again.He had just escaped the suffocating atmosphere of the recreation room and wasn't keen on spending more time alone with Marcus. However, evading the situation was futile. Once the other inmates had left, Marcus was back at his side."Officer Johnson, isn't this uncomfortable for you?" Marcus asked.The work area was so cramped that Caleb and Marcus's knees occasionally brushed against each other when they rela

Hector knew he was in the wrong, and he refrained from comparing Marcus to Lucas. But suddenly, he seemed to remember something. Checking the time, he asked, "Aren't you supposed to read the news to Marcus today?""No," Caleb replied.Hector seemed like he wanted to ask more, but just then, Lucas stretched his neck from behind the computer screen and asked, "By the way, Officer Johnson, is it true that Marcus can't do it?""Do what?" Caleb asked, clearly confused."Everyone's saying that Marcus isn't up to it, so he can only be a bottom."Caleb was speechless. He had considered that Princess might spread the excuse Marcus had concocted, but he hadn't expected it to be twisted to the point where it became a rumor about Marcus' inability."Marcus is a bottom?" Hector's eyes widened in surprise when he heard the news."He's not," Caleb frowned. If anything, he was quite the opposite—there was no one more dominant than Marcus."Really?" Lucas blinked, then asked, "So, are you t

Marcus appeared at the stairwell in less than half a minute.Caleb greeted the correctional officer stationed on the second floor, asking him to keep an eye on the inmates in the library. Then, he strode up to Marcus. He frowned when he saw the blood on Marcus' lip and asked, "Are you alright?"Marcus stopped in front of Caleb. "I'm fine."Caleb didn't take Marcus' word for it. He grasped Marcus' chin and turned his face to the side, inspecting the bloodied corner of his mouth. His frown finally eased after he confirmed that Marcus wasn't seriously injured.Marcus was slightly taller than Caleb, and he seemed surprised, even amused, by Caleb's bold move to grip his chin."Is it good now, Officer Johnson?" Marcus asked."Come with me," Caleb said.He took Marcus by the wrist and led him to the infirmary. Lucas was unusually absent, and Hector was napping on a single bed.When Hector saw them enter, he lazily got up and looked at the cut at the corner of Marcus' lip. "Who did