Why should I bet with you?

Maria was quite certain she had never met the man before.

He had not appeared at the banquet that night nor during the filming of the past few days.

She hadn't the slightest clue what she could've done to offend him.

Looking towards Director Grant with a puzzled expression, she questioned, "Director Grant, who is him...?"

Director Grant let out a hearty laugh, patting his belly, "Ah, Mia, here's the thing. You're a hobbyist, not a professional. So, for the sake of the film's quality, I specially hired this gentleman, an amateur pool champion."

Pausing for a moment, he added with a polite smile, "Don't take it the wrong way, Mia. I'm not saying you're bad at the pool. But San Diego is a small place, and we really don't know what the standard of the reigning 'Angel' is. So just for our film quality, you understand, right?"

Maria did understand. She was generally easygoing, seldom taking offense unless deliberately provoked.

"I see, Director Grant. In that case, let's get started."

"Go