Wesley Evans frowned slightly, initially intending to decline. But after a moment's consideration, he gave a quick nod of agreement.
"Very well."
The Gambling King hadn't shown his face in the casino for quite some time.
Having him preside over the game would undoubtedly attract more gamblers, making the Underground City's business even more prosperous.
Sophia Sullivan saw his acquiescence and saw no need for further discussion.
"I'll change clothes. Wait outside."
"Ten minutes. I expect punctuality from the Crimson Serpent," Wesley said coolly.
With that, he led his entourage out of the room.
The moment the heavy door closed, all traces of smile vanished from Wesley's face.
"How interesting," he murmured coldly. "Notify Amy. The Crimson Serpent will arrive in ten minutes."
"Yes, sir."
The door shut out the outside noise.
Sophia pressed a hidden mechanism. The wall concealing the main server silently descended, restoring the room to its original state.
Before she could remove her mask, Abigail Clementson rushed from the corner.
"Boss!"
Her eyes were red-rimmed as she gripped Sophia's arms, carefully examining her for injuries before finally exhaling in relief.
Clang—
A knife slipped from Abigail's trembling fingers.
She struggled to steady her rapid breathing, trying to compose herself.
"If you'd returned any later, I would've—"
Her voice trembled with lingering fear.
"It's fine," Sophia reassured her with a pat on the shoulder.
She turned to the main console and pressed a button.
A faint blue chip ejected with a click.
The holographic screen instantly went dark, the monitors powering down.
Only a single dim lamp remained in the room.
Sophia pressed the chip into Abigail's palm.
"Take the core chip and evacuate immediately."
She always had contingency plans.
Regardless of the gambling outcome, Jessica Lopez would undoubtedly interfere. It was better to relocate the chip first.
Abigail froze. "Now? What about you? We should leave together!"
Sophia shook her head. "I have a game to attend. You go first. I'll find you once things stabilize."
Abigail's brow furrowed.
Gambling in the Underground City often meant life or death!
"Boss, we can find another place. Why bother with these people?"
Her eyes were bloodshot, the chip in her palm weighing like a thousand pounds.
"I know what I'm doing," Sophia said firmly. "Protect that chip."
"...Understood."
Knowing Sophia's unyielding nature once her mind was set, Abigail swallowed her protests. With a determined nod, she vowed, "The chip stays with me!"
Sophia smiled faintly. "I trust you."
Abigail took a deep breath, carefully securing the chip in a metal case before slipping away through a hidden passage.
Sophia watched until her figure disappeared completely before turning to the dressing room.