All eyes turned toward the source of the voice.
A masked woman approached with measured steps.
Her figure was perfectly proportioned, the silver sequined gown clinging to her curves like liquid metal.
Her waist was so slender it could be encircled by a single hand.
Red-soled stilettos wrapped her ankles with delicate silver straps.
They accentuated the elegant line of her calves.
The mask lent her an air of mystery.
Many in the room found themselves captivated.
"Is that the Crimson Serpent?"
"Wearing a mask because her face is ruined?"
"What a shame. Challenging Amy is suicide."
Sophia Sullivan's appearance made both Jessica and Amy freeze momentarily.
She frowned slightly, catching the metallic tang of blood in the air.
Her gaze landed on the unconscious man nearby.
He'd been thrown like a bowling ball, his body battered and bleeding.
"So you're the Crimson Serpent?"
Amy's eyes gleamed with interest as she studied Sophia.
"So young to be throwing your life away."
Jessica sneered from the side.
"Hiding behind a mask like some ghost. Too ugly to show your face?"
Sophia remained impassive. She lifted her gaze. "You want my property but lack the courage to negotiate directly. I had to come myself."
Amy arched a brow. "I merely sent someone to inform you."
At her signal, several burly men emerged from the shadows.
Guns rested at their hips, their eyes cold.
"Relax. This isn't my turf. I respect the rules here."
Amy gestured, and a server immediately brought forth a glass.
"Drink this, and we'll consider the matter settled. The property's mine. You'll get ten times its value. No need to gamble your life..."
Her smile didn't reach her venomous eyes.
Sophia knew better. This woman wouldn't let her walk away unscathed.
A killer's instinct never lied.
She accepted the glass calmly, swirling the liquid.
Then with a flick of her wrist, she doused the server's shirt.
"My hand slipped."
Sophia's lips curved without apology.
Tension crackled through the room.
Amy's expression darkened. "You're determined to do this?"
"To the end," Sophia replied coolly.
Amy's smile turned predatory. "Best two out of three."
Just then, Wesley emerged from the chairman's lounge.
Amy turned to him. "Wesley, doesn't the house prohibit masks?"
He nodded at Sophia. "House rules. Prevents disguises causing trouble."
He gestured politely.
"Miss Crimson Serpent, please remove your mask."
The room held its breath, anticipating drama.
Jessica smirked.
"Only ugly freaks hide behind—"
She expected hesitation.
Instead, Sophia's slender fingers undid the clasp without pause.
"Fine," Sophia said.
The mask fell away.
Her features were delicately made up—arched brows like crescent moons, lips the color of ripe cherries.
When her lashes lifted, the room collectively inhaled.
Wolf whistles erupted. Gamblers abandoned their chips to stare.
"Ugly? She's more stunning than Amy!"
"Wait... she looks familiar."
"Don't you watch the news? That's Sophia Sullivan—A-City's perfumery prodigy and racing champion!"
Jessica stood frozen.
Her face twisted in humiliation.