Wesley's eyes flickered with surprise as he glanced at Sophia Sullivan. His tone carried a warning: "Crimson Serpent, once the Death Waiver is signed, there's no turning back. If Amy can produce 8 million, and you—"
He deliberately paused, his gaze sharpening.
"Not only will you lose face, but you'll be gambling more than money. You'll be wagering your life."
His words appeared cautionary but were designed to push Sophia to the edge of the cliff. Any hesitation would make her a laughingstock.
Sophia, however, responded nonchalantly: "Fine."
Amy smirked at her answer. "Since Crimson Serpent is so bold, I won't hold back either."
She signed the Death Waiver first.
Every eye in the room locked onto Sophia.
Once the pen touched paper, there was no retreat.
Without a word, Sophia stepped forward and signed her name with swift precision.
"Excellent!" Wesley beamed, though his eyes darkened with hidden currents. "The Death Waiver takes effect immediately!"
He raised the document high, igniting the casino's atmosphere.
Whistles and murmurs erupted, the noise deafening.
"Watching Amy in action is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!"
"She's a legend in Southeast Asian casinos—undefeated!"
"This match is going to be legendary!"
"Look! The Chairman is here!"
...
The clamor died instantly.
Those who had been cheering fell silent as if choked.
Even Wesley, perpetually smirking, straightened with solemn respect and bowed toward the entrance. "Chairman!"
For the first time, Sophia felt a flicker of curiosity as she turned to face the true ruler of The Underground City.
A man in black strode into the casino, flanked by bodyguards.
Around thirty, his expression was ice-cold. Leather gloves encased his slender fingers, an emerald ring glinting on his index finger.
His posture was relaxed, yet an innate authority radiated from him.
He casually shrugged off his coat, which Wesley hurried to take. "As reported earlier, Amy and Crimson Serpent have agreed to the wager."
The man gave a faint hum of acknowledgment.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea, not daring to approach.
Once he stopped, he offered the room a polite smile.
"Enjoy yourselves—just don't cross the line."
The smile didn't reach his eyes, which remained frosty.
Every gambler present was sharp enough to lower their heads, avoiding his gaze.
Sophia studied him silently.
Julian Valentine. Chairman of The Underground Casino. A man shrouded in mystery.
Not even The Decagon had uncovered his true background.
"Chairman, it's been a while."
Amy shed her arrogance and approached respectfully.
"Indeed, it has." Julian's smile didn't waver.
His gaze shifted to Sophia.
"You must be Crimson Serpent. A pleasure."
His voice was deep, laced with a lazy charm.
Their eyes met, sizing each other up.
Under the lights, his pale golden irises gleamed like a predator's.
Sophia inclined her head slightly. "Likewise."