Liam Winston looked up.
The casino buzzed with noise.
Crowds gathered around gambling tables, murmuring excitedly.
"Is there even a point watching this game? Amy's the undefeated queen. Crimson Serpent doesn’t stand a chance."
"Exactly. Betting on Amy is a sure win."
"I'm putting down half a million! Amy’s got this!"
At the mention of a life-or-death wager, a shadow flickered in Chloe Evans' eyes.
She tugged lightly at Liam’s sleeve.
"Liam, since we’re just waiting around, why not join in?"
Her voice was soft, laced with a hint of coquetry.
"No word from The Nexus yet. Might as well kill time."
She sighed faintly.
"Sophia doesn’t have any supporters. Let’s bet on her—just to cheer her on."
Liam remained silent.
His gaze drifted toward the gambling table.
Just then, Sophia Sullivan’s eyes met his.
But her glance lasted only a second.
As if he were nothing more than a stranger.
Three years of devotion—could she really forget it all so easily?
The coldness in Sophia’s stare was like a knife.
It plunged straight into Liam’s chest.
A suffocating weight settled over him.
Without expression, he pulled out a check.
"Bet on Amy."
The dealer accepted it with a practiced smile.
——
At the table, the dealer finished explaining the rules.
The first round was Texas Hold’em.
Cards shuffled and dealt with precision.
Two hole cards landed in Sophia’s hands.
Three community cards lay face-up on the felt.
Amy casually tossed in her chips.
"First time playing, Crimson Serpent?"
"Something like that."
Sophia frowned slightly, as if weighing her options.
Only after the dealer prompted her did she match the bet.
Amy chuckled, shaking her head.
"Bold move."
The spectators exchanged disappointed glances.
They’d hoped for an exciting match.
Instead, Crimson Serpent barely knew the rules.
Sophia studied her cards.
Four of clubs. Eight of hearts.
A terrible hand by any standard.
Anyone would grimace at such a draw.
Yet a strange glint flashed in Sophia’s eyes.
Perfect.
She’d been wondering how to lose convincingly.
Now fate had handed her the solution.
The dealer spoke.
"Call, raise, or fold?"
"Raise." Amy pushed more chips forward.
She lounged back, smirking at Sophia.
"Just fold, Crimson Serpent. That hand’s garbage."
The dealer glanced at Sophia.
After a pause, she spoke.
"I’ll raise too."
She mimicked Amy’s motion, sliding her chips in.
The dealer corrected her gently.
"That’s a call. A raise requires a higher amount."
Sophia nodded.
"Then I’ll call."
The dealer suppressed a sigh.
Another amateur.
She collected the bets, revealing the flop.
Jack of spades. Six of clubs. Ten of diamonds.
Amy tapped the table lazily.
"Looks like I’ve got this."
Sophia’s expression grew more uncertain.
As the turn and river cards were dealt, she mechanically matched each bet.
The crowd watched in disbelief.
Crimson Serpent was worse than they’d imagined.
Amy had already set her cards aside.
She sipped her drink, victory assured.
"Show me your hand, Crimson Serpent."