The spectators reacted differently after hearing the rules.
Some scoffed in disdain.
"Isn't this just a matching card game? Pure luck. Boring."
Immediately, someone retorted.
"Don’t talk nonsense! This tests memory! You have to match both suits and numbers. Try relying on luck!"
"I think this version reveals true skill."
...
Sophia Sullivan felt a tightness in her chest.
Chloe Evans had just won.
Irritated, she looked up and met Amy’s scrutinizing gaze.
"Two players isn’t exciting enough."
Amy narrowed her eyes, glancing toward Sophia.
"Add one more. Raise the stakes. Then it’ll be fun."
Sophia shrugged indifferently.
"Anyone who wants in, suit yourself."
The arbiter, Julian Valentine, lounged lazily on the sofa, enjoying the spectacle.
The more intense the gamble, the more entertained he was.
Many in the crowd were tempted.
But most hesitated.
One million per flip.
Who had that kind of nerve?
Amy grabbed a stack of chips and raised them high.
"Whoever joins gets ten million as a welcome gift."
The room erupted.
All eyes locked onto the towering pile of chips.
"Amy! I’m in!"
"Pick me!"
"My memory’s sharp—let me try!"
The crowd surged toward Amy.
Sophia watched coldly.
She knew Amy wanted to muddy the waters.
Another player meant faster turnover.
The ten million was bait, not generosity.
Once a gambler sat at the table, who could walk away easily?
Chloe was tempted too.
After all, it wasn’t her money.
Playing could also annoy Sophia.
As she considered it, Amy bypassed the crowd and directly invited her.
"Miss, care to try?"
All eyes turned to Chloe.
Confused.
Why pick a novice?
Amy’s gaze was meaningful.
During the Texas Hold'em game, she’d noticed two pairs of eyes fixed on Sophia.
Though their attitudes differed, this woman clearly didn’t want Sophia to win.
That was exactly the ally Amy needed.
"Liam..." Chloe turned to Liam Winston. "I want to try. It’s not our money anyway."
Liam frowned.
"You’ve never played."
"So what? Sophia joined too."
Chloe clung to his arm, pouting.
"Ten million isn’t ours. If we lose, we walk away. But what if we win? Let me go."
Liam’s brow remained furrowed.
Chloe’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"Is it because Sophia’s there that you won’t let me?"
"Of course not." Liam denied instantly. "I don’t care about her."
Was that true?
When Sophia won earlier, a fleeting thought had crossed his mind.
Would she come begging if she lost?
But the thought vanished just as quickly.
Sophia had always been proud.
Since the divorce, she’d never bowed her head.
His eyes darkened at the memory.
Like an unfathomable abyss.
"Fine. Go. But quit if you lose everything."
Chloe beamed.
"Liam, you’re the best!"
What she didn’t know was this:
There were no free lunches in this world.
Every gift from fate came with a hidden price.