Chloe Evans clenched her fists.
She had no way out now.
"Are you really willing to lend it to me?" Her voice was tight.
Broke and desperate, she had no choice but to participate in this gamble.
Chloe silently calculated—Liam Winston would never stand by and do nothing.
As long as she kept playing, she could find a way to use Winston Group's assets to cover the 10-million-dollar hole.
"Of course." Amy nodded, a shrewd glint flashing in her eyes. "But I have one condition—you'll be my partner in the next round."
The tension in Chloe's shoulders eased instantly.
Without even glancing at Liam, she agreed immediately. "Fine. I accept."
The situation was clear—Amy's skills far surpassed Sophia Sullivan's.
Being partners meant shared interests. There was no way Amy would turn against her now.
A weight lifted from Chloe's chest.
Maybe she had been overthinking things.
Now they had a common enemy. With Amy on her side, not only could she win big, but she could also personally drive Sophia into ruin!
Julian Valentine's calm voice cut through the tension. "For fairness, Crimson Serpent, you may also choose a partner."
Sophia rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.
Her gaze swept across the room.
Wherever she looked, people averted their eyes.
No one believed she could win.
This game tested intellect and memory, not psychological warfare.
Liam stood motionless in the crowd, his dark eyes locked onto Sophia.
For a fleeting moment, he even hoped she would descend from the platform and ask if he would fight alongside her.
But her gaze drifted past the crowd—past him.
That indifferent look, as if he were nothing more than dust.
"Crimson Serpent, you may call for outside assistance," Julian offered, sensing her predicament. "As long as it follows The Underground City's rules."
Amy frowned. "Outside help is unfair—"
She immediately fell silent under Julian's icy stare.
"You changed the rules and added partners—all at your request." Julian's tone was calm but carried an edge. "Giving Crimson Serpent some leeway isn't unreasonable."
Amy forced a smile. "You're right, Mr. President. I have no objections."
Sophia pulled out her phone and dialed.
The call connected after just one ring.
"Ms. Sullivan." Ethan Sullivan's deep voice resonated, as if he had been waiting.
They had parted ways at a café not long ago, agreeing to meet the next day.
Now it was nearly midnight.
Sophia got straight to the point. "Mr. Sullivan, can you come to The Underground City? I need 80 million in cash."
"Of course." Ethan didn't hesitate.
"Aren't you afraid it's a trap?"
"If it's you, I'll walk into it willingly."
Sophia's heart skipped a beat.
Suppressing the surge of emotions, she sent him the address. "The underground casino. I'll be waiting."
Ethan's voice was rough. "Ten minutes."
They never questioned each other, yet trust ran deep between them.
Hanging up, Sophia looked up. "We'll need to wait ten minutes."
Ten minutes—not too long, not too short.
Amy stretched lazily with a mocking laugh. "Ten minutes? I can wait half an hour if needed. Let's take a break."
Julian nodded. "Agreed."
With the president's permission, the crowd began murmuring.
"Who do you think Crimson Serpent called?"
"In A-City, who can match Amy and the president in gambling skills?"
"This is going to be interesting!"
Liam remained still amidst the chatter, his cold stare fixed on Sophia.
He hadn't missed the fleeting smile that touched her lips during the call.
It was genuine.
Liam tugged at his tie irritably.
His chest felt like it was being crushed.
Who had she called?
That Dr. Ian Gallagher? The flamboyant young master from the Anderson family? Or... Ethan Sullivan?