The halftime bell rang.
Sophia immediately rose from the gambling table.
She strode toward Liam with hurried steps.
Her face wore an expression of wounded innocence.
"Liam, I've never played in a casino before," she said, her voice trembling.
"There are so many rules. I can't keep up."
Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke.
She looked every bit the delicate, pitiable figure.
"Chloe knew the rules but didn't bother to explain them to me."
Liam's brow furrowed slightly.
Irritation simmered beneath his calm exterior.
"It's not your fault," he said coldly.
"Even if you lose another million, the Winstons can afford it."
Liam was being stubborn.
He wanted to prove that the man Sophia had brought couldn't compare to him.
Nor could he match the Winston family's influence.
Amy had been watching them from the shadows.
She approached now, holding a wineglass.
"Good evening," she said with a sultry smile.
Sophia tensed immediately but forced a polite smile. "Good evening."
Liam gave only a curt nod.
He had no interest in gamblers.
But Amy pressed on. "You know Crimson Serpent, don't you?"
Her tone left no room for doubt.
She tilted her head.
"Though it seems this gentleman is rather taken with her."
"His eyes haven't left her all night."
Sophia's face paled.
"You're mistaken. We're very happy together," she said through gritted teeth.
Amy's smirk deepened.
She turned and called out loudly, "Crimson Serpent, did you know this man is in love with you?"
Sophia had been sipping her wine.
The interruption made her glance up.
Curious eyes turned toward them.
Sophia's cheeks flushed. "Ms. Amy, this is my husband—"
Sophia lifted her gaze lazily.
A mocking smile played on her lips.
"Why would Mr. Winston look at me?"
"He's always been blind."
Liam's expression darkened instantly.
Sophia was too furious to speak.
Just then—
The casino doors swung open with a heavy thud.
All heads turned toward the entrance.
A tall, commanding figure stood framed in the doorway.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"It's Ethan Sullivan from Breeze Perfumes!"
"He actually came to the Underground City?"
"Are those suitcases full of cash?"
"Is he Crimson Serpent's partner?"
The speculation ignited like wildfire.
Everyone knew Ethan never set foot in casinos.
Sophia looked up.
Their eyes met across the room.
She held out a glass to him.
"Six minutes. Very punctual."
Ethan was broad-shouldered and lean.
His black shirt hugged his torso, accentuated by leather straps.
The scent of cedarwood clung to him.
"You didn't invite me here just to gamble, Ms. Sullivan."
"I need you as my partner," Sophia said.
She gestured toward Amy and Chloe.
"Don't worry if you don't know the game."
"Just humor them for one round."
Ethan accepted the glass.
His lips curved slightly.
"The honor is mine."
The cut on his lip was still fresh.
A souvenir from their kiss in the alley.
A bloody kiss.
It had earned him a slap.
Yet here he was.
His bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances.
Ian Watson gaped at the scene, suitcases in hand.
Since when did Ethan Sullivan play cards?
Ms. Sullivan had nerves of steel.
The CEO had never stepped onto a gambling floor before.