Sophia Sullivan's prayers seemed to have been heard.
The cards Ethan Sullivan flipped over were no longer a pair.
A three of hearts. A seven of spades.
The dealer's voice rang clear. "No match. Crimson Serpent scores zero."
Chloe Evans' lips curled into a smile. "Even the best make mistakes, sister."
Sophia's expression darkened instantly.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly, fingers digging into the edge of the gambling table.
"Damn it... I was sure I remembered..."
She muttered curses under her breath, frustration written across her face.
"Mr. Sullivan, my apologies."
But to Ethan, her act was laughable.
He remembered that night in Sicily.
Sophia had moved like a blade, gun in hand, lethal and precise.
Yet when Julian Roscente cleaned up the scene, she'd played the fragile victim.
The same performance. The same lies.
Ethan's lips quirked slightly.
His voice remained cold. "No matter. We can afford the loss."
The words eased Amy's tension just slightly.
So it really was all about memory.
Amy grew more confident in her assessment.
With Ethan as her financial backer, Sophia could afford to be reckless.
But no matter the cost, Amy would claim Sophia's fingers.
The casino buzzed with excitement.
Spectators whispered among themselves.
"Twelve cards left—six pairs! Amy only needs one more point!"
"Crimson Serpent had a streak earlier. She might turn it around."
"Amy has to get every pair right now, or it's a draw."
Sophia feigned anxiety, but her gaze was ice-cold.
She let her eyes drift lazily over the remaining cards.
These twelve were her carefully laid trap.
Now, it was Amy's move.
"My mistake," Sophia sighed. "Surely Ms. Amy won't slip up?"
Amy narrowed her eyes. "Photographic memory is my gift."
A lie.
Amy stared hard at the cards.
Her people had marked some—but only sixty percent.
The rest were clean.
And of course, fate left her with twelve unmarked cards.
She cursed inwardly.
Would it all come down to luck for the final rounds?
"Care to raise the stakes, Ms. Amy?" Sophia spoke suddenly.
Without waiting for a reply, she continued.
"I'll bet another billion. Plus all the funds Mr. Sullivan brought tonight."
She drew a deep breath, eyes burning with fervor.
"Let's start over!"
The casino fell silent.
The air itself seemed to freeze.
Everyone stared, stunned.
This was the madness of a true gambler!
Ian Watson paled, glancing at Ethan.
He prayed his boss would stop this insanity.
But Ethan remained silent.
Julian Valentine, who'd been disinterested, now sat up straight.
"Interesting," he murmured.
His eyes met Sophia's briefly.
Madness.
Danger.
This was an all-or-nothing gamble.