Sophia Sullivan tapped her fingers lightly on the table.
Amy paled.
"House rules. No takebacks." Sophia's voice was soft.
She flipped over two cards.
Ace of clubs and queen of clubs.
Exactly as she'd predicted.
Her hands moved faster.
Every pair matched perfectly.
Whispers rose from the spectators.
"That's not just good memory."
"She can see through the cards."
"Cheating?"
The murmurs reached Amy's ears.
Her nails dug into her palms.
Cold sweat soaked her back.
If the boss discovered her cheating...
She couldn't bear to imagine the consequences.
That man showed no mercy.
Amy's legs gave out.
Jessica caught her.
"Amy, Crimson Serpent just got lucky."
Julian Valentine's gaze sliced through them.
Cold as steel.
Amy quickly looked down.
She had to change tactics.
Losing was her only option now.
Losing meant survival.
Winning meant ruin.
"Crimson Serpent is truly impressive." Amy forced a smile.
Sophia raised a brow.
"The game isn't over yet. Don't surrender too soon."
Chloe Evans hesitated before flipping a card.
She glanced at Amy for help.
"Which one?"
Amy turned away.
"Your call."
Chloe flipped randomly.
Wrong.
Amy's next attempt also failed.
Chloe's heart sank.
Sophia approached slowly.
"Tired, Amy?"
Amy stepped back.
Her chip tower collapsed.
She didn't bother picking them up.
Sophia's gaze sharpened.
Like a hawk locking onto prey.
"Need help flipping cards?"
"No!" Amy's voice trembled.
Sophia returned to the table.
Her hands flew across the cards.
Each pair revealed.
Perfect matches.
Zero mistakes.
Wesley Evans turned pale.
"Boss, the deck's rigged."
Julian tilted his chin.
His black gloves gleamed coldly.
"Prepare to clear the room."
Sophia flipped the last card.
"Eighty percent are marked."
She turned to Amy.
"Expected from the house's best."
Gasps filled the air.
Sophia looked at Julian.
"Your call, Mr. Valentine."
The man nodded.
"Cheaters get no mercy here."
Amy collapsed to the floor.
"I was framed!"
Julian raised a hand.
Two burly guards stepped forward.
Sophia walked to Ethan Sullivan's side.
"Got a light?"