Julian Valentine crossed his legs, his expression unreadable.
His gaze toward Amy was colder than ice.
"Amy, you know my rules."
"Cheaters get no mercy."
His voice remained calm but carried undeniable authority.
"Someone assist her."
The black-clad men beside him immediately responded.
"Yes, sir."
Amy's face turned deathly pale.
Wesley Evans approached her with his men.
"Miss Amy, apologies."
Wesley pressed a gun against Amy's forehead.
The other men swiftly pinned her hands onto the gambling table.
"Let me go! How dare you touch me?!"
Amy thrashed violently but couldn't break free from Wesley's grip.
Wesley glanced at Sophia Sullivan.
"Miss Crimson Serpent, your turn."
He didn’t want to offend Amy, but disobeying the chairman was unthinkable.
Amy had been caught red-handed. Her fate was sealed.
"Wesley! You’ve got a death wish? I’ll end you when I get out!"
Her hair was disheveled, makeup smeared—her elegance gone.
Wesley remained impassive.
"Miss Amy, worry about yourself first."
He signaled another man to help restrain her.
Since he’d already crossed the line, he might as well commit fully.
Julian stood and picked up a dagger.
Its hilt was adorned with a dazzling ruby.
He handed it to Sophia.
"As the impartial arbiter, I favor no one."
"Miss Crimson Serpent, proceed."
Sophia accepted the dagger.
"Thank you, Chairman."
Ethan Sullivan’s gaze lingered on Julian from across the room.
The chairman was notorious for his ruthlessness, yet he’d just given his personal dagger to Sophia.
Julian’s eyes flicked toward him.
Their stares clashed, tension crackling between them.
Sophia observed them both.
Ethan lounged casually on a sofa, while Julian leaned against the gambling table.
Both exuded danger.
Ethan was cold, restrained.
Julian wore a mild smile, but his aura was far more calculating.
Like a composed, mature husband.
Yet beneath the surface, both were ruthless power players.
Sophia looked away and approached Amy.
Her heels clicked against the marble floor.
The sharp sound echoed through the silent casino.
Amy’s heart pounded as the slender figure drew closer.
She finally broke.
"I’m sorry! Crimson Serpent… spare me this once?"
Tears mixed with sweat streaked her ruined makeup.
She was a pitiful sight.
Sophia didn’t stop.
"I’ll pay you! Double the bet—another billion!"
Amy’s body went numb, as if plunged into ice.
"I’ll take you to Southeast Asia! Half my business is yours!"
"The domestic market too! All profits go to you!"
She desperately offered irresistible terms.
Anyone else would’ve been tempted.
Sophia leaned down, meeting her eyes.
"I think…"
"Not good enough."
She stood over Amy, twirling the dagger between her fingers.
The ruby glinted coldly under the lights.