Sophia Sullivan tapped her fingers lightly on the table.
Her gaze settled on Amy.
"Your money is filthy."
"I'm not interested."
The corner of Sophia's crimson lips curved slightly.
Even expressionless, her beauty was breathtaking.
A dangerous aura radiated from her now.
Like a blade laced with poison.
Had she failed to see through Amy's scheme tonight—
She would've been the one pinned to the gambling table.
Losing a finger would've only been the beginning.
Eventually, she would've gambled away her life.
Amy had blood on her hands from years of dirty dealings.
Sophia had never been one to turn the other cheek.
She always repaid debts in kind.
Amy struggled violently.
When she looked up and met Sophia's eyes—
Half her face was cast in shadow.
Beneath that calm surface churned a terrifying storm.
Amy finally understood.
The woman before her wasn't human.
She was a demon wearing human skin.
Amy had thought herself in control.
But Sophia had laid this trap long ago.
Waiting for her to walk right in.
Regret gnawed at Amy's heart.
Too late now.
A flash of silver.
The blade sliced through skin.
Severed bone.
A wet crunch—
Blood sprayed.
The severed finger flew through the air, trailing crimson foam.
It bounced twice on the floor.
Lay still like rotting meat.
Two seconds later.
A bloodcurdling scream tore through the casino.
"AAAAAHHHH!"
Sophia stood and stepped back.
Her dress remained pristine.
Wesley stood closest.
Blood speckled his face.
He wiped it away.
Bowed respectfully.
"Clean work, Crimson Serpent."
"Cheaters deserve nothing less."
The crowd stared in horror at the spreading pool of blood.
Finally realizing—
Sophia was no helpless lamb.
Chloe Evans staggered backward.
"H-help..."
She'd never witnessed such brutality.
Sophia stood amidst the carnage.
Like a vengeful spirit risen from hell.
Who could sever a finger without blinking?
A monster.
This woman was absolute evil!
Liam Winston's heart pounded wildly.
He couldn't believe it.
His meek, obedient ex-wife—
Moved with such ruthless precision.
The more dangerous she became, the more mesmerizing.
Ethan Sullivan never took his eyes off Sophia.
The blood splatter made him frown.
He should've handled this.
Saved her hands from staining.
Scenes like this were familiar to him.
Dangerous.
Cold-blooded.
Yet damnably alluring.
From their very first meeting—
Sophia had always been like this.
Ethan scanned the room.
His gaze landed on Liam.
The man's face was pure terror.
Pathetic.
Amy's struggles weakened.
Blood loss sapped her strength.
Wesley and his men released their hold.
Julian Valentine spoke calmly.
"No deaths in my casino."
Wesley nodded.
"Bring the meds."
"Patch her up."
Assistants rushed over with medical supplies.
Antibiotics were dumped carelessly on the wound.
Just enough to keep her alive.
Whether she lived or died afterward—
Wasn't the casino's concern.
As the drugs took effect—
Amy regained some awareness.
She looked down at her mutilated hand.
Pure hatred burned in her eyes.
"SOPHIA SULLIVAN!"
Only one thought consumed her now.
Even if it meant mutual destruction—
She'd drag this woman down with her.
Sophia had no time for losers.
Billions in chips formed a small mountain.
Six counters had worked for hours.
Only halfway done.
Amy stared at that fortune.
Bloodshot eyes bulging.
How could she let Sophia walk away with everything?
Unacceptable!
"Crimson Serpent."
Amy's voice was hoarse.
Madness laced every word.
"One final bet. You in?"