Dark red seeped through the gauze wrapped around Amy's fingers.
The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air.
Her gaze swept the room, each word dripping with venom.
"I'm betting everything. My businesses, assets, shares—even my life."
Sophia Sullivan met her stare.
A flicker of emotion passed through those icy depths.
She knew Amy had gone all in.
"Fine."
Amy's lips curled into a smile as sharp as a viper's fang.
"Good. This round, we play Russian roulette."
Silence swallowed the room.
Everyone knew this was a one-way ticket to hell.
All eyes locked onto the two women.
Sophia's expression remained unreadable.
"A game that risks everything—Russian roulette does seem fitting."
"Deal." Amy's smirk was glacial.
Then Sophia suddenly turned to Julian Valentine.
"Mr. Valentine, wouldn't it be dull to just watch? Why not join us?"
Her calm voice sent shockwaves through the hall.
"She's insane! Dragging the chairman into this?"
"The Crimson Serpent has nerves of steel!"
"But the chairman did promise earlier..."
Amid the murmurs, Julian rose, his signet ring glinting as he stood.
Shadows carved the sharp angles of his face.
"Since the Crimson Serpent invites, how could I refuse?"
Ethan Sullivan's brow furrowed.
"Sophia—"
Dark currents churned in his eyes.
Sophia only gave him two words in response.
"Trust me."
Their gazes held before Ethan finally gave a silent nod.
Sophia turned to Chloe Evans.
"Miss Evans, a bet's a bet. The Underground City's rules—either keep gambling or settle your debt."
Chloe's face paled.
She hadn't expected things to spiral out of control.
"Liam—" She clutched Liam Winston's sleeve, voice trembling. "It's my first time here...I don't know the rules...Sis knew I couldn't play—"
Liam looked at Sophia.
"I have five million left in my account. The rest will be paid later. Chloe truly didn't know better."
Sophia chuckled.
"Then learn. Who here didn't fight their way up?"
Her gaze pinned Chloe.
"I'll deduct two million from the debt. But in exchange—15% of Winston Group's shares."
Liam's expression twisted.
Those were his last remaining stakes in the Winston empire.
His eyes darted between Chloe and Sophia, inner turmoil raging.
Chloe gritted her teeth.
"Sis, you're going too far!"
Sophia remained unmoved.
"Either pledge the shares or step up to the table. Choose."
Chloe trembled with fury.