Chloe Evans turned deathly pale, stumbling backward.
Her lips trembled, but no sound escaped.
Julian Valentine's lazy tone made it sound like a joke, yet she felt an icy dread seep into her bones.
When the gun barrel aimed at her, the killing intent was so real it stole her breath.
"I'll pay... I'll pay whatever you want!"
Her voice shook as she staggered toward Liam Winston, clinging to him desperately.
"Liam, save me... I shouldn't have been reckless, but she's demanding an impossible amount."
Tears welled in her eyes.
Her fingers dug into Liam's shoulders, her expression pitiful.
"I don't have that kind of money."
She tilted her face up, tears streaking her cheeks.
"Liam, I don’t want to drag you into this. If they take me away, please look after my parents."
Her tone was resigned, as if she’d accepted her fate.
Liam wrapped an arm around her waist, shielding her against his chest, gently patting her back.
"Don’t be afraid. As long as I'm here, no one can touch you."
His words were soothing, but uncertainty gnawed at him.
Sophia Sullivan was dead serious about the money.
Billions weren’t a small sum—there was no way to gather that much so quickly.
Most of the Winston Group’s shares were held by Mr. Winston Sr. Giving up that 15% meant forfeiting his inheritance.
"We’ll raise the funds first. If we can’t, then we’ll transfer the shares."
He glanced at Sophia, but she didn’t even spare him a look, her indifference cutting like a blade.
Three years ago, she had been gentle and obedient, always putting him first.
Now, she was a weapon unsheathed.
A completely different person.
A sharp, mocking voice cut through the tension.
"Too scared to play Russian roulette? And you call yourself part of the Underground City? Pathetic."
Amy stepped into the light.
The crimson glow illuminated her curls—and the missing fingers on her hand, making her appear sinister.
She had planned to use Chloe against Sophia, but the idiot had proven useless.
"You—!" Chloe trembled with rage.
She clenched her fists but didn’t dare act out in front of the guild leader.
Amy was just a fingerless stray dog!
A venomous glint flashed in Chloe’s eyes.
Better if they destroyed each other.
Amy ignored her, confidently picking up the revolver.
"Crimson Serpent, five empty chambers in a row. Think this one’s live?"
Her lips curled into a deranged smile.
Let’s see her escape this time.
Sophia remained unfazed by the taunt, even smiling sweetly.
She tapped her temple with a fingertip.
"Miss Amy, aim here. Don’t miss."
Silence fell over the room.
Was she insane?
Everyone was stunned by her audacity.
Outside the arena, Ethan Sullivan’s expression darkened.
His gaze was sharp as a blade.
If anything happened to Sophia, he’d make sure Amy regretted being born.
Julian watched with keen interest.
The madness and danger radiating from Sophia resonated with him.
He knew the revolver had been tampered with—nothing escaped a seasoned gambler.
He was curious about her next move.
Amy’s face twisted with fury.
"Before you boast, ask yourself if you’re worthy of Lady Luck’s favor."
Her grip tightened on the gun, her smile vicious.
"Goodbye, Crimson Serpent."
The trigger clicked.
Dead silence.
Amy imagined brains splattering across the floor.
The gun had been rigged.
...But she was wrong.
Sophia stood unharmed.
"Lady Luck does love me."
She casually picked up the revolver.
"Your turn, Miss Amy."
The barrel lifted.