The night was ink-black.
Outside The Underground City, moonlight painted the ground in silver.
Sophia Sullivan walked side by side with Ethan Sullivan at the forefront.
Ian Watson and others trailed behind, struggling with heavy cash cases.
"Ms. Sullivan, tonight nearly gave me a heart attack."
Ian clutched his still-pounding chest, voice trembling.
He swallowed hard.
"Anyone else wouldn't dare play this game even with ten extra lives."
He left unsaid another thought.
This wasn't bravery—it was pure gambler's madness.
From Texas Hold'em to Russian Roulette, she'd turned each game into a heart-stopping spectacle.
Sophia chuckled, eyes crinkling at the corners.
"You held your own quite well, Ian."
Her tone held playful mockery.
"Your boss signed a death waiver at the table while you kept your eyes shut the whole time."
Ian glanced nervously at his CEO's stern profile.
"Mr. Sullivan, I... I didn't mean to."
He scrambled to explain.
"It's just... I've never experienced anything like this."
Suddenly remembering something, he grinned.
"But I knew Ms. Sullivan had everything under control."
Admiration colored his voice.
"That Amy got exposed for cheating right on the spot—so satisfying!"
Ethan's cool gaze swept over him.
"Seems you have too much free time lately."
Ian's back stiffened.
"Mr. Sullivan, I'll take the cash back now!"
He hastily signaled the bodyguards.
Staying longer under that oppressive aura would crush him.
Ian wasn't stupid—he'd noticed the unspoken tension between Ethan and Sophia.
Discreetly, he led the security team away.
Only two figures remained on the quiet night road.
Sophia slowed her steps.
"Thank you for your help tonight."
Her voice cut clearly through the darkness.
"Not just for bringing the cash, but for signing that death waiver with me."
Such trust was rare.
Even married couples abandoned each other in crisis.
Yet Ethan had stood by her without hesitation.
"Just a small favor."
Ethan's tone remained even.
His mind flashed to Julian Valentine's fathomless eyes at the gambling table.
His expression darkened.
"That Julian has complex connections—global assets and ruthless men at his disposal."
He paused.
Some things went unsaid.
The predatory hunger in Julian's gaze when he looked at Sophia.
A hunter sizing up prey.
Ethan knew that look too well.
"I've researched his background."
Sophia narrowed her eyes.
"He owns casinos in Greenland too."
Her voice turned icy.
"I want to use his network to investigate the human experiments there."
Ethan gave a low hum.
The night breeze whispered through the silence.
The world seemed reduced to just them.
Despite winning the gamble, Sophia felt no relief.
Only heavier burdens.
Her mother being alive was good news.
But why had she abandoned her young daughter?
This unanswered question had haunted her for years.
A soft click.
A lighter flared with blue flame.
"Nothing lasts forever."
Ethan offered her a slender cigarette.
His voice was deep and cool.
"All we can do is cherish the present."
His gaze lingered on Sophia's profile.
Moonlight traced her elegant, untouchable beauty.
Like the solitary moon in a vast sky.
"I know."
Sophia accepted the cigarette.
Understanding was easy—acting on it wasn't.
After danger, silence bred restlessness.
The silver lighter flickered again.
Flames danced.
"Come to me anytime you need help."
Ethan's own cigarette glowed red.
Tobacco's faint bitterness mingled with comforting steadiness.
Jasmine—distinctly feminine—twined through the air.
Sophia looked up.
The man stood backlit, his tall frame elongated by moonlight.
Cigarette embers pulsed.
Smoke softened his sharp features.
"This is a women's brand."
Sophia remarked suddenly.
"Why do you have it?"
"Saw you smoke it once."
Ethan's tone was casual.
"Wanted to try."
Sophia froze.
How long ago was that?
After some intimate night perhaps.
She'd leaned against a railing, lighting this very brand.
Back when she'd schemed to use this man.
Now he offered it to her himself.
"Don't move."
Ethan stepped closer.
Fingers brushed her shoulder.
Plucking off a stray leaf.
The motion was quick.
Yet time stretched impossibly long.
Tension thickened the night air.
Everything blurred.
Leaving only his warm presence.