Chapter 11 The Gamble
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+8 Pearls
On the third day, Windy went out again. The excuse was still to go shopping. After Victor dropped her off at the entrance of the mall, he went to park the car. Windy told him she would be a while and that he could do whatever he wanted–no need to wait for her. Once Victor confirmed she had entered the mall, he drove off.
Windy exited through the mall’s back door and hailed a ride straight to Pleasure Cove Casino. Before going, she rented a gown, spending a thousand yuan. Including the entrance fee to Pleasure Cove, all expenses were put on a credit card she had just obtained. Yesterday, she had opened a bank account and managed to get a credit card approved. Initially, the bank manager had refused, but when he found out she was David’s daughter, the approval went through immediately. She had no choice–she was utterly broke.
She had come to gamble. She needed money. Without money, she couldn’t do anything–especially not take revenge. If she wanted fast cash, she had no choice but to gamble. Asking David for money would be difficult. She needed funds now to support her plans. She couldn’t afford to wait. Gambling was the only option that matched her current abilities.
Ever since returning to the Sue family, she had been practicing card tricks in her room, all for today. Everyone who came to Pleasure Cove reeked of money. Just the thought made her a little excited.
The sky grew darker as heavy clouds rolled in. Compared to the daytime quiet, the streets now bustled with life. Outside Pleasure Cove, the lights dazzled brightly. Rows of luxury cars lined the entrance. The people stepping out were either rich or powerful. Those driving luxury cars had VIP entrances. Windy, lacking a flashy arrival, entered through the main doors.
After registering her information, a staff member led her to a private room. Along the way, the attendant explained the details of the upcoming game. Every player had a number, often called ball number, player ID, and so on–lots of names, all meaning the same thing.
“Please remember your number,” the attendant reminded her before noting her number on the registry. With a respectful bow, he exited.
The private room was very different from the bustling main hall. The main floor was packed with people at every table. Some had traveled thousands of miles just to feel the thrill of gambling. The casino’s lighting, music, colors, and decorations were all meticulously designed. In this environment, it was easy to lose oneself, to feel like you had stepped into another world entirely.
The atmosphere was thick, electric. Excited gamblers shouted, placed bets, and cursed their luck. The very air seemed intoxicated.
Windy checked the time. It was almost time for the game to begin. As she looked up, the massive LED screens projected an image of the main stage. Several spotlights converged on the center
A middle–aged man in a sharp suit escorted a glamorous woman onto the stage. The woman’s sweet voice echoed through the hall. “Welcome to Pleasure Cove. I’m Shadow.”
“Hi, bosses. I’m Nightshade,” the man added with a casual wave.
The two hosts quickly explained the rules. Old–timers already knew them well. Some whistled and jeered for them to hurry up. Here, you could get anything you wanted–power, wealth, beauty. The rich came for the thrill. The desperate came dreaming of overnight fortunes. Everyone had their reasons. Some left richer than they could dream. Others lost everything. Gambling was truly a devil’s game.
The private rooms were set up with sheer curtains–you could see out, but others couldn’t see in. Each private room had received a list of tonight’s players. Only thirty players could participate in each round. Any extra were eliminated under the excuse of a “withdrawal.”
Windy flipped through the roster casually, her eyes quickly locking onto a familiar name. She headed to the second floor and sat at her assigned seat.
A few minutes later, Shadow and Nightshade announced the start of tonight’s gamble. The spotlight beamed onto the big
screen.
“Tonight, we have fifty distinguished guests. Twenty have withdrawn. The remaining thirty will match up by number. Have you found your target yet? If so, act fast. The roster has been distributed. Now, let’s see who will be the first to take the stage tonight!”
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12:10 PM
Chapter 11 The Gamble
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C
+8 Pearls
The screen began spinning rapidly. All eyes turned to it, filled with anticipation.
Stop!
The numbers froze on the screen.
“Number 22
The hall erupted with lively music..
A young man stood up under the spotlight. Shadow smiled sweetly. “Our first lucky participant tonight is the handsome Mr. Drake Leafl
Everyone immediately recognized him–the heir of the Leaf family.
Some whispered, wondering why someone like Drake would come here to gamble. The Leaf family certainly didn’t lack
money
“I heard the Leaf family’s finances are in trouble.” someone murmured.
“Ah, that explains it. Maybe he’s here looking for a new backer….”
whispers
Ignoring the whispers and curious glances. Drake calmly walked onto the stage.
Sitting at the gaming table. Drake swept his gaze over the crowd. Everyone waited to see who he would challenge.
“Mr. Drake, you are our first lucky draw. Please choose your opponent. Of course, you also have the option to pay a one- million–dollar fee to withdraw without penalty” Shadow explained, her voice lively.
This was a standing rule at Pleasure Cove each participant was allowed one withdrawal by paying a penalty fee.
Everyone had already paid a hefty registration fee–Windy’s was swiped on her brand–new credit card.
Drake hesitated, deep in thought Shadow didn’t rush him. After a few seconds, she asked again.
“Mr. Drake, please select your opponent.
“I choose Number 8, Drake said firmly, his gaze scanning the guest area.
All eyes turned to the Number 8 section
alored suit.
Windy followed their gazes and spotted a man–perfectly tailored suit, striking features, and a casual arrogance to his expression. He looked surprised to be chosen.
It was him.
Ben Yale from the Yale family.
He wasn’t originally from Ocean City, but his business empire spread across the city like wildfire. Windy had seen him once before, a year before her imprisonment. He had been connected to Morgan through business: She had only seen him that one time, but his appearance was memorable. His refined face didn’t match his reckless, arrogant personality.
Ben Yale sighed and stood up, looking a little reluctant. He had just come tonight to watch the excitement, not to actually gamble. He had only planned to watch a few games and slip away quietly
Straightening his sharp suit, he sauntered to the gaming table, propped one hand casually against it, and gave a lazy, devil- may–care smile
Mr. Drake, looks like I owe you one
Somehow, the words sounded… odd.
