Chapter 268

Ethan Roscente stared at his phone screen, his brow furrowed. Vivian Laurent had mentioned having plans tonight—could she be attending that underground gambling event?

His long fingers tapped lightly against the desk before he suddenly picked up his phone and dialed Finn Deross.

"Hello?" Finn's voice was cautious on the other end.

"Free tonight? Let's grab dinner," Ethan said calmly.

"No!" Finn refused immediately. "I have something important tonight!"

"What's so important?" Ethan pressed without missing a beat.

"Just important!" Finn hung up in a hurry, as if afraid to say another word.

A faint smirk curled Ethan's lips. He picked up the gilded invitation on his desk, his gaze lingering on the mysterious cruise ship emblem.

"Simon, make arrangements," he called his assistant. "I'm going somewhere tonight."

The abandoned dock was swallowed by darkness, save for the dazzling lights of the luxury cruise ship.

Vivian wore a black baseball cap, her face half-hidden behind a mask. Finn handed her a silver fox mask, its intricate patterns gleaming coldly under the moonlight.

"Word is, a lot of high rollers are here tonight," Finn murmured.

Vivian chuckled. "Perfect for stretching my legs."

At the entrance, black-suited guards meticulously checked each invitation. Once aboard, the opulent casino came into view, its crystal chandeliers illuminating the grand hall like daylight.

"Did you hear? Winner is coming tonight," a man in an eagle mask whispered to his companion.

"The legendary gambler who vanished two years ago?" his companion gasped.

Vivian passed by them, the corner of her lips lifting beneath her mask.

"No one's ever seen his real face," the eagle-masked man muttered. "Some say he's a man. Others say she's a woman."

Finn couldn't help glancing at Vivian. Her sharp eyes were fixed on the flow of chips across the tables, calculating.

"The stakes tonight are rumored to be as high as a billion," someone nearby whispered excitedly.

Vivian twisted her wrist slightly, the diamond cufflink at her sleeve glinting. It was a custom micro-communicator, keeping her connected at all times.

In the VIP lounge above, Ethan stood before one-way glass, scanning the bustling crowd below for a familiar figure.

At the center of the casino, the dealer shuffled the cards. Vivian took her seat gracefully, the fox mask casting an enigmatic glow under the lights.

"Your bet, miss," the dealer prompted.

Vivian pushed forward a stack of chips, her red lips parting.

"All in."

The room erupted in murmurs.