Chapter 269

A faint smile curved beneath Vivian Laurent's mask.

Finn Deross tugged anxiously at her sleeve.

"Master, did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"The news about Winner coming! He's definitely after the necklace. Our chances are slim. Maybe we should just steal it."

Vivian deliberately drawled, "So what if it's Winner? Is he better than me?"

Finn rubbed his forehead.

His master was skilled, but Winner was a living legend in gambling circles.

"Let me educate you, Master. James the Gambling Saint never lost once—until Winner crushed him. Winner has defeated every champion across continents without a single loss."

"Just listen to that name—Winner. So domineering! Master, we shouldn't provoke him."

He sighed.

"If we can't get the necklace, it's fine. I appreciate the thought."

Vivian flicked his forehead sharply.

"Underestimating me? Just wait and see what a real winner looks like."

The luxury cruise ship was already filling with guests.

To warm up the crowd, gambling tables opened early.

Vivian led Finn on a tour of the floating palace.

The first two decks housed the main event areas.

The third offered lounge spaces, while the fourth boasted a private cinema.

Card tables swarmed with mediocre players.

Vivian scanned them dismissively.

Finn trailed behind like a shadow.

"Don't look," Vivian turned his head away. "Bad influence for kids."

"I'm an adult!"

"One gamble and you're expelled."

"I swear I won't!"

After circling the ship, Vivian chose the perfect vantage point—the second-floor balcony overlooking the entire venue.

Guests continued boarding in waves.

Zero moved through the crowd wearing his mask.

Returning to Country C, he'd accepted a Dark Web contract—to steal the necklace.

Normally beneath his skillset.

But since his last visit, he'd sensed something hidden here.

This time he volunteered.

Though the mission seemed simple, an odd premonition stirred.

This voyage might yield unexpected discoveries.