Chapter 271

"Why bring money?" Vivian arched an eyebrow.

"Not planning to play?" Finn looked puzzled.

"Of course I am."

She never backed down from a challenge. It had been ages since she'd indulged in this.

Finn's eyes widened. "How can you play without money? My five million might only last you one round."

"One round is enough." A faint smile played on Vivian's lips. "The rest will come from other people's pockets."

Finn fell silent.

His mentor's confidence was staggering. Every person here was a seasoned gambler.

"Confidence is good, Master. But knowing when to fold is crucial. Otherwise, the losses will be brutal."

"The word 'lose' doesn't exist in my vocabulary." Vivian chuckled. "Patience. Let a few rounds weed out the weak."

She needed to study each player's tells and techniques.

Soon, those relying on luck or running low on chips would be eliminated. Then the real masters would remain.

Vivian strolled through the casino. The high-roller tables were packed, especially around Mr. Golden, whose towering stack of chips reflected his hot streak.

Some left dejected. Others wept openly. A few bet everything—only to lose it all.

Gambling destroyed lives.

"Wasn't Winner supposed to show up? Where are they?" someone muttered.

"Let's bet on it! Male or female?"

"I say male! No woman could pull this off."

"I'll take female—probably a bombshell!"

Bets flew. Vivian massaged her temples. Revealing herself wasn't part of the plan.

Noticing higher odds on "male," she considered placing a wager herself.

Meanwhile, Ethan scanned the crowd for Vivian. Had he misread her? Was this not the "big event" she meant?

Just as disappointment set in, a voice cut through the chatter.

"Mr. Golden's on fire tonight. Care for a game?"

Heads turned. "And you are...?"

"You've been talking about me all night. Now you don't recognize me?"

Gasps erupted. Someone shrieked, "It's Winner!"