Chapter 277

"Don't touch me." Vivian Laurent shook off Ethan Roscente's hand.

He gripped her wrist again. "This isn't a place for you to play."

"None of your business." She glared at him.

"You can't win against them," Ethan warned in a low voice.

Vivian smirked. "How would you know without trying?"

Whispers spread through the crowd as people speculated about their relationship.

Finn Deross hid behind the spectators, eyes wide with shock. What was Ethan doing at a casino?

The impostor Winner impatiently rapped the table. "Are we playing or not?"

"Yes!"

"No!"

Their simultaneous responses crackled with tension.

"You're overstepping," Vivian snapped, pulling her hand free. "I'm not using your money."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Suit yourself. I'll cover your losses."

"Keep your pity." She eyed him warily. "Don't expect a cut if I win."

The corner of his mouth lifted. Still as stubborn as ever.

Vivian strode to the table and sat across from the impostor.

"Your bet?" the fake Winner asked.

She pushed forward her chips. "This is all I've got."

The room erupted in laughter.

"Five million? That's it?"

"Are you begging for scraps?"

The impostor sneered. "Are you joking, little girl?"

"Scared?" Vivian arched an eyebrow.

He scoffed. "Fine. Even small fish count."

Finn fidgeted anxiously. His mentor knew this cheat was using marked cards—why was she playing along?

He'd expected her to expose the fraud immediately.

Ethan noticed Finn's agitation. "Problem?"

"That guy's cheating," Finn whispered urgently. "Mentor told me he's a fake!"

Ethan's gaze sharpened. "You're certain?"

"She said it herself!" Finn wiped his sweaty palms. "Should we call him out?"

Ethan glanced at the table where Vivian calmly stacked her chips.

A slow smile spread across his face. "Let's enjoy the show."