Chapter 281

The imposter gambler's fingers trembled slightly on the poker table.

Vivian Laurent flicked her wrist, sending the final card gliding onto the felt.

A three of spades.

The room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.

"Three to ace. Straight." Her voice rang clear like ice cubes clinking.

The color drained from the gambler's face beneath his mask.

He stared at that three as if it were a venomous snake poised to strike.

"Beg me," Vivian suddenly smiled. "Beg me to let you off this round."

Her tone was leisurely, yet each word stabbed like a knife.

The crowd began murmuring.

"The Gambling King begging a girl for mercy?"

"If this gets out..."

The gambler's knuckles turned white.

He realized too late—this seemingly harmless girl was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

"I... beg you." The words were ground out between clenched teeth.

Vivian's lips curved in satisfaction.

She retrieved the three with deliberate slowness. "Since the Gambling King asked so nicely—"

Before she finished, four cards snapped onto the table. "Four to ace. You can't beat that."

Then the three of spades fluttered down. "Final card."

The room erupted.

The gambler shot up, his chair screeching across the floor.

"You cheated!"

Vivian blinked innocently. "I said I wouldn't play this three. Never said I wouldn't win."

From the shadows, Ethan Roscente chuckled softly.

He'd anticipated this outcome all along.

The gambler staggered back two steps, his masked face contorted.

Over a billion in chips were being pushed toward Vivian by the dealer.

"One more round!" the gambler suddenly roared.

Vivian shook her head gently. "Sorry. I don't entertain losers."

As she rose, her skirt swirled in an elegant arc.

The gambler ripped off his mask. "Do you know who I am?"

Vivian turned back, disdain flashing in her eyes. "Just another fraud."

The room exploded.

"That's the Gambling Prince's disciple!"

"My God, we've been duped!"

Ethan materialized beside Vivian, offering a champagne flute.

"Enjoying yourself?" he murmured.

She took a sip, mischief glinting in her gaze. "This is only the beginning."