Chapter 231
Chapter 231:
Rylie waved them off, motioning for the bodyguards to create distance. “If you don’t want me paying the debt, then fine, I’ll split it with you. Stay out of my final round.”
Leland watched Rylie’s back, feeling something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it.
From the moment Rylie walked away from the Kirk family, he realized he had lost all grasp of who she truly was.
“Rylie, quit gambling,” he urged. “I’ve contacted your brother’s assistant to cover your debt, but owing over a hundred million dollars will bring shame to your name.”
She turned back with a faint smile. “You’re wrong. My brother will just give me more money to gamble. And that’s not wasting money — he trusts me completely.”
Leland froze, blurting out, “You’ve only known them for days, but how many years have you spent with me?”
“Blood ties bring a kind of love you can feel,” she replied. Her smile dimmed as she added, “In the Kirk family, every bit of love came at a price, and you know it.” Whether it was paying for Tessa’s and Nicolas’ costly treatments, racing for Phillip, or taking on the family’s burdens, Rylie always had to prove her worth. That conditional affection was nothing like the Owen family’s easy, unconditional care.
Leland had no words left.
The final round began, and silence swept over the casino.
The dealer’s hands shook as she slid the cards across the table. Rylie’s fingers brushed over the surface like silk, her eyes gleaming with a sharp glint. “All in,” she said, her lips barely moving as she pushed the remaining seventy million chips forward.
Silver Snake smirked. “I’m in!”
When the cards were dealt, Rylie caught the quick twitch of his fingers. He was trying to cheat.
Brad, standing close by, noticed it too. He placed a steady hand on her shoulder to warn her.
Rylie’s fingers shifted slightly on her lap. A tiny steel ball hidden under her nail shot out, striking Silver Snake’s hand just as he tried to switch cards, throwing off his trick.
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Silver Snake jerked back, startled by the sudden hit, and pulled his hand away. “What’s wrong, Mr. Silver Snake?” Rylie smiled as if the game was already hers. “Shall we reveal the cards?”
It was too late for him to swap now. His lips pressed into a hard line, his eyes locked on hers. Watching her calmly study her cards, he realized it wasn’t her pulling any tricks. It had to be the man in the mask beside her.
The money tonight had come too fast, clouding his thoughts. He was sure that, even without cheating, Rylie — who seemed reckless — would lose it all.
The cards flipped.
Silver Snake revealed an Ace of Spades, Ace of Hearts, and Ace of Diamonds. Three Aces — a hand strong enough to crush most.
Rylie laid out her 10 of Clubs, Jack of Clubs, and Queen of Clubs. They looked scattered, almost useless.
“Looks like your luck’s run out, miss,” Silver Snake said smugly as he reached for the chips.