Chapter 224
Chapter 224:
“Which friend?” Brad pressed gently. “I can call and ask if it’s alright to bring me along.”
Rylie’s polite smile faded into cool detachment as she stepped past him. “Mr. Morgan, we aren’t close enough to share my personal life. You’re merely my VIP patient, and I prefer keeping my plans separate.”
The delicate atmosphere Brad had attempted to build was swiftly shattered by Rylie’s detached demeanor.
Brad reached out, gripping her arm gently but firmly, preventing her from leaving. In the dim lighting, his eyes showed a defiant yet tender spark. “Rylie, I thought we were friends.”
“Yes, we are friends,” Rylie replied calmly. “But that doesn’t change what I said just now.”
Brad’s grip tightened slightly before releasing her. “You’re quite cold-hearted, young lady.”
Rylie didn’t respond. As she walked down the stairs, she barely caught his quiet murmur. “Even if you were just playing around… I’d still accept it.”
Rylie faltered slightly but quickly regained her composure, stepping out into the night air. Despite the cool summer evening, her skin prickled with warmth. Sliding into the car Britton had arranged for her, she allowed the cool air conditioning to soothe her nerves as she headed toward the casino.
Beneath the glittering crystal chandelier of the Crolens casino, Rylie’s red dress burned like a flame, drawing every eye in the room. She accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter with effortless grace, her eyes scanning the busy casino floor. Finding Black Tiger directly would be nearly impossible; she needed a plan to draw him out.
Rylie moved smoothly between the gaming tables, then approached a nearby server. “Is there a high-stakes area?”
The server gave her a polite smile. “Yes, miss. However, the minimum bet there is ten million dollars per game. We’ll need to verify your available funds before you can enter.”
Rylie handed over her bank card. “Go ahead and check.”
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm is a world of wonder
Once the server saw that her account held one hundred million dollars, his expression changed instantly. With a more respectful tone, he said, “Right this way, miss,” and led her forward.
The high-stakes area was a world apart from the outside. Even the dealers here were played by celebrities, all exuding glamour and allure.
Rylie approached a large gaming table, her movements unhurried as she drifted through the high-stakes lounge with her champagne glass in hand.
A sizable crowd had gathered around the table, and seated at its center was someone Rylie knew all too well—Phillip. The third son of the Kirk family. Once, her brother.
Phillip’s focus was locked on his cards, his forehead slick with sweat. Across from him sat a composed man in glasses, projecting effortless refinement.
“Mr. Kirk, have you made your decision?” the man asked, his voice polite but edged. “No pressure, walk away now, and you might still have something to your name.”
Since Phillip had entered the casino, his chips had steadily bled away. His eyes flicked between the dwindling stacks and the cards in his hand. A woman leaned close, her tone low and coaxing. “Mr. Kirk, he’s bluffing. I’ve seen him play before, he pushes hard when he’s holding garbage. Call him, and you’ll wipe him out.”