Chapter 229
Chapter 229:
“Don’t touch her.” A voice rang out, smooth and commanding, slicing through the murmurs like a blade.
All eyes turned toward the entrance, where a tall man stood, his silhouette framed by the harsh glow above.
He wore a silver mask that concealed his face, and beneath a long black trench coat, the outline of a finely tailored suit was just visible. An overwhelming presence clung to him, sharp and suffocating.
“I’ll cover her stakes.” The words, low and glacial, dropped into the room with finality. Conversation died instantly.
Silver Snake narrowed his eyes. “Sir, the casino has its rules…”
The masked man ignored him and strode calmly to the table. From his coat pocket, he drew a sleek black card and flicked it across the felt with effortless precision.
“A hundred and fifty million dollars. Verify the funds.”
The dealer’s hands shook as they inserted the card into the POS machine. Beep. Account balance: one hundred and fifty million dollars.
A collective gasp rippled through the room.
Silver Snake’s expression twisted, the bravado draining from his face. He glared at the masked man, voice strained. “Who are you? Do you have the courage to name yourself?”
The man chuckled low, his sculpted fingers lightly brushing Rylie’s hair with a familiarity that made the entire room stiffen. “She’s with me, and that’s all you need to know. Do you honestly think you’re in any position to ask further?”
Rylie’s brows furrowed slightly, recognition dawning in her eyes.
Silver Snake was momentarily stunned, then sneered. “She clearly has no grasp of the game. No matter how much you give her, it will come straight to me.” That was one hundred and fifty million dollars. Who wouldn’t feel a surge of envy, wishing they could take Silver Snake’s place and face Rylie across the table?
The masked man simply smiled, unfazed. “If she’s having fun, I don’t care if all the money in that car burns.”
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Silver Snake’s face darkened, a flicker of mania in his eyes. “Fine. Let’s play. But once we’re outside this casino, don’t come after me.”
Brad replied evenly, “A deal’s a deal.”
All this time, Rylie hadn’t spoken a word. At last, when Brad leaned in, his breath carrying a trace of cedar, she whispered, “Did you not hear? I don’t even know how to play. And you’re letting me throw away so much money?”
His voice met her ear, low and certain. “Lose it all, and I’ll give you three hundred million more.”
“What if you lose everything?” Rylie’s voice was soft, nearly drowned out by the hum of tension in the air.
“Then you’ll have to take responsibility for me,” he replied.
Rylie’s fingertips quivered as she looked up, meeting the eyes hidden behind his mask. In them, she glimpsed a depth of trust and indulgence she had never known—steady, unwavering, and completely hers.
“You—” she whispered, her voice barely formed. Silver Snake slammed the table, cutting her off.
“Deal the cards!” Silver Snake barked, his eyes flashing with greed. “Let’s see how far this gentleman is willing to go for you.”