Chapter: 250

Finding an unexpected wave of boldness, Alicia replied, “I have been sitting here so long that my legs cramped. That is why I accidentally hit Mr. Ward. But watch out, Mrs. Reyes, you might be next."

Mrs. Reyes's expression darkened.

She scolded, "Good sportsmanship is important when playing. Even if it is just for fun, you should still understand the rules and not resort to underhanded tactics."

Caden chuckled, "I have to ask who came up with the rules for this table?"

Mrs. Reyes answered, "Nobody created them; they have been established for generations."

“I could have sworn it was you, Mrs. Reyes," Caden commented.

Mrs. Reyes's heart skipped a beat as her gaze flicked toward Caden.

Was there something beneath those words?

Did he suspect anything?

But his face remained unreadable.

The weight of the moment pressed on her, draining her usual confidence.

One ally had already slipped away.

After losing all her chips in record time, Alicia began playing with abandon, which only intensified her aggressive moves.

Even though Mrs. Reyes remained ahead.

Her wins were becoming less certain.

Shuffling his cards in his hands, Caden remarked, "Three thousand dollars feels like nothing. Mrs. Reyes, what do you say we up the stakes?"

Mrs. Reyes paused, uncertain.

Caden added, "If you are not up for it, then never mind."

Mrs. Reyes could not tolerate such a slight.

She agreed without hesitation, "What is your proposal, Mr. Ward?"

"One hundred thousand dollars."

Mrs. Reyes fell silent.

Her instincts told her that Caden's sights were set on her.

A heavy sense of unease settled over her.

Alicia, unfazed by her empty wallet, glanced at Mrs. Reyes's grim face and grinned. "A hundred thousand? That is all? That is pocket change. Let us bump it up to two hundred thousand. Mr. Ward can afford it. Congratulations, Mrs. Reyes looks like today's your Lucky day!"

Mrs. Reyes could not bring herself to smile.

Alicia's words seemed like praise, but Mrs. Reyes knew she was being trapped.

Still, with the biggest winnings so far, backing down was not an option.

“Fine. We will go with Mr. Ward's idea," Mrs. Reyes finally conceded.

But Caden interjected, “Actually, let us follow Ms. Bennett's lead. Two hundred thousand sounds much more thrilling."