Becoming the Richest Man Alive

The largest underground gambling resort in Horington was completely decimated on this day.

Casper dismissed all of Horington Casino’s original employees as they weren’t of use to him now with their one-track knowledge of the gambling resort. In addition, he commandeered several small-bore pistols. Though the guns were initially only intended to intimidate instead of inflicting physical harm, the unprecedented appearance of Casper changed that.

“It amuses me to imagine how Sawyer Lingham will react to the news tomorrow morning since part of the shares still belongs to Lingham Group!” Casper cackled with his hands full of stock futures. The mere thought of winning all these with only ten million as bankroll would put him in a jolly mood for days.

But there was still one problem left unresolved. Casper had questioned Eugene on how the spoils were to be shared between them before the operation, but his only reply was that they’d cross the bridge once they got to it while lighting a cigarette.

“How much would you like?” asked Casper warily. He was aware that Eugene was a strong contributor to the success of their mission and it would be unwise to be miserly now. Casper and Terrence would have floundered miserably if not for Eugene’s leadership.

“Give me one hundred and thirty million, out of which thirty million will go to Michael,” replied Eugene after some consideration.

“Are you sure that’s enough?” exclaimed Casper in disbelief.

Eugene directed his stare at him. “We gamblers are all slaves to our own greed. I have my eyes set on bigger returns in the future is all. Besides, I owe you my life, so this amount will suffice.”

Casper gave a silent nod of acknowledgment and proceeded to empty the upper floor of cash to Eugene. Eugene then magnanimously doled out 5 million to Stallion, an underling of the Firewolf Chamber of Commerce.

Stallion was agog at the tiny fortune stuffed in his hands.

“This is good and all, but don’t forget that you guys still owe me,” said Eugene amusingly. This was his closest attempt at cracking a joke.

Stallion’s perception of Eugene the gambling geezer was instantly altered. The gods of gambling seemed to favor him, and he claimed to cover the purchase of all their cigarettes in the future.

but they shook their heads in refusal. “We were just acting on the orders of Mr.

to call Winston that the three men finally relented in accepting

the cash, Casper entertained the possibility of recruiting Gunther

of his eye, Casper caught sight of Michael and wondered when exactly he had betrayed his mentor and fraternized with Eugene right under his

pulled Eugene aside and discreetly questioned him about

soon put two and two together…” When Harold had to excuse himself to the bathroom for the first time, Eugene requested to purchase a pack of cigarettes and passed Michael

the words written: Subterfuge, dividends, agree, Liesfield,

he was willing to commit subterfuge. If so, he would then need to choose between two cigarette brands to represent his answer. Hemsworth if he consented, and Liesfield if he were to remain undecided. It was unnecessary for him to provide a third option as Michael would have directly reported

both of them were actually playing

myself. I commend your astute observation, lad. It’s also why my plan went smoothly for the first three rounds, and it wasn’t till the fourth

Eugene saying during the first round of betting.

to waver. Eugene’s revelation substantiated the fact that Harold would get rid of him once he lost. With each of Harold’s losses, the more dire Michael’s circumstances became. During the third round, Eugene

Hemsworth. Why didn’t you get me some Liesfields back then?”

Eugene with a glare. “Didn’t you mention that you wanted high-quality cigarettes? Hemsworth cigarettes are

I guess I’ve changed my mind. Are there still any

disregard Eugene, but the latter was unusually adamant. “Come on man, are there any? Do get

“Fine!” grumbled Michael disdainfully.

ostentatiously innocuous conversation was rife with intent

spectating all this while, and we’re soon to near the end of our rounds. Why choose to do so now?” queried

is the first time my mentor has suffered

will ask you once again then, subterfuge or

for discussion by following up insistently, “It’s obvious by now who has the upper hand. Help me, and you may still get