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.

heads in refusal. “We were just acting on the

that the three men finally

recruiting Gunther as a man

wondered when exactly he had betrayed his mentor and fraternized with Eugene right under his

pulled Eugene aside and discreetly questioned him

answered, “Michael approached us under the guise of a merchant intent on having a good time as instructed by Harold. We figured that Harold would only dispatch someone highly skilled and trustworthy and 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 a hundred. Concealed within it was a paper strip detailing

words written: Subterfuge, dividends,

asking Michael whether or not 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

them were actually playing the

response would not have mattered as I ignored him throughout the first three rounds and relied on myself. I commend your astute observation, lad.

the first round of betting. “Harold, you can’t possibly be thinking of excluding your

With each of Harold’s losses, the more dire Michael’s circumstances became. During the third round, Eugene started chatting with the three men,

didn’t you get me some Liesfields back

that you wanted high-quality

Are there still any Liesfield cigarettes

unusually adamant. “Come on man, are

“Fine!” grumbled Michael disdainfully.

intent to those who were in on

we’re soon to near the end

time my mentor has

will ask you once

has the upper hand. Help me, and