Sylvia picked up the smallest cards earlier, but this round she had hit the jackpot. Turning to Gabriel, she asked, “They’re all different this time, you still in?”

Gabriel eyed her curiously, “Different how?”

She whispered, “None of the suits match.”

Gabriel took a deep breath, leaned in closer, and patiently explained, “You only need to worry about suits when you’ve got a straight, like a 3-4-5 or 6-7-8. What you have is called a ‘set’—all three cards have the same number.”

Sylvia listened intently, murmuring, “Why didn’t you teach me before?”

Gabriel said casually, “You need a strong mind to gamble, to control yourself. Otherwise, it’s easy to lose your grip. You were too young back then, not ready to learn.”

“But Nightingale learned,” Sylvia whispered.

“Comparing yourself to her? She’s single-minded, and you?” Gabriel chided coldly.

“I’m focused when I learn things. When have I ever gotten distracted?” Sylvia retorted, feeling indignant.

“Nightingale never talks back,” Gabriel pointed out.

Sylvia fell silent.

chat about? Speak up, let us

blossoming like spring, “He’s just saying my

for effect before adding, “Could be

tossed a chip into the pot, “I’m

nearly everyone

stakes, and after exchanging glances, Estelle and Jonathan threw in

only Marina,

threw in five chips with a laugh, “With cards this good, why not bet?

supremely confident, “Indeed, if I lose,

moment,

folded, smugly reclaiming her

curious, leaned in to see – her card was

hard she doubled over, “Mr. Foster, that’s quite the bold

she hadn’t lost her nerve, I could have

scoffed, “Even the bravest young

amusedly, “Is that

smile was enigmatic, “Cultural references, huh? You got

was down to

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