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.

this secret chat about? Speak up, let us all in

smile blossoming like spring, “He’s just saying my hand could

paused for effect before adding, “Could

Magdalen tossed a chip into the pot, “I’m

round, nearly everyone followed

raised the stakes, and after exchanging glances, Estelle and Jonathan threw

and only Marina, Evelyn,

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

confident, “Indeed, if I lose, it’s

a moment, and the room

reclaiming her five

in to see – her card was essentially

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

she hadn’t lost her nerve, I could have taken this hand to

scoffed, “Even the bravest young masters don’t

at her amusedly, “Is

was enigmatic, “Cultural references, huh? You got

down to Evelyn and

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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