Chapter 103:

? ? ? ? ?

At the gaming table, Alice was outmatched by Mrs. Reyes.

As if that were not enough, Mrs. Reyes was not her only opponent; the others had subtly and unequivocally formed an alliance against her.

Tensions mounted as round after round slipped through his fingers, and his losses numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

Alice squeezed her cards tightly, realizing that she couldn't rely on her skill alone to beat them.

His eyes narrowed as he shifted his attention from the letters to Mrs. Reyes herself.

It was absurd how Mrs. Reyes seemed to win every hand.

Not even the luckiest person could have won so many times in a row.

Alicia's keen eyes soon picked up on a pattern. Every time Mrs. Reyes played a card, she would casually raise her hand to support her head, twisting her jade bracelet in a practiced, almost mechanical motion.

Once or twice it might have been a coincidence, but it always happened without fail.

And what was more revealing: the other ladies only played their cards after Mrs. Reyes made this peculiar gesture.

Before long, Mrs. Reyes was back to sweeping the table, a smug smile on her lips as she carried off the winnings.

It was a trap, plain and simple.

Alice's gaze fell on her dwindling chips, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. If this continued, she would be out of every penny.

said, her tone cold

expecting it. She offered Alicia a sweet smile. “Miss Bennett, have you

Alice didn't respond immediately.

look of understanding, leaned forward with a hint of feigned sympathy. “You've already lost

loss, Mrs. Bennett?

hit like a well-aimed arrow, but Alice

rob her, but she wasn't

take a break,” he said, rising gracefully from his seat. “I need to freshen up. “We can continue when I

had to be a way to turn the tables. Just as I prepared to walk away, the murmurs

"Mr. Ward?"

the door. “Randolph said he was inviting you to dinner. He knew you were coming and booked the

legs, he carried himself with an effortless elegance that spoke of a calm authority. His healthy complexion, contrasted against the dark fabric, only enhanced his striking masculinity. His deep eyes were sharp and

forward, his gaze fixed solely on Alicia. “I can eat anywhere,” he

pulse quickening unexpectedly. With her back to him, she still felt the weight of his presence and each beat of her heart grew louder in

glances, excitement shining in their eyes. After all, who wouldn't be captivated by a man like that? Caden was one of the most handsome men in Warrington, and his good looks aroused the admiration of women of all

greet him, but Caden ignored her. He walked past her, his steps determined, and sat down next to Alicia without hesitation. Alicia sensed his presence immediately, although she kept her face impassive, moving her

an eyebrow at his subtle movement. Curiosity got the better of Mrs. Reyes. “Mr. Ward, do you know

Reyes, Caden

stunned silence. Everyone knew Joshua was Caden's half-brother. As

they were, sitting together so naturally, their proximity comfortable, yet somehow unsettling. The tension was palpable, although no one

hooking it around the leg of

Caden remained unfazed, his tone dry as he asked, “You're still as stubborn as ever.

even more. She was too slow. With quick efficiency, Caden reached the drawer first and opened it to look inside. His eyes scanned the scattered

raising an

defensively. “No one's come

your level of brilliance, even tic-tac-toe

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