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.

her tone cold

had been expecting it. She offered Alicia a sweet smile. “Miss

Alice didn't respond immediately.

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

of the ladies even ventured: “Giving up for such a small loss, Mrs. Bennett? Please don't spoil the fun. Why don’t

taunt hit like a well-aimed arrow, but Alice wasn't

have conspired to rob her, but she wasn't going to give them the

said, rising gracefully from his seat. “I need

needed a moment to compose himself and come up with a strategy. There had to be a way to turn the tables. Just as I

"Mr. Ward?"

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

as Caden entered. Dressed in a sleek black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, he carried himself with an effortless elegance that spoke of a calm authority. His healthy complexion, contrasted against the dark fabric,

Caden replied softly, his voice calm but authoritative. He stepped forward, his gaze fixed solely on Alicia. “I can

him, she still felt the weight of his presence and each beat of her heart grew louder in

and his good looks aroused the admiration of women of all ages. They toyed with the idea of ​​flirting with him, with a thousand thoughts, although none dared to voice

eager to 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

subtle movement. Curiosity got the better of Mrs.

even looking at Mrs. Reyes, Caden coldly

a stunned silence. Everyone knew Joshua was Caden's half-brother. As for Alicia… Well,

yet somehow unsettling. The tension was palpable, although no one could pinpoint its

it around the leg of Alicia's chair and pulling her

as

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

into the drawer?” he joked, raising an eyebrow. “Where are all

defensively. “No one's

smile deepened. “With your level of brilliance, even tic-tac-toe seems like a challenge. Why bother with

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

Comments ()

0/255