Geneva's POV
The casino was incredibly loud tonight, but unfortunately, my friends and I almost got into a fight. How could we not? We had just discovered that our opponent had been cheating in our card game.
Even so, I was having the time of my life. I had been winning nonstop, much to the frustration of my opponents.
"You're so lucky today, Geneva. You've been winning all night," one of my friends said repeatedly.
"You're right! Do you have a lucky charm or something?" another one asked.
"Nope. I guess today is just my lucky day," I bragged.
"If you're so lucky today, why don't we play?"
I was startled by the voice I heard—it belonged to an older man. Not only did I freeze, but everyone at the table did as well, bowing their heads in respect. One of the game's bankers greeted the man.
"Good evening, Mr. Sullivan."
I was shocked by what the banker said. Sullivan? I immediately looked around and searched for the name of the casino. SULLIVAN'S ELITE CASINO—I couldn't be mistaken. He was the CEO of the company and this casino? And now he wanted to play against me.
I turned to look at the man. A flood of gossip rushed into my mind, things I had heard over the years while playing in casinos. And now, I was seeing it firsthand—despite being well past his thirties, Mr. Sullivan carried himself like a young man in his twenties, fit like someone who frequents the gym. His striking looks and undeniable charisma made him incredibly attractive.
A sudden kick from one of my friends snapped me out of my thoughts. They were signaling for me to answer Mr. Sullivan's question.
"Of course, sir! You can play with us!" I stammered.
"Then shall we?" he said, signaling the banker to begin the game.
The game continued, and despite his reputation for being a master at cards, I kept beating him! Perhaps the rumors about his skill were exaggerated.
"You really are incredibly lucky tonight… but I don't believe I've gotten your name yet," he remarked.
"Mr. Sullivan, I am Geneva Cantillado," I responded confidently.
"Cantillado?"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Sounds familiar to me… but anyway, why don't we play again?"
I was thrilled at his suggestion. If I kept winning, I was bound to take a lot of money from him!
"Sure… Are we playing cards again?" I asked with a smile.
"Yes, cards. But this time, I'll get serious. I need to go home soon—my wife will kill me," he said with a grin.
His words made me nervous. So this whole time, I was the only one being serious?
The banker began shuffling the deck, and I found myself glancing at Mr. Sullivan. I wasn't sure what kind of tricks he had up his sleeve.
I looked down at my chips—22 million. What if I lost? I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I had beaten him multiple times already, so there was no reason to think I couldn't do it again.
The game began, and to my delight, I won yet again.
"How can I beat you, Mrs. Cantillado?"
"I don't know, sir. I guess I'm just lucky," I answered smugly.
My 22 million had now turned into 43 million, and I was overjoyed. Even my friends started asking me to share my winnings. Since it was the final game, I was feeling confident.
Then, Mr. Sullivan caught me off guard with a question.
"Do you have a daughter?"
"Why do you ask, sir?" I responded.
"Nothing, just curious," he smirked, examining his cards.
"Yes, I do," I replied simply.
I turned my attention back to my cards, smiling at what I saw. Another winning hand! When the banker announced that it was time to reveal our cards, I proudly laid mine out.
"I won!" I exclaimed, as my friends rushed to congratulate me.
"Wait a minute—does this mean you'll be taking home 86 million?!" my friend said excitedly.
"Yes, you're right," I replied confidently.
Then, Mr. Sullivan spoke, catching all of us off guard.
"But isn't it too early to celebrate? You haven't seen my cards yet," he added.
He laid down his cards.
"A straight flush?!"
"You lost this time… Mrs. Cantillado," he declared.
I grimaced. Lost? How did that happen?
"I think the money you have left isn't enough to pay for what you just lost… Am I right, Mrs. Cantillado?" he added.
My excitement quickly turned into fear. I could barely move from my seat.
"What if I give you the remaining amount tomorrow?" I pleaded.
"But Mrs. Cantillado, I need the money right now."
"But—" I couldn't think of anything to say. I was terrified of the Sullivan family. I knew their lineage was tied to the Yakuza, and no one dared to cross them.
"Alright, I've changed my mind. I don't want money anymore."
I thought about his words as he suddenly stood up.
"Meet me at the VIP room."