Chapter 42
Chapter 42
སཾ ཊཱི 27%2
“Rachel, you know how to play poker? Braylen’s a master at this, so if you’ve got any tricks up your sleeve, don’t be shy. Anything you don’t understand, I’m sure Braylen will be happy to teach you,” Callie chimed in from behind, her voice sweet but dripping with sarcasm.
Her words were a veiled jab–basically saying, ‘Braylen’s the expert here, so don’t embarrass yourself with your little tricks. You’re bound to look foolish in front of him.‘
Rachel pretended she hadn’t heard, completely ignoring Callie’s comment. Instead, she turned to Braylen, asking, “So Braylen, who do you think will win this match?”
Braylen studied the game below. In poker, luck played a part, but composure and skill were just as crucial. Looking at the game now, it wasn’t clear who would come out on top. Both teams had similar scores. At this level, anyone could win.
But Rachel–how could she have already predicted that Majestic Table Club was bound to lose?
“How do you know Majestic Table Club is going to lose?” Braylen asked, genuinely intrigued.
“Well,” Rachel said, glancing at the table, “though their score doesn’t look too bad, the hands they’ve been dealt are pretty weak. The real turning point came when the blinds started getting raised in this round. The pressure’s on. Their captain may look calm on the surface, but his hand under the table’s trembling. He’s trying to mask his nerves–his brows keep twitching, and his breath’s slower than usual. He’s doing his best to hide it. Compared to the Aces United Yards players, there’s a huge difference.”
Braylen studied the game more closely. Rachel’s observations seemed on point.
Meanwhile, George stared intently at Rachel. Could she really know her stuff?
It wasn’t uncommon for high society to dabble in poker, and Callie had been known to play. George already knew that, but Rachel? He had never heard of her playing before.
Callie watched the poker game below and then glanced at Braylen, who looked deep in thought. Clearly, Rachel’s words had caught his attention.
Callie couldn’t help but scoff, “Rachel, when did you become a poker player? I don’t recall hearing about that before.” Rachel playing poker? George had never mentioned it, and in the past three years, Rachel had never once played in public. If she really knew how, surely at the Fox family gatherings over the holidays, they would’ve all been playing. But no, she’d always been sitting on the sidelines, never participating. Callie clearly remembered Willa once complaining about it.
It was probably just a spur–of–the–moment thing–she’d quickly brushed up on it at home and was now trying to show off.
No way.
Rachel, without missing a beat, looked at Callie and said, “Are we close?”
Callie was taken aback but quickly recovered. “I’m just asking. I never knew you could play. Since you can, why don’t we play a round? It’s a little boring just watching the game, don’t you think?”
Rachel took a sip of her water and replied, “Why would I play with you?”
“Well, you-
Callie bit back her irritation, seething inwardly. ‘So, you’re deliberately trying to avoid playing, huh? Fine. You’ll regret it
later!’
1/3
17:39 Sun, 23 Feb
Chapter 42
27%
She turned her gaze to Braylen, her voice sweet and smooth, “Braylen, I’ve always wanted to test my skills against you. Since we’re all here, now’s the perfect chance, don’t you think? Let’s give it a go.”
Braylen, always the gentleman, smiled and replied, “True, it’s rare for us all to be together. Let’s play a round then.”
Callie shot Rachel a triumphant look.
Since Braylen had spoken up and cards were being brought over, Rachel didn’t protest. She just sat down quietly.
Braylen, smiling, addressed the group, “Mr. Fox, Herb, why don’t you join us too?”
Herb looked at Rachel, then waved his hand dismissively. “Nah, I’m not playing with her.”
“Why not?” Callie asked, her.curiosity piqued.
Herb just smiled and waved it off. “No reason. I’m not playing with her. You guys go ahead.”
Callie’s eyes sparkled with interest. ‘Is it because he doesn’t want to be embarrassed playing with Rachel?‘ She smirked to herself. After all, who could stand being seen with someone as shameless as Rachel?
George, who had been silent until now, looked at Rachel but said nothing. He sat down as well.
Callie, putting on her most charming smile, looked at George. “George, you should definitely play. With you on my team, I’m sure to win. Every time we’ve played before, I never stood a chance against you.”
George glanced at Rachel before answering, “How could that be?”
Braylen chuckled, his tone teasing. “Well, if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Winning or losing, it’s no big deal.”
Callie smiled sweetly, but then added, “Of course, it wouldn’t be any fun without a little wager. How about we raise the stakes?”
Braylen looked at her with a fond expression, clearly indulging her. “Sure, what kind of bet do you have in mind?”
Callie’s smile turned even warmer as she leaned in. “Money’s boring. Let’s make it more interesting. How about the loser has to leave the venue?”
Her eyes flickered over to Rachel, a pointed challenge in her gaze. ‘Still think you can stay here? Let’s see if you’re up for it.
Rachel, hearing the challenge, immediately knew this was aimed at her. She tilted her head, feigning regret, and looked at Callie with a mocking expression. “Well, alright then.”
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Callie shifted uncomfortably under Rachel’s gaze, suddenly feeling uneasy.
Rachel smirked and casually said, “I’m just making sure to take in as much of Ms. Nunez as I can, since I might not get another chance to see her.”
“You!”
“Rachel, George warned, his voice tight.
Herb snorted behind them, “What’s the big deal, Mr. Fox? What’s wrong with speaking a little louder?”
George shot Herb a glare, but Braylen, ever the peacekeeper, intervened with a cheerful laugh. “Alright, enough of the chatter. Let’s get the game started.”
With a wave, he called for the dealer, and the cards were dealt.
Callie looked at her hand, grinning ear to ear. Victory was already within her grasp. It was well known that pregnant women
2/3
17:39 Sun, 23 Feb M
Chapter 42
had luck on their side when it came to poker, and she was certain her luck was no exception.
༥ རྦེ 27%.
She raised her eyes to Rachel, her smile widening. But Rachel, with her usual impassive expression, casually flipped her cards over, as though it was just another simple game.
The first round began quickly, and Rachel threw down her cards–a straight flush.
Callie’s jaw dropped. “No way…”
Rachel’s lips curved slightly. “Guess I’m just lucky.”
“No. I don’t believe it. Let’s go for the second round!” Callie spat, tossing her cards down angrily.
B
