Darnell tossed the Lamborghini keys onto the table. “Miss Wilkes, you’ve managed to win forty million from Jefferson. Your gambling skills must make you one of the best among the younger generation.”
“I bet there’s no one else in Whiteville who can match that. I wonder if you would grant me the opportunity to have a little wager with you.”
Amber looked at him with disdain. “Flattering me? You want me to let you off the hook? Are you out of your mind, or do you think I’m naive?”
Darnell was unfazed by her contempt. He surveyed the cards scattered on the table and continued, “Since you’re just sitting around doing nothing and Jefferson needs a bit more time to gather his funds, why not indulge in a little entertainment?”
In essence, he aimed to flip the situation in Jefferson’s favor.
“Darnell, are you insane?”
Hearing that Darnell wanted to gamble against Amber, Jefferson interjected sharply, “Where are you going to find the funds to gamble with her?”
“Your pocket change isn’t even enough to buy her a handbag. Even I’m not her match. What makes you think you can win? Don’t drag Karlee into this. Step aside.”
He turned his steadfast gaze toward Karlee. “Karlee, I’ll figure out a way to settle this debt. Don’t get involved.”
Jefferson knew Karlee could help him clear his debts, but it felt humiliating to rely on her. He couldn’t bear to ask Karlee to spend thirty million to help him when he felt he should be the one protecting her.
Darnell casually traced his fingers over the cards, a lazy smile on his face as he replied, “Jefferson, I’m not betting to wipe your debts, nor am I using your assets as collateral. You have no right to stop me.”
“I used to be the King of Gambles in Africa, and I’ve won over a dozen gold mines. Seeing Miss Wilkes’s impressive skills makes me itch for a game.”
Rachael scoffed, “King of Gambles in Africa? Over a dozen gold mines? Karlee, your boyfriend is getting better at spinning tales.”
Frank chuckled, “Why not just call Alexander to sort this out for you?”
“Shut up!”
Karlee shot them a cold glare before turning to Darnell. “Darnell, don’t make this worse. Do you want to turn thirty million into sixty million?”
Darnell ignored her concern and looked at Amber with a grin. “The stakes are simple. I won a Lamborghini from Frank last time, and it’s parked right outside Vantage.”
“Let’s say it’s worth five million. If you win, I’ll give you the car and not stop Karlee from paying off Jefferson’s debt. You have nothing to lose.”
He wasn’t using Karlee’s money as a wager. He wanted to reassure Amber that Jefferson’s debt could be settled.
“Most importantly, don’t you think it’s a good chance to get back at me for your two friends?”
Darnell twirled the keys in his hand and continued, “Miss Wilkes, are you up for the challenge?”
Karlee tugged at Darnell’s sleeve, shaking her head. “Darnell, stop it. You can’t win against her. Amber grew up in Las Vegas and is a master of gambling. You’re no match for her.”
“Thirty million is a lot, but it’s still manageable.”
“Anything beyond that, I can’t help. If it goes over, you might as well stay and work off the debt as a slave.”
Amber, initially dismissive of Darnell, couldn’t help but chuckle at Jefferson and Karlee’s words. She decided to have some fun at Darnell’s expense, especially thinking about how amusing it would be to leave Karlee’s boyfriend in tatters.
Moreover, as Darnell suggested, waiting was dull, and since this guy was stepping up to the plate, she felt it was necessary to indulge him.
Rachael and Frank exchanged glances at the Lamborghini keys, a mix of anger and embarrassment washing over them. They egged Amber on, urging her to fight back and reclaim their dignity.
“Amber, crush him! Show him who’s boss!”
Behind them, a group of over ten people echoed their encouragement, stepping up the pressure on Darnell.
Amber straightened her posture, her fair fingers tapping on the table. “Alright, I’ll give you a chance to turn things around. How do you want to play?”
Jefferson, now half-awake, panicked. “Darnell, stop! Don’t do this!”
Rachael glanced at Jefferson, a faint smirk on her lips. “Why are you worried about him? You should be more concerned about yourself.”
“Hurry up and get your family to bring thirty million, or get ready for me to call your parents and let the media expose you!”
Frank and the others laughed mockingly at Jefferson’s predicament.
As Jefferson fell silent, Darnell stretched lazily. “Miss Wilkes, you’re wealthy enough to throw around millions.”
“Five million is probably beneath your notice.”
He tossed the keys aside. “Let’s make it simple. One round, and the winner takes all. What do you say?”
Gambling against a master and putting everything on the line-wasn’t that akin to courting death?
As laughter erupted from the crowd, Amber responded with a nonchalant hum. “You’ve got a bit of a manly spirit, but it’s a foolish move.”
She seized the opportunity. As long as victory was in her grasp, it didn’t matter how she won. “Fine. One round, and the winner takes all. I’ll go with your idea.”
“Let’s add some spice to it!”
“If you lose, besides the five million, you’ll have to crawl out of here on your hands and knees and bark like a dog three times.”
Darnell clapped his hands, laughing. “Sounds good!”
Amber pointed as she added, “Alright, what are the rules? I wouldn’t want Karlee to think I’m bullying you.”
As Karlee bit her lip in contemplation, Darnell gestured for a piece of paper and a pen, cutting the paper into equal sizes. He began to draw with swift strokes.
In just four or five seconds, a turtle was clearly depicted. He folded the two pieces of paper and shook them in his hands.
Then, he placed the folded notes into two plastic cups, looking up at Amber with a casual smile. “Let’s draw lots-fair and square. Everyone has a fifty-fifty chance.”
“If you find the turtle, the car is yours, and I’ll crawl out and bark three times as you want.”
Darnell added cheekily, “If you don’t pick the turtle, you owe me five million, crawl out, and bark three times.”
“I drew the turtle, so for fairness, you can pick first.”
Darnell placed the two slips on the table, devoid of any clever glint or imposing aura. “Come on, Miss Wilkes. Pick one!”
Karlee and Jefferson frowned, concern etched on their faces while Rachael and Frank straightened up, their breaths growing heavier with anticipation.
“Darnell, you’re done for. You think you can outsmart me with a little trick? You’re asking for trouble.”
Amber suddenly burst into laughter, lifting one cup and tearing the paper inside into shreds before throwing it out the window, her face taunting.
“Darnell, I’m a woman and easily intimidated. I’m afraid to see what’s on my paper. You can open yours.”
“If yours has a turtle, then I lose.”
Amber wore a smug smile, “If I lose, I’ll gladly pay up and crawl out!”
She pointed at Darnell’s slip of paper. “Open it!”
Rachael and the others suddenly seemed to realize something, bursting into laughter. “What a trickster! He definitely swapped the papers. There’s no turtle on either!”
Jefferson came to the same conclusion, his face paling as sweat broke out on his forehead.
Frank rushed up, knocking over the plastic cup. “You’re done for!”
He flipped Darnell’s paper over. “There’s no turtle on your paper!”
The next second, his smile froze.
On the white paper, the turtle was vividly drawn!