Chapter 395

Andrew, though never having been a fan of Brielle, now spoke with a candor that was laced with a begrudging admiration for her Indeed, there were plenty of women onlookers, but most were merely arm candy, clinging to the sides of their men, and lacking the guts to play in the big leagues.

Some truths were hard to swallow, but for these seasoned business tycoons, a beautiful woman often resembled the currency of high society. As for the celebrities, the common folk might’ve elevated them to the status of demigods, but to the insiders here, they were merely numbers in a game.

Tessa, overhearing Andrew’s words, felt a surge of anxiety. She had to admit that if she were in Brielle’s shoes, under the scrutiny of such powerful figures, her nerves would betray her with trembling that she couldn’t control. The clearer this realization, the more resentment she harbored against Brielle.

Where on earth did that wretch find the courage?

Her grip tightened around Andrew, her lips beginning to quiver.

“She’s only winning because of dumb luck. Remember, Brielle’s never seen this kind of money before, not to mention the millions she extorted from you. I’ve never had a good impression of her,” Tessa said, her voice a mixture of vulnerability and frankness in front of Andrew. Besides. her feud with Brielle had reached a boiling point; there was no need to feign appreciation, which would only invite Andrew’s suspicion.

Andrew sighed and affectionately ruffled her hair. “You’re right. The stakes are high, and everyone at that table is no amateur. Brielle’s winning streak is pure luck, and it was just one hand. In no–limit Texas Hold’em, each hand is critical; one can spell life or death. She’s overstepped her bounds, but now, with everyone watching, she has to play the next round or risk embarrassment.”

Inwardly. Tessa sneered. Perhaps the next round would see Brielle lose everything. A woman should be content being a delicate vine by a man’s side, not bounding about as if she were the second coming of Alivia. She clearly didn’t know her place.

Wanting to conserve her energy for more important matters than Brielle. Tessa leaned even more weakly against Andrew. “I’m exhausted. Let’s go rest,” she murmured.

Andrew’s gaze lingered downstairs, intrigued by the game like any other man, but Tessa remained his priority. He nodded, supporting her as they moved to the lounge.

Downstairs, the next round was in full swing, and to everyone’s surprise, it was unfolding almost identically to the previous one. Even the community cards were strikingly similar.

Now, four community cards lay face up–Jack of Spades, Six of Hearts, Seven of Hearts, and Ace of Spades.

With four players remaining–Dustin, Sammuel, Brielle, and Connor–and two more betting. rounds to go, tension was palpable.

11-07 Connor gripped his hole cards, both Sixes, tightly. Without the river card, he already had a set, a strong hand that could beat any two pairs. Should the river bring another Six, he’d have quads. over which only a higher set of quads or a straight flush could prevail.

Excitement made Connor’s palms sweat, not just because they were down to four players, but because the pot had swelled to a billion. The cards seemed promising this round, and he felt confident his hand was the strongest.

Dustin was up first. He raised an eyebrow and casually tossed in a hundred million, quieting the room with the gravity of the bet.

This was the essence of no–limit Texas Hold’em–it could bankrupt a CEO or revive a fallen. empire.

Sammuel, always smiling as if he barely existed at the table, followed suit and raised two hundred million.

Connor, hardly able to contain himself, matched the two hundred million.

The pot soared to 1.5 billion and kept growing. Now, it was Brielle’s turn. She sat with her eyes closed, deep in thought.

Connor sneered at her contemplative state. “What’s the matter? Lost your nerve?”

“Raise,” Brielle declared without hesitation, slapping down four hundred million.

The pot hit 1.9 billion, and the table waited with bated breath for what would come next.