?<strong>Chapter 518:</strong>


    As she weighed her decision, Amor bypassed the throng and stopped directly in front of her.


    “Miss, would you care to give it a go?” All eyes turned to Mny, puzzled.


    Why would Amor single out someone who seemed so inexperienced?


    But Amor’s gaze held a knowing depth. She had seen it during the poker round earlier: two pairs of eyes had stayed fixed on Allison. Though those two held vastly different sentiments toward her, Amor sensed that this woman didn’t want Allison to win. And that was exactly the kind of ally she was seeking.


    “Colton…” Mny looked up at him. “I want to try. It’s not like it’ll cost us anything.”


    Colton frowned deeply. “But you’ve never yed before.”


    “That doesn’t matter. Even Allison could y.”


    Mny leaned into him, her hand slipping around his arm as she looked up at him with pleading eyes.


    “Besides, it’s a free million to start, no strings attached. Worst case, we lose it ande back down. But what if we actually win? Please, let me try.”


    Seeing his expression hadn’t softened, Mny decided to continue her act, her eyes misting over with a hint of hurt. “Or is it because Allison’s up there that you don’t want me to go?”


    “Don’t be ridiculous,” he blurted. “I don’t care about her at all.” But was that the truth?


    When Allison won earlier, a fleeting thought had crossed his mind—what if she lost? Would shee back to him, humbled? He shook the notion away, frustrated.


    Since their divorce, Allison had remained proud and untouchable. She’d never once returned to him with her head lowered.


    And with that, a steely coldness settled in Colton’s gaze, like a shadow over deep waters.


    “Fine, go ahead. Just be sure toe back down once it’s gone.”


    Mny’s face lit up. “You’re the best!”


    But little did she realize, free rides oftene at a steep price. That partnership “gift” would collect its dues—its terms set long before fate had offered the chips and raised them decisively.


    Andres wasted no time; Mny was frisked thoroughly the moment she stepped inside. Once they confirmed she wasn’t hiding anything, they nodded, allowing her to approach the gambling table.


    “Allison, great to see you again,” Mny greeted with a practiced, sugar-sweet smile. “I never thought we’d meet again under such circumstances. I didn’t expect you to know how to gamble. Colton and I… we usually just shop around. But I wanted to try something new, so I thought I’d give gambling a try.” She looked almost bashful, ncing between the chips and cards.


    Allison barely looked up, her lips curling as she scoffed. “You think you’re up for a game, even though you don’t have a clue?”


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