"What''s Neon Casino? Never heard of it!"


    "Of course you haven''t. Back then, people got paid off to keep their mouths shut, so no rumors ever made it out."


    "What happened? Can you spill some details?"


    "Yeah, what''s the story?"


    "Was that Neon Casino incident really about her? I''ve heard whispers, but never knew who it was!"


    "It was her. I saw it with my own eyes!"


    The crowd buzzed with gossip.


    Jett and Mrs. White showed up just as Blythe was about to go head-to-head with Calliope. Jett, with his old-money charm and a reputation that preceded him, was instantly recognized. As he approached, people instinctively stepped aside to give


    him space.


    "Mr. White, Mrs. White," Lisette greeted them eagerly, practically beaming.


    She looked at the two with admiration-now these were the kind of parents anyone would envy. If only she''d been adopted by a family like the Whites! Compared to them, the Jewell family who adopted her felt utterly insignificant.


    Lisette couldn''t help but notice how, even with silver streaking his hair, Jett was still ridiculously handsome.


    Jett gave her a polite nod, saying nothing more. Mrs. White did the same, her expression unreadable.


    Trying to make an impression, Lisette said, "Mr. White, Mrs. White, I hope I didn''t make a fool of myself earlier. I''m a close friend of Blythe''s. We get along really well.”


    Jett finally gave her his full attention. "Funny, I don''t recall ever seeing you before. When did you and Blythe be such close friends?"


    Lisette smiled, ying it cool. "Just recently. We hit it off right away."


    "And Blythe stepped up for me tonight because I lost a little too much. She''s just that kind of person!"


    "I''ve heard Blythe trained under the King of Cards. She must be amazing, right?"


    Jett nodded, "Blythe''s luck and math skills are something else. When she was learning all this, she really was a prodigy."


    "See? I''m sure she''ll win all my money back for me!" Lisetteughed, inching closer to Jett and Mrs. White.


    But they subtly shifted away, sharing


    a look and a slight shake of the


    head. They weren''t exactly impressed by Lisette''s obvious


    m. How


    attempts to cozy up to them, Ho on earth did Blythe end up friends. with someone so transparent?


    The game was about to begin.


    Calliope sat at the table, cool and collected, Blythe, equallyposed, looked every bit her match two Striking women drawing every eye in the room.


    Jett watched them closely.


    Calliope nced at her cards, then shot a look at Blythe across the table.


    Blythe took her time, her movements graceful and unhurried, confidence radiating from her.


    The room held its breath.


    "It''s starting! This is gonna be good!"


    "Who do you think will win?"


    "Hey, should we start a pool? Bet on who wins?"


    "Count me in!"


    Overhearing the chatter, Jett walked over and said, “Put me down for Ms. White."


    "Mr. White!" A few people gasped, eyes wide in surprise.


    He just grinned. "It''s all in good fun, folks We''re all here to y, rig


    fon, "Fifty grand on my "


    He


    daughter to win!"


    "Deal."


    Everyone looked around at each other, then started cing their own bets, the excitement growing.


    Some hedged their bets on Calliope, stealing nervous nces at Jett.


    Heughed. “No worries, you can bet on whoever you want. It''s your call."