She wanted to see exactly what he intended to say.


    Damien nced back at Calliope.


    She gave him a slight nod.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Damien stepped aside and moved to stand behind her.


    With the path now clear, Calliope tilted her head up, her gaze locking with Jett''s. "Mr. White, I won that money, and I have no intention of returning it."


    "I''m not here to ask for the money back. You''ve misunderstood," Jett said, a hint of amusement in his voice. He could hardly me them for the assumption, seeing as the entire crowd seemed to share the same suspicion.


    "Then what do you want?" Calliope asked, her brow furrowing.


    Portia and Damien nked her, their stances protective and wary. Compared to Blythe, Jett was a far more intimidating figure.


    "Ms. Jewell, I was impressed by yourposure and skill. Would you mind ying a round with me?" Jett asked.


    Calliope''s frown deepened. So this was his n—to avenge Blythe in a more subtle way.


    "If you''d rather not, that''s perfectly fine," Jett added with a smile. "After all, I''m much older than you. It might seem like I''m bullying you."


    "When ites to a friendly game, age doesn''t matter," Calliope replied, her expression coollyposed. "Since you wish to y, Mr. White, I see no reason to refuse."


    "Name the game. I''m up for anything."


    Jett had expected her to decline. ying against him could indeed be seen as an unfair match. But to his surprise, she had epted without hesitation.


    A flicker of admiration mixed with his surprise. This young woman was not only exceptionally talented but also incredibly bold. She was truly one of a kind.


    He was starting to like her. She reminded him so much of Lillian in her youth.


    "How about we y one of the


    Selet


    newer, more popr games?" Jett suggested. "Young people like


    yourself are usually more skifted at those."


    "You don''t have to amodate me. I can y anything. Even an old-fashioned game is fine by me."


    Calliope had been taught the art of gambling by her mentor since she was a toddler. She had dominated the tables at the Neon Casino and knew every game in the book f fact, she had even invented a few of her own. Jett''s suggestion made no difference to her.


    Jett chuckled. “Very well. Since you''re so versatile, I''ll choose the game." Calliope gestured to the seat opposite her. "Please, sit.”


    Jett took the Seat, studying her with curiosity. She showed no signs of fear, herposure even more solid than before. Yet, for some reason he sensed a flicker of anger in her eyes when she looked at him Was it because she thought he was here to settle a score for his daughter?


    The crowd around them buzzed with excitement.


    "Mr. White is back in action!"


    "And his opponent is just a young girl!"


    "Now this is a match worth watching! Who do you think will win?”


    "It has to be Mr. White. He once defeated a gambling god. A young girl like Calliope can''t possibly beat him."


    "True,pared to Mr. White, she''s still too inexperienced."


    “She shouldn''t have agreed. He''s obviously here to avenge his daughter."


    "Young people are always so arrogant. Reckless, with no fear of the consequences. She''ll regret it when she loses."