?Chapter 1443:


    “Hold on,” Robin cut in quickly, pulling her aside. His voice was tight with panic. “Christina, are you serious? You can’t actually mean to gamble against him!”


    He remembered all too well how she’d yed cards before—good, but not unbeatable. Against Noah, it wouldn’t even be close.


    What terrified him wasn’t just losing money. It was what came after—the shame, the mockery, the way the entire world wouldugh at them for sending her up against a monster like Noah.


    If she lost, Apresh wouldn’t just lose a game. It would lose face. And her? She was already struggling under Dn’s cklist. Another loss this public, and she’d be crushed for good.


    “Christina, we know you mean well,” Kurt said, stepping in with his cane. “But Noah isn’t someone you can handle. Go home and wait for news. Let us deal with this.”


    He turned to Robin. “Call your friend. The one who knows Epic.”


    Before Robin could move, Noah’s voice cut through the tension. “No need,” he said with a sly grin. “I’ll gamble with her.”


    He pointed straight at Christina, his eyes glinting with arrogance.


    At that moment, a sugary voice chimed in from the side. “Since she’s so determined,” Lorraine said, smiling faintly, “why not let her try? Maybe a defeat will make her realize her ce.”


    Her tone was sweet. Her eyes, anything but.


    Lorraine’s jealousy had been simmering for a long time.


    Why did the Miller family always protect Christina? Why had they even set aside money for her when things were going bad?


    And what about her—the goddaughter who had once saved Celine’s life? Why was she treated like an outsider while Christina was treated like family?


    If the Millers fell, she’d fall with them. The thought burned in her chest like acid.


    “What are you doing here?” Robin snapped, ring at her. Then he turned to his mother, irritation spilling over. “Mom, why did you bring her?”


    Celine gave an awkward smile. “She wanted toe, so I—”


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    “Lorraine,” she quickly whispered, pulling her aside, “watch what you say. This isn’t the time to stir trouble.”


    But Lorraine crossed her arms, scowling. “And what about Christina? Why is she allowed to stir trouble? She’s the one who picked this fight! What, is she nning to ruin the Miller family even faster?”


    The moment the words left her mouth, she saw Celine’s face harden.


    Lorraine’s confidence faltered instantly. “I’m sorry, Celine. I spoke out of turn.”


    She forced a nervous smile. She couldn’t afford to make enemies now—not when the oue of this gamble could flip everything overnight.


    Her family had already decided to wait before making any further ns. If the Millers somehow pulled off a win, she’d need to be on their good side again.


    Noah took a step forward, his smirk widening. “Alright,” he said, his voice smooth butced with challenge. “Let’s make this simple.”


    He leaned in slightly, eyes locked on Christina’s. “If I lose, I’ll return every cent I won from Miller’s Casino—and I’ll never set foot in Apresh again.”


    The tension in the air tightened as he straightened, his grin turning sharp. “But if I win…” His gaze darkened, full of unrestrained confidence. “…the Miller family obeys every term I set.”


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