?Chapter 1461:


    “Sorry,” Christina said softly, her smile serene. “Not interested.”


    Noah didn’t argue. He only tightened his grip for a brief second, drawing in a slow breath before letting go.


    A quiet smile touched his face as the truth settled over him—once he released her hand, he knew he would never hold it again.


    Noah felt a slight sting of regret, not realizing that something empty had quietly settled inside him.


    “Until next time,” Noah said in a low voice.


    Christina gave a soft smile, her brow lifting just a touch. “Until next time,” she echoed.


    Noah had always stood by his word—he handled loss with grace and held his pride without flinching. He was the real deal.


    Her reply made Noah smile for real—open, honest, and straight from the heart.


    Their eyes locked, both smiling. Christina’s look held nothing but respect—for someone she saw as a true rival.


    But Robin didn’t like what he saw—his face said it all.


    Robin took a single step forward and nted himself between them, blocking Noah’s view of Christina.


    “Pay up and get out,” Robin said, his voice cold and firm.


    Noah noticed the sh of jealousy in Robin’s eyes—something Christina didn’t show at all.


    “I’m leaving,” Noah said with a quiet, knowing grin. “I didn’t win—but you’re not getting what you want either.”


    Nobody else picked up on it—but Robin understood exactly what he meant.


    Robin’s face changed, and a bitter feeling twisted in his chest.


    “I lost,” Noah said, bowing low to the crowd and the cameras. “And I’m sorry to all of you.”


    Just like he promised, Noah paid up—handing back every cent he’d won to the Millers.


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    Before walking away, Noah stepped closer to Christina, his eyes fixed on hers with calm focus.


    “I’m done with gambling,” Noah said, honest and clear. “But I hope we get to face off again someday.”


    “Even if fate doesn’t bring us back together,” Christina said with a soft smile, “I’ll keep my promise. And when that dayes, I hope you’ll be stronger.”


    “Deal!” Noah’s green eyes lit up, his face glowing with real happiness.


    Christina gave a nod, shaking his hand again.


    As Noah and his crew walked away, Christina stood watching, her soft smile still hanging on.


    Noah looked back more than once—and each time, his heart felt a little heavier.


    He burned thatst image into his brain—her calm, radiant face was now etched deep in his memory.


    Christina wasn’t just a rival; she was the most incredible woman he had ever crossed paths with.


    And he knew for a fact he would never, ever meet anyone like her again.


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