Harlan thought about it and decided to bet with Sean.

"Sean, when do you want to start?"

​​

"Now."

"Really? Don't you need time to make preparations?"

"No."

"Okay. I like how straight-up you are."

Catherine rolled her eyes at Harlan because he talked too much.

"Then, please, Sean."

Harlan left first.

"Sean, have you made up your mind?"

"Yeah."

"But Harlan runs the casino, and he must be good at betting. He might be cheating. How are you gonna win? This is letting him win."

Catherine was awfully worried.

Harlan was a snake. Besides, this was his casino. Catherine didn't know how good Sean was at gambling.

"Don't you believe me?"

"Yes. But this is too risky."

"So you don't believe me."

"Have you gambled before?"

"No."

"If so, why do you agree to the bet?"

Sean patted her head and said, "It's nothing. Trust me."

Catherine said, "I know you're incredibly smart. But gambling is much about luck."

"I don't believe in luck."

Sean held Catherine's hand with determination and said, "Trust me."

But Catherine couldn't. However, she nodded, looking at him, and said, "I trust you. You won't let me down."

"Good."

Sean wouldn't do anything he wasn't sure about.

If he couldn't win, he wouldn't suggest gambling.

Besides, this was the most efficient and fastest way to make Harlan release Sophia.

"Let's go."

"I want to see Sophia."

"Harlan won't do anything to her now."

Unless Harlan wanted the whole Blair family against him, he wouldn't try anything because that would be the most stupid.

"Don't wander about and stick close to me."

This was Harlan's casino, and Catherine knew better than to fool around. If Harlan held her as a hostage, everything Sean had done would be a waste.

Catherine answered, "I will."

To show Sean due respect, Harlan asked other guests to leave.

There were Harlan, Sean, Catherine, a dealer, and some other guys.

"Please."

Sean sat down, and Catherine sat next to him.

Harlan said, "How jealous am I that you two are so close."

Catherine wasn't bothered to say anything back.

Harlan touched his nose. He realized that both Catherine and Sophia were stunning girls. They were both young and energetic, and Catherine was prettier than Sophia.

Harlan thought how bad it was that Catherine was married to Sean. Or he would find a way to make her his woman.

Catherine didn't know what he was thinking, or she would slap him across his face. That was shameless of him to fantasize about that.

"Let's begin."

The dealer started dealing.

"Wait!"

"What's it? Mrs. Blair?"

Catherine said, "He works for you. I don't know whether he tampers with the card or not. He can't deal."

"What do you want?"

She looked at him directly in his eyes and narrated, "I'll deal."

"Fine."

Harlan agreed without hesitation.

"Give us a new card out of the package."

Harlan said, "What Mrs. Blair said."

Then a new card was brought to the table.

"I haven't done this before. I won't know how to cheat. It's impartial that I deal with."

Harlan said nicely, "How thoughtful is Mrs. Blair. Sean, I do envy you that you have such a considerate wife."

Catherine realized Harlan was good at talking. He could fool so many girls with his sweet talk.

What a scumbag! Catherine thought.

"I'm starting dealing."

Sean didn't say no. He gave her an indulgent look and knew Catherine was trying to help him in case Harlan cheated.

Although Catherine was being a little childish, she was doing it for the sake of her husband. Sean would not stop her.

Catherine shuffled the cards multiple times.

Catherine was raw at this, and clearly, she seldom played. But she acted calmly and didn't let Harlan get to her mind.

Catherine has seen how the dealer dealt the cards. So she did what she learned and gave two cards to Sean and Harlan each.

It was so quiet that one could only hear the cards being placed on the table.

Every time Sean picked up a card, Catherine started to get nervous.

Catherine didn't know how to play and wouldn't disturb Sean by making any noises. She had to pray she gave him good cards. If Sean lost because of her, she would be so guilty.

Harlan kept smiling and acted as he would win for sure.

Catherine wondered if she gave him good cards.

"Continue."

Catherine gave one card to each of them.

Then each had five cards, and Catherine's work was finished.

Catherine sat down with Sean and started looking at his cards.

He had four cards of 10, J, K, A of hearts. The last one was on the table.

Harlan smiled like he already won.

"Catherine, give me the card."

"Okay."

But she withdrew her hands and said, "I think you should do it."

Catherine was afraid she would bring him bad luck. What he had seemed not okay to Catherine.

Catherine got so worried that Sean had such bad luck.

If she didn't interfere, would Sean have better cards?

"What's going on? Sean asked?"

"Do I mess it up for you?"

Sean went soft, seeing how guilty Catherine was. Her eyes went watery.

"It's okay. We still have one card."

"But Harlan acts as he wins."

"It's called bluffing."

Harlan heard what Sean said and twitched his mouth. He was sure he could win.

"Show the cards."

Harlan turned over the card on the table. There were four 8 and one Q.

Harlan laughed out and said, "Sean, the only way you could beat me is a royal flush."

Sean remained calm and didn't let Harlan get to him. He held Catherine on his leg and comforted her, "We will win. You have given me four great cards. And the last one is up to you."

Catherine pouted. She knew what Harlan meant. Sean didn't have a good chance of winning.

"Mrs. Blair, thank you for dealing."

Harlan was provoking Catherine.

"Catherine," Sean called her name.

Catherine ground her teeth but picked up the card and handed it over to Sean with her eyes closed.

Sean said coldly, "You lose."