Chapter 386 The Crazy Gamble (5)
Mark squinted, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ryder, how 'bout we up the ante a bit before we show our cards?"
Ryder shot back, "Mark, there's already a ton on the line. You sure you wanna pile more on? Ain't you worried about what might happen?"
Mark's tone got sharper. "What, you chicken?"
Ryder stayed cool. "The second I walked into this casino tonight, fear checked out. Whatever you wanna raise, just spit it out. I'm game."
"Sweet!" Mark's eyes lit up with excitement. "I want you as the stake, Ryder!"
Ryder raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Now that's a twist. Didn't think I'd end up as a chip on the table. What's your play, Mark?"
Mark's voice turned icy. "If I win, you gotta kneel in front of everyone here, apologize to me and my dead son. And your life? It's mine to command!"
The crowd went wild:
"I don't get it. Ryder's on Mr. Davis's turf. If he wanted, he could just take Ryder out. Why all this drama?"
"You don't get how big shots think, do you? Sure, Mr. Davis could do that, but it wouldn't feel like a real win. Plus, with all these people around, who knows if everyone's loyal to Mr. Davis? If Ryder got whacked in public, it'd be a mess and bring heat on Mr. Davis! But if it's all part of the game, it's different. It's voluntary, and win or lose, it's all on skill and luck! No hard feelings if you lose!"
"Yeah, that makes sense!"
These comments pretty much nailed Mark's thoughts.
But they missed the deeper game Mark was playing—those unknown forces backing Ryder!
To stay ahead, this was the smarter move!
All eyes were glued to Ryder.
Were they waiting for his answer?
Nah, his answer didn't matter anymore.
In this spot, Ryder had no way to back out!
They just wanted to see how long Ryder could keep his cool!
If he cracked under the pressure, it'd be a show!
Some folks even whipped out their phones, ready to catch Ryder's meltdown.
Ryder sighed, spreading his hands. "Since you're so hung up on me, Mark, I can't say no. But if I win? What's in it for me?"
Mark, puffing on a cigar, said coolly, "If I lose, I'll kneel and apologize to you, and my life will be yours to command. Deal?"
Even as he said it, Mark knew the game was rigged; he couldn't lose!
Everyone thought Mark had guts!
No one could make Mark kneel in Houston.
And controlling his life? Not a chance!
The stakes were sky-high, and compared to Ryder's sorry life, it was like night and day!
To everyone's shock, Ryder leaned back, raised an eyebrow, and said coolly, "Nah, I'm not taking that raise. Not good enough for me."
The crowd erupted in disbelief.
"Ryder, you serious? That's a huge raise and you're not satisfied?"
"Don't get cocky just 'cause you're young! Compared to Mr. Davis, you're nothing. What makes you think you can be dissatisfied?"
"If you ask me, even if Mr. Davis loses, he should just toss you 250 bucks and call it a day. That's all you're worth, Ryder, haha!"
Mark frowned and asked, "What’s your problem with it?"
Ryder stayed calm. "Because you don't have many days left. Betting my life against someone who's about to kick the bucket is a bad deal for me."
The crowd's faces went pale.
No one dared to say a word.
They thought, 'Ryder, you got a death wish? If you're tired of living, just drink some poison. Why poke the bear?'
Everyone knew Mark was in a foul mood, and Ryder was still pushing his buttons.
If things got ugly, would the bystanders get dragged into it?
Brian, standing behind Mark, heard this and his face darkened. He moved like lightning, appearing right in front of Ryder!
"Disrespecting Mr. Davis is unforgivable!" he snarled, reaching for Ryder's throat!
But Rex was quick too, blocking Brian's attack with his right arm!
This scene caught the attention of Mark's goons in the casino!
They quickly surrounded them, looking ready to pounce!
With a go from Mark, they'd jump in without a second thought!
The surrounding gamblers, seeing this, backed off in fear, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire!
"What are you doing? Talking trash at the table is normal, keep it civil, guys! Harmony brings wealth!"
The voice came from Ryan, standing up with a mouth full of yellow teeth, looking sleazier by the second!
No one paid him any mind, not even a glance!
'You, a nobody from the sticks, think you can talk here?'
"Get lost! Mind your own business!"
A goon shoved Ryan, making him stumble back into his chair, almost falling over!
The cigar he had in his mouth fell out, and he scrambled to catch it, burning his fingers on the ember, looking like a fool.
The crowd just sneered and ignored him.
A clown, not worth their time.
The tension was thick!
But Ryder stayed cool, his face showing no signs of stress.
The oppressive atmosphere hung in the air for over a minute.
Then Mark, with a stern face, suddenly burst into laughter. "Haha! Mr. Clark was just joking with me, everyone chill! Stand down!"
Brian and the goons stepped back!
Before they could settle, Ryder leaned forward, a harmless smile on his face, and said to Mark, "Who told you I was joking?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
