Chapter 400 Antonio, Has Life Lost Its Charm?
The sole focus of Antonio's attention was to ensure his hand held a better chance of victory than Jason's. As he mentally tallied the cards in his hand, a subtle signal from Brian reached him. When the total value of his cards hit 18, he decided to halt. By then, Jason had already amassed a formidable 20 points.
"Mr. Valencia, are you certain you wish to halt?" Jason inquired.
"Indeed."
A fleeting glance at the scar-faced man's gestures informed him of Antonio's current score of 18, prompting him to also cease. A faint smile played on Antonio's lips. He was well aware that unless his hand exceeded Jason's, he would refrain from proceeding.
"Jason, your turn," Antonio motioned.
Without a moment's hesitation, Jason laid his cards on the table.
"20 points, Mr. Valencia. You're treading on thin ice," Jason declared.
Antonio quirked an eyebrow. "Am I now?"
With that, Antonio unveiled his own cards, revealing a surprising total of 21 points!
"My apologies, Jason. I was a tad anxious earlier and neglected to reveal these cards," Antonio confessed.
Jason's fist tightened at the sight of the unexpected three of spades in Antonio's hand. The scar-faced man was equally taken aback. Antonio had held onto this hand despite the calculated distribution of cards. How could this be?
"Antonio, you dare deceive me?" Jason rose to his feet. "You clearly have no fear of death!"
Maintaining an air of nonchalance, Antonio rested his hands by his sides, a half-smile gracing his face as he met Jason's gaze. "Jason, let's adhere to the rules of the game. No backing out."
"This damned place is mine. If I choose to back out, I will!"
Jason's hand slammed onto the table, prompting the scar-faced man to step forward and restrain Antonio.
Unresisting, Antonio's gaze remained fixed on the bomb detonator nestled in the corner of the table.
"Jason, you're a man of reputation and status. There's no need to blow this minor issue out of proportion. As I've stated, even if I win, I'll return all the money to you. I can also accommodate another condition. For me, any problem that money can solve is no problem at all."
As he spoke, Antonio managed to lower the guards of both the scar-faced man and Jason. "Whether it's shares in Valencia Inc. or a lump sum of cash, I can make it happen."
"Do you honestly believe I'm in need of money!?" Jason retorted, unimpressed. Those who frequented the gambling scene couldn't stomach the humiliation of losing a sure win.
At this moment, Jason's true colors were revealed. He was deaf to any proposed conditions.
Seeing this, Antonio seized the opportunity to strike the scar-faced man's weak spot, freeing himself in the process. He then lunged at Jason.
Caught off guard by this sudden turn of events, Jason was momentarily taken aback but quickly sidestepped. He retaliated with a powerful kick towards the charging Antonio.
However, Antonio's target was never Jason himself, but the bomb detonator beside him.
In his quest to secure the detonator, Antonio gambled on a chance to escape.
There was no evading the kick, and Jason's strength was formidable. His kick nearly shattered Antonio's scapula.
"Antonio!"
Antonio rolled on the ground, rising to stand protectively in front of Sarah and the children.
Sarah's gaze rested on the figure before her, her eyes welling with an indescribable bitterness.
No one could comprehend her emotions at that moment.
No one understood the comfort this protective figure provided her.
Even if the bomb were to detonate the next second, she would face death without a shred of regret.
"I'm fine." Antonio's grip tightened around the remote control, his gaze unwavering from Jason.
"Antonio, do you really think I'm afraid of you?"
Jason was a mad gambler, accustomed to the constant shadow of death.
"Though you may not harbor fear, I question whether your comrades share your courage," Antonio said, his eyes narrowing into a squint. "Gentlemen, you all have families. Surely, you do not wish to meet your end in this impending explosion, do you?"
A ripple of unease spread through Jason's men, and even those who had surrounded Antonio found themselves instinctively retreating a few steps.
"Should we fail to apprehend Antonio today, none of us shall live to see tomorrow's dawn."
Jason's stern proclamation echoed through the room, leaving his numerous henchmen with no choice but to advance, albeit reluctantly.
Even Brian, bound and powerless, had lost all hope. They were outmatched and outgunned, their situation seemingly hopeless.
As Antonio turned his head, his gaze met Brian's.
"Fear not, my darlings. With Daddy here, there is no need for trepidation."
Antonio then cast a reassuring smile at Sarah before, in the blink of an eye, he lunged at Wang Xin.
Caught off guard by Antonio's sudden attack, Jason was unable to evade in time and was sent sprawling to the ground.
Seeing their leader down, the henchmen surged forward, their hearts pounding in unison with those of the three children and Sarah.
Despite Antonio's prowess, he was severely outnumbered...
Suddenly, the tightly shut doors of the casino burst open, and a deep blue light flooded the room.
"Police! Nobody move!"
Confronted by the encircling police, the already fearful casino henchmen dropped their weapons and dropped to their knees.
Their fear of arrest paled in comparison to the terror of Antonio and Jason accidentally triggering the bomb. Being apprehended by the police offered a chance at survival, but if the bomb were to detonate, not only would their lives be extinguished, but their bodies could be obliterated.
Jason glared venomously at Antonio, "You will pay for this, just you wait!"
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