Chapter 88

At that moment Kai leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushing against the smooth edge of the lottery slip.

The cheerful chatter around the restaurant faded into the background as his thoughts wandered.

Know he knew why so many people remained in Apex Grove, despite the suffocating corruption and crime. It wasn't just desperation—it was hope, no matter how slim. The lottery was a dangling carrot, a chance at an escape, however improbable.

Then his eyes fell to the slip in his hand.

Bold numbers were printed across the surface, and beneath them, the past winning numbers were listed. He traced the faded digits with his thumb.

"No one's ever won, huh?"

he murmured, half to himself.

Leilani glanced up from her plate, her brows knitting.

"Not that I've heard of," she replied.

"They post the winners' numbers, but there's never a name, never a face. Some people say it's rigged. Others just think no one's lucky enough."