Chapter 364: The IOU

The three men stood thunderstruck, particularly Broderick, whose countenance had turned ashen. He simply could not fathom the astonishing events unfolding before him.

“You, your hand…” he stammered, the words barely escaping his lips.

“What of my hand?” Lord Alaric feigned ignorance while gathering his winnings.

Broderick, with great difficulty, suppressed his curiosity, unable to directly accuse Lord Alaric of cheating. All he could question was the adequacy of his skill in not managing to secure three Aces.

“Didn’t you claim your hand was the strongest?” Broderick pressed, his internal turmoil evident as he averted his gaze from his cards.

“Oh, I meant to say I possess the highest pair!” Lord Alaric casually responded, dismissing Broderick’s concern.

Broderick appeared utterly crushed, his face a portrait of despair.