Chapter 48: A Gamble Worth Everything
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Ethan shuffled the deck in his hands, his fingers moving with practiced ease.
The black card sat in the middle of the table—a single object worth more than money, more than reputation.
It was access.
To a world Ethan had only glimpsed.
And to a game far deadlier than any he had played before.
The woman at the head of the table—Victoria Hale—watched him closely.
"Confidence is good," she said. "Arrogance? That gets people buried."
Ethan smirked. "Then let's see how deep we can dig."
The others chuckled, but their eyes remained sharp.
They weren't just playing for sport.
They were playing to win.
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Nathan Pierce leaned forward, placing a fresh deck of cards in the center.
"Simple rules," he said. "Texas Hold'em. No limit. You fold? You're out. You lose? You owe us. You win?"
He tapped the black card.
"You join the Syndicate."
Ethan glanced at the players around him. Titans of industry, children of old money, power brokers. They weren't here for fun.
They were here to test him.
To see if he belonged.
He gave them all a slow smile.
"Let's play."
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The first few rounds passed quickly.
Ethan played conservatively, watching, analyzing.
Kairos Westwood sat across from him, smirking as he toyed with his chips.
"So, Fleeting Fable," Kairos said, his voice smooth. "Tell me—what's a guy like you really after?"
Ethan didn't blink. "A good story."
Kairos chuckled. "And how does this one end?"
Ethan glanced at his cards. Ace-King.
"It ends with me walking away with that card."
Kairos raised an eyebrow. "Confident."
Victoria smiled. "I like that."
The dealer flipped the flop.
King of Spades. Eight of Diamonds. Two of Clubs.
Ethan kept his face neutral.
Kairos raised the bet. Others followed.
Ethan called.
The turn came—Ace of Hearts.
Ethan suppressed a smirk.
Now, he had them.
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The betting war intensified. One by one, players folded.
Until only Ethan and Kairos remained.
Kairos leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "I have to admit, I'm impressed. Most people in your position would be sweating."
Ethan chuckled. "Most people aren't me."
Kairos tapped his fingers against the table. "I could make things interesting. Double the stakes?"
Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "You sure you can afford it?"
Kairos grinned. "I never bet what I can't lose."
Ethan glanced at the pile of chips. Then at the black card.
Then back at Kairos.
"All in," Ethan said.
Kairos' grin widened. "Oh, this just got fun."
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The river card flipped.
Queen of Spades.
Ethan had won.
With two pairs—Aces and Kings.
Kairos exhaled sharply, then chuckled. "Well, well. Looks like we have a new player at the table."
The room went silent.
Then Victoria Hale picked up the black card and slid it toward Ethan.
"Congratulations," she said. "You're in."
Ethan picked up the card, his fingers brushing over its smooth surface.
This wasn't just a win.
It was an invitation into power.
And Ethan Cross?
He never played for anything less.
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As the game ended and the players dispersed, Ethan felt eyes on him.
Kairos stood, adjusting his cufflinks.
"You played well tonight," he admitted. "But the real game?"
He smirked.
"It's only just beginning."
Ethan pocketed the black card. "Good. I was getting bored."
Kairos chuckled. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts."
Then he walked away.
Ethan exhaled, finally letting himself relax.
He had won.
But he had also stepped into something dangerous.
And now?
Now, he had to figure out exactly what he had gotten himself into.
Because the Syndicate wasn't just a club.
It was a kingdom.
And Ethan?
He had just become a player in its deadliest game yet.
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