Chapter 225: Shadows Move in Silence

The moment the phone call ended, Ochieng knew—someone else was watching the game.

Not from inside the room.

But from the shadows.

---

The lockbox sat at the center of the table, a silent reminder of what was at stake.

Dmitri twirled his glass, his piercing gaze locked on Ochieng. "Shall we continue?"

Ezekiel, still smirking, leaned forward. "I'm curious. Ochieng, tell me… what would you do if you lost?"

Ochieng met his gaze without flinching.

"I don't consider losing an option."

Ezekiel chuckled, shaking his head. "That's not an answer. But no matter. Let's play."

The second round began.

The black obsidian cards were drawn again. This time, each move was more aggressive. Each decision held a layer of deception.

Ochieng played carefully. He wasn't just playing against the three seated at the table—he was playing against the unknown entity that had called him.

His instincts were sharp. Years of navigating deadly negotiations had trained him to recognize shifts in the air.

And right now?

Something was coming.

---

Outside the casino's private room, a figure moved effortlessly through the halls.

Dressed in an all-black suit, his presence barely registered to the security cameras. He had no weapon visible—but those who knew him understood:

He didn't need one.

A single passcode.

A flicker of a light.

The casino's secondary security system deactivated for exactly ten seconds.

And in those ten seconds, the shadow passed through unnoticed.

He was coming for the game.

More specifically—

For Ochieng.

---

Back at the table, Ezekiel's smirk widened. He placed his cards down.

"A bold move," Dmitri muttered.

Nadia's fingers tapped against the wooden surface, her mind processing everything at an alarming speed.

Ochieng glanced at his own cards, unfazed.

Then, just as he was about to make his next move—

The doors to the private lounge burst open.

Every head turned.

The tension in the air became suffocating.

Standing there was a man with silver-rimmed glasses and a presence that sent a ripple through the room.

Ezekiel's smirk faded.

Dmitri sat up straighter.

Nadia's hand moved subtly toward her thigh, where she likely had a concealed weapon.

But Ochieng?

He only leaned back, exhaling slowly.

The man stepped forward, his voice smooth and calculated.

"I believe I'm late to the game," he said.

Ochieng tilted his head. "And you are?"

The man adjusted his glasses.

"Someone who has a vested interest in that lockbox."

His eyes flickered toward the sealed envelope inside.

A cold smile formed on his lips.

"And I'm here to change the rules."

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