Chapter 28: A Game of Diamonds — The High-Stakes Duel

The Monte Carlo Grand Pavilion had settled into a quieter rhythm as the charity auction concluded. Most of the attendees had drifted toward the lavish lounge, sipping vintage champagne and basking in the glow of their latest acquisitions. But at the center of the private lounge, a new game was about to begin.

A velvet-draped poker table had been set, illuminated by a single crystal chandelier. The scent of aged whiskey and Cuban cigars lingered in the air. Count Victor La Roche sat with an air of practiced confidence, his silver hair gleaming under the lights. The Midnight Sovereign still rested on his finger, a symbol of his power.

Zhao Feng, however, was undeterred. He moved with a calm assurance, unbothered by the murmurs of the surrounding elite. The yacht he had bid on earlier — a deliberate move to bait La Roche — was already forgotten. This was the real game.

The Count's voice was smooth as he addressed Zhao Feng. "Five-card poker. No-limit stakes. No interruptions."

"And the wager?" Zhao Feng's voice was steady.

La Roche's lips curled. "If you lose, the yacht is mine — and so is the satisfaction of knowing that even the mighty Zhao Feng has limits."

"And if I win?"

The Count's eyes flickered with amusement. "The Midnight Sovereign will be yours."

The air thickened. The crowd, though silent, brimmed with anticipation. Few ever dared to challenge Count La Roche in his own game. But Zhao Feng wasn't just a challenger — he was a force.

With a slight nod, Zhao Feng took his seat. Xiao Ling stood a respectful distance behind him, her sharp gaze noting every detail.

"Deal," Zhao Feng said.

The cards slid across the table, the soft whisper of felt barely audible beneath the tension. The dealer, a poised woman with a face devoid of emotion, oversaw the game.

Zhao Feng's fingers brushed over his cards. A seven of hearts and a ten of spades. A neutral hand — but poker wasn't simply about the cards.

It was about the people.

Across from him, La Roche wore an expression of studied ease, the slight smirk never leaving his lips. He raised the opening bet without hesitation, a move meant to provoke. Zhao Feng matched it without blinking.

The flop revealed a king of hearts, a queen of spades, and a ten of diamonds.

"Fascinating," La Roche remarked, swirling his glass of brandy. "But I suppose for a man like you, money is meaningless. What's the thrill if there's no risk?"

Zhao Feng's voice remained calm. "Risk and reward are two sides of the same coin."

The betting continued. La Roche played aggressively, each raise intended to intimidate. But Zhao Feng didn't falter. His eyes never left the Count's.

Confidence can be a weapon — but so can patience.

In the end, Zhao Feng's pair of tens won the first round. A minor victory, but enough to unsettle his opponent.

With each passing hand, the room's atmosphere grew heavier. La Roche's initial bravado began to waver as Zhao Feng dismantled his defenses. It wasn't the cards that unnerved him — it was the unwavering calm in Zhao Feng's eyes.

"You don't play like a man chasing luck," La Roche sneered, attempting to provoke him.

"I don't believe in luck," Zhao Feng replied. "Only opportunity."

The Count's jaw tightened.

Two hours.

The game continued. The pot grew. Millions in chips piled before them, though for both men, the money had become irrelevant.

La Roche's frustration became evident. His hands clenched slightly when Zhao Feng called his bluff. His smile grew tighter each time Zhao Feng pushed him into a corner.

But the Count wasn't finished.

With the Midnight Sovereign on the line, the air turned electric. The dealer dealt the cards with practiced elegance. Zhao Feng lifted his hand.

Ace of Spades. King of Clubs.

A powerful hand — but not invincible.

La Roche exhaled slowly, concealing the glint of determination in his eyes. "All in."

A collective gasp echoed through the room. Zhao Feng, however, remained composed. The pot now sat at nearly 200 million euros.

"Call," Zhao Feng said calmly.

The cards were revealed.

La Roche flipped over a Queen of Diamonds and a Jack of Spades — a strong hand, dangerously close to a straight. The room held its breath as the dealer slowly drew the final card.

Ace of Hearts.

A burst of whispers erupted. Zhao Feng's pair of aces held. Victory was his.

"Winner — Mr. Zhao Feng."

La Roche's face paled. The smugness was gone, replaced by disbelief. The Midnight Sovereign, the symbol of his pride, now belonged to Zhao Feng.

"You played well," Zhao Feng said, rising from his seat. His voice was cool, but not unkind. "But pride clouds judgment."

The Count could only force a bitter smile. "Enjoy your prize, Mr. Zhao. But remember — every victory invites a greater challenger."

Zhao Feng nodded. "Then let them come."

As he walked away, Xiao Ling stepped forward. "Congratulations, Boss. The Midnight Sovereign is being prepared for delivery."

Ding!

[Midnight Sovereign Acquired.]

[Jewelry Market Influence +500]

[Simp Coins +50 Million]

Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. One piece of the Eclipse Collection was now in his possession. But the path ahead remained long.

"Next," Zhao Feng said, his voice resolute, "we find the blue diamonds for Lunar Serenity."

The game had only just begun.