Immediately, Max could hear a rising panic in Warma's voice. He was breathing heavily into the phone, and through the speaker, Max could make out grunts and other strange noises. No actual words were coming through, not at first, until finally, after what felt like a strained effort, Warma was able to speak.
"Sir, I would heavily advise against this idea," Warma said, his tone urgent and firm. "There's been a lot you've asked me to do, and I haven't really questioned it too much so far. But gambling... well, that's a whole different matter entirely. It's a very serious issue."