chapter999

The Stratosphere Tower glowed in the distance, its lights rising into the night sky

and joining the sea of city lights below. Cars moved through the streets like rivers of stars, weaving a scene that was pure Las Vegas where old-school glitz mixed with modern dazzle.

Inside a luxury casino, the air was thick with tension. At the baccarat table, the dealer flicked cards with practiced ease. Chips changed hands in a blur. Some players stared hard at their cards, sweat beading on their foreheads. Others, faces flushed with excitement, shouted as they slammed down their bets. Smoke drifted overhead, mixing with the bright lights and the hum of greed. Here, people chased luck, some with hope and swagger, others already beaten by the night.

In the middle of all this, a few newcomers slipped in, unnoticed. Connor and Lydia wore black British-style hats, pulled low so you could barely see their eyes. Aiden hovered beside Connor, eyeing the room. He leaned in close. Boss, Greg's probably in his private suite up top. We can't get up there unless we force it."

Connor nodded. "Yeah."

Breaking in, turning the place upside down, that would be easy for them. But there were too many people around tonight. They were here for Greg, not to hurt anyone who just came to play.

Lydia spoke up, cool and direct. "If we're here to make a scene, let's make him come down to us."

Sweet Potato caught on right away. He glanced around. "Lydia, why don't we start small? There's a dice game over there."

Lydia gave a quick nod. "Sure."

The dice table was packed. Everyone's attention was on the dealer at the center. He wore a crisp uniform, his bow tie perfectly straight, silver cufflinks catching the light. His face was serious, eyes sharp behind rimless glasses, long fingers steady on the dice shaker.

The crowd buzzed with whispers and nervous energy. The dealer gave the shaker a smooth spin, wrist moving in a perfect rhythm. Someone shouted, Big! Big! Big!

"Come on, it's been small three times! No way it's small again! I'm betting big!" another guy yelled. Almost everyone was calling for big.

Sweet Potato didn't hesitate. He pulled out the dollars he'd

exchanged earlier. "I... I'm bettiel net

small

be called out stapping

thousand dollar chip on the table.

on

For a second, everything seemed to pause. The big bettors shot him dirty looks, then rolled their eyes. Their faces said it all This gorta be another broke kid with no clue, ruining the mood. A thousand bucks was nothing at this table anyway.

Sweet Potato scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. "Sorry, guys. My kid's out of formula, this is all I've got. Just hoping to get lucky, you know?"

No one bothered with him after that. They just went back to chanting, "Big! Big! Big!"

The dealer's face was unreadable, calm as ever, but his eyes seemed to see right through

everyone straight into their hopes. and fears he shook the dice with

effortless precision and brought the

cup down with a sharp thud.

C ntent

Everyone held their breath. Eyes locked on the dice, sweaty hands gripping sleeves,

every heart hoping for a miracle.

"Big! Big! Big!" the crowd roared.

Sweet Potato shouted too, "Small! Small! Small!"