Chapter 464 - Las Vegas (8) (1/2)

The game was definitely more exciting and riskier with these house rules.

Next half hour passed in a flash.

The sound of the gong was heard and lady in tan dress appeared on the stage, showing a flawless blue diamond. ”…Three separate experts confirmed that if this 34-carat rare beauty is auctioned, the starting price of 17 million dollars will be fair…”

Everyone glanced at the diamond, and Sarah noticed that Jared looked at that diamond longer than necessary. He was losing his focus from the current hand.

Aiden was holding his breath until he started feeling dizzy. 'These things are just crazy…' He had a hard time comprehending that all this is real. 'How did Sarah find out about this behind-the-scene game?'

And, of course, Sarah won the hand which had a diamond included.

Another older man got out of the game, and they agreed to have a small break.

During the break, Sarah and Aiden observed that even though two people left the room, it didn't appear that any bodyguards left. They glanced at each other and shared an understanding… this spells trouble. The bodyguards are probably here for the house… but why? And why so many?

Jarred made sure to approach Sarah before break ended. ”If your luck follows you until the end, take good care of that stone.”, Jared told Sarah with a hint of sadness in his voice.

Sarah responded with a small nod, wondering why Jared is so attached to that blue diamond, and why are his words sounding like a warning.

She didn't care much for the diamond… she didn't care much for any of the prizes no matter what they bring out… well, she did care about that car. That is something she would like to have, especially because she saw how excited Aiden was… she will gift it to him. But Sarah was not here for the prizes, she was here for revenge. Probably that is why she was so unphased by the awards.

Jarred continued in a low voice, ”I see your luck… and that maybe it's more than that…”. Aiden got closer to Sarah, protectively placing his arm around her shoulders; he was on high alert. And he didn't like this old man coming so close to Sarah and acting familiar. 'Old man, she is taken, all right?'

Jarred glanced at Aiden and smiled while speaking to Sarah, his voice almost a whisper, ”A friendly warning: house does not like to lose.”

”I will keep that in mind.” Sarah responded. Of course, she knows that house does not like to lose. That is why they designed this game. If I player wins few rounds, he will have substantial amount of chips and the prizes, and when that player loses, everything goes to the house. The only way house is at a loss is if someone wins all rounds. But the chance for that is quite slim… slim for everyone, except for players like Sarah. Corners of her lips curved into a smile at the thought that she is finally here, and playing, and close to her goal.

Jarred observed Sarah's confidence laced with a hint of arrogance and laughed. ”Good. Here…” He handed her a card. ”Feel free to call if you need me. Tonight, I will be in the area.”

Sarah looked a card; it was his business card. ”Why?” He gave her a warning, and now he is offering his help… Or is he offering her help? What is his agenda?

Jarred laughed. ”Who knows? … Who knows?” He walked away.

Sarah didn't have much time to think about Jared and his motives… the game was resuming. Now it was a game between Sarah, Jarred, Akmal and Shing.

Time passed quickly, and the sound of the gong filled up the room again. Lady in tan dress appeared on the stage again, showing a tall vase. ”…dating from 14th century, this Ming dynasty jade vase is inlaid with gemstones… perfect condition…”

Aiden noticed Shing gazing at the vase. It seems he really wanted it… but getting distracted like that can't be good for him. It's not helping with his game. Shing was next one to be out. He looked at the vase with sorrow, as if he is leaving someone dear to him.

As the game progressed, Sarah didn't pay attention to anything other than the game and the players. This was the only thing that told Aiden how tense she is. But that one thing was enough, he didn't need more to know that she needs his support. Aiden moved a bit closer to her, careful not to touch her in order not to break her concentration… but close enough to show that he is there for her. He saw her smiling, and he knew that she acknowledged his intention.