Rewrite Her Thrilling Life (Lillian and Sebastian) novel Chapter 280

Chapter 280: The Face-Off

A heavy silence settled over the room, every eye fixed intently on the table where the game was unfolding. The atmosphere grew dense with tension, as if the very air had thickened, pressing down on the players and spectators alike.

The dealer moved with deliberate care, fanning the deck slowly to demonstrate there were no hidden tricks. Then, with a sharp, practiced rhythm, the cards were shuffled. The soft rustle of the deck sliding against the green felt echoed clearly, steady and precise.

With smooth, expert motions, the dealer cut the deck and riffled the cards, the crisp snaps filling the room and building a palpable sense of suspense.

Lillian sat composed, her face serene and unreadable, radiating calm confidence. Opposite her, Janus reclined casually in his chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes sparkling with a hint of mockery—as if the stakes of the game were beneath his concern.

The dealer began dealing the cards.

Janus gestured toward Lillian, his voice smooth and unhurried. “Ladies first.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Lillian pushed her entire stack of chips forward, her deep red lips parting slightly as she declared, “All in.”

A slow, knowing smile curved Janus’s lips. He quickly scribbled a number to match her bet, then slid the slip across the table with an easy, casual grace. His unhurried movements and faintly teasing smile drew appreciative murmurs from the women gathered nearby.

The dealer burned a card, then flipped the river. In a steady, clear voice, the dealer announced, “Pair of sevens—winner.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

Janus, however, remained perfectly composed, his expression as calm as ever.

The second round saw Lillian win once more.

Janus chuckled softly, amusement flickering in his eyes. “I didn’t expect your luck to be this good. I suppose I must admit defeat.”

Lillian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You’re flattering me. Thank you for letting me win.”

Despite her calm exterior, she was certain Janus had approached her with a plan. His moves, casual and almost careless each round, suggested that winning or losing was secondary to some other agenda. What exactly was he after?

“For the third round,” Janus said smoothly, “how about we change the game?”

Lillian raised an eyebrow, curiosity lighting up her gaze. “I’m listening.”

“Blackjack,” he proposed, that same casual smile playing on his lips. “Closest to twenty-one wins. I imagine that won’t be too difficult for you.”

A single flick of her wrist sent her cards face down onto the table. She leaned back in her chair, calm and poised, her expression unreadable.

Even Janus couldn’t conceal the flicker of surprise in his eyes.

The teasing glint dimmed, replaced by a rare edge of caution.

Without a word, Lillian pushed her entire stack of chips forward once more.

Janus matched her, sliding another check of equal value across the felt.

“You call first,” he said, his voice steady but lower now, almost taut with tension.

Her gaze flicked to his cards. “Blackjack,” she said softly but firmly.

Janus’s eyes locked onto hers. “Twenty-one,” he replied evenly.

The dealer hesitated only briefly before reaching for the cards, ready to reveal the final hands.