The cards were dealt lightly, gliding across the velvet tabletop like secret whispers, while eager eyes watched every move, every glance, every subtle gesture that might reveal something about the players' intentions. In this world, it's not what the cards hold that matters, but how you play them.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9VZ4oYG2E
Elizabeth sat up straight, her hands on the table, her gaze fixed on the cards she'd been dealt. She didn't blink. She didn't breathe deeply. Everything was calculated. William, however, relaxed in his seat, as if he already knew the outcome.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4pKLmLJ3U
🃏 William (in a quiet voice, looking at Elizabeth instead of his cards): "Poker isn't just math, it's reading... reading eyes, reading breaths, reading fear before it's born."
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7cuR2D1qn
♠ Elizabeth (raising an eyebrow slightly): "And you think you're reading me?"
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcXsky4ANG
🃏 William (smiling weakly, turning over one of his cards): "Not yet... but I'm learning."
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvli9Hd4w8T
First round, the stakes are raised, and the other players at the table exchange glances. Elizabeth places her chips steadily, without hesitation, as everyone watches, unsure whether she's confident or just pretending.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbKR9OTVcN
On the other side of the room, John watches silently. He's uneasy. He's seen this scene before—William luring his opponents, playing with their minds before defeating them with cards. But he's never seen anyone confront him like this. Elizabeth was different.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yDsMdNAsr
♠ John (muttering to himself): "Do you know what you're doing, Elizabeth?"
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCIZa8clTp
But she didn't need to answer.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoUZyVRjN1
Every time William raised his bet, she followed him. Their gazes met, not an open challenge, but a silent test. Who would break first? Who would blink?
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpzyGx8MsP
Then, for a moment, she did something he hadn't expected.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbDnx7EDFT
♠ Elizabeth (leaning forward, voice low): "You're trying to see me, but do you see yourself, William?"
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkle0whHrs
Something changed in his expression. For a brief, almost imperceptible moment, a shadow of a past that hadn't yet been revealed appeared. Then, as if nothing had happened, he resumed his calm smile.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UNA0hUZA3
🃏 William: "Interesting game, Elizabeth."
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JajyI446H
♠ Elizabeth: "It's only just begun."
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xTidRpeI7
As the final card was placed on the table, no one was yet certain of the winner, but everyone realized that this night would be like no other.
ns216.73.216.176da2
