Chapter 456
Chapter 456
From a single glance, Sweetport seemed like something out of a dream.
Its clear, meandering canals shimmered in the sunlight, boats drifted lazily across the water, and the surrounding architecture was both distinctive and picturesque, casting a surreal charm over the entire city.
On one of the livelier streets, Jasmine was pushing a stroller. Gracie was awake but quiet, soothed by the lullaby playing from inside and insulated from
the noise outside.
To avoid drawing attention to the oddities about her, Gracie wore an impossibly cute bunny–eared hat. Her unusual hair color couldn’t be changed, so they simply kept people at a distance.
Inside a boutique for mothers and infants, Shermaine was calmly stocking up on essentials, everything Gracie would need in the days ahead. She appeared entirely at ease, as if she hadn’t a care in the world and no fear whatsoever of being found.
By dusk, a golden glow bathed Sweetport. The glistening waters and exotic facades seemed to bask under a divine light, making the entire city feel otherworldly in its beauty.
Soon, they boarded a magnificent cruise ship, the venue for tonight’s International Gambling Tournament. This was the Top Hundred round. Twenty would be eliminated, leaving eighty to battle for a place in the Top Fifty.
From there, the field would narrow to twenty, then ten, and finally crown a single winner, the title of gambling king, the throne no one shared.
The ship’s interior was bustling, guests flowing in from all sides.
Most were dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns.
Thanks to Shermaine, Jasmine came aboard as her companion, which meant full access to everything, gourmet dining, premium wines, a private suite, and even front–row WIP seats to the tournament.
Of course, with Gracie along, it wasn’t exactly convenient to stay in the crowd. But there would be a live broadcast, so watching from the room would do just fine.
At that moment, the cruise ship’s giant screen began displaying profiles of the Top Hundred contestants.
As soon as Shermaine boarded, her image lit up the screen.
She was breathtaking, impossible not to notice.
A smooth, resonant voice came over the sound system. “Please welcome Boa Hanks, one of our Top Hundred players, a stunning and enigmatic competitor!”
The camera panned straight to her, and a reporter stepped forward for an interview.
He smiled politely. “Ms. Hanks, do you feel confident about making it into the Top Ten?”
Shermaine wasn’t the only woman in the competition, but she stood out in every way, beauty, presence, and an
air of danger.
No one knew much about her, but even if she didn’t win, her future in the gambling world was already secure.
Just having her at a table was enough to attract wealthy high–rollers in droves.
Her hair was now a striking shade of sea–blue, cascading in waves to her waist.
It was a bold color few could pull off. On Shermaine, it looked tailor–made.
With her defined features, blood–red lips, and a sleek strapless black gown, she carried herself with a rare mix of grace and indifference.
Chapter 456
Viewers online were captivated. Many on board couldn’t take their eyes off the screen. To them, Shermaine seemed to embody the very image of Athens from their ancient myths, a goddess of icy beauty and regal bearing.
The moment she emerged, the atmosphere, both on board and online, erupted in collective awe.
“God, this Boa Hanks is even more gorgeous than Mandy.”
Mandy Morey, another Top Hundred contestant, was the Northern District’s favorite female gambler, known for both her skill and her looks.
Shermaine represented the Southern District but kept a low profile. She rarely gave interviews, vanishing immediately after her matches. Her popularity had never soared until now.
Elsewhere on the ship, in one of the spacious lounges outfitted with a pool and a full bar, contestants were mingling, drinks in hand.
Mandy sat beside a blond man with a delicate, almost ethereal air. She sneered as Shermaine’s face appeared onscreen, unimpressed, until she caught the man glancing at the screen with quiet interest. Her expression changed instantly.
That man was Simon Moreno, the son of Baykeep’s city lord. A legendary gambler in his own right, his talent was said to rival his father’s. Since he first picked up cards, he had only ever lost to one man.
Mandy, on the other hand, was the sole female disciple of the reigning Gambling King.
Everyone in Baykeep assumed she would become the next lady of the city, Simon’s future wife.
She wasn’t about to let another woman steal his attention.
Simon said plainly, “Ms. Hanks is definitely better looking than you.”
There was something about Shermaine, her curves and look, that stirred a deep urge in him, a craving to dominate.
Shermaine, meanwhile, paid no mind to the buzz she was causing. The only thing she cared about was whether Joshua would see the broadcast and recognize her.
She looked nothing like she used to, but if it was Joshua watching she was sure he’d know her at first glance.
And when asked about her goal for the tournament, she answered with cool defiance, “I’m not here for the Top Ten. I’m here to win.”
There was a beat of stunned silence, then a wave of chatter broke out.
It sounded so arrogant and overconfident.
But her record was spotless. From the preliminaries to now, she hadn’t lost a single match. And not only had she won, but she had done it with almost casual ease.
Still, the skeptics remained. With Simon in the mix, her chances of claiming the title were slim.
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