Is this destiny?

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.

About one hour later, it was down to two players: Akmal and Sarah were facing each other.

Sarah was sad to see Jarred lose, but she reminded herself that there can be only one winner. No matter if she thinks that old man is a good person or not, only one can stand on top at the end of this game.

Sarah was only one step away from leaving this event with a McLaren Roadster, flawless blue diamond, Ming dynasty vase, statue of a cat from ancient Egypt and whatever is coming in this round.

Akmal's expression was shifting between giving Sarah piercing gazes and obnoxious egoism. It was obvious from his gaze that he is confident he will win this last round.

Aiden was also on high alert because the number of bodyguards in the room didn't seem to dwindle. On contrary, it seemed there was more of them! Or maybe he only imagined it, at least part of him hoped that he imagined it.

At the sound of the gong, lady announced the last item. "Bugatti Divo… only 40 units available worldwide! … "

This car was practically priceless! It's not only about the luxurious model, design, features and parts, it was also about how difficult is to get one.

Aiden finally concluded without a doubt that something is wrong with this game. If house never loses, how come they are willing to part with something so precious? Logically thinking, every prize has a chance not to leave the house if the winner loses one of next hands, however that last prize will be undoubtedly given away, to the last winner.

Why would they give away such a prize if they don't like to lose? Unless… they don't plan to give it away at all! Aiden was getting nervous. This realization, with all those bodyguards surrounding them put him on super-high alert. Is this why old man Jarred offered his help? Did he know that they will be in danger if Sarah wins? Did Sarah know?

Aiden observed Sarah's expression and her body language. She seemed calm and collected, focused on the game.

Right. Sarah wants house to lose. That can't be so straightforward, not when the stakes are this high. In order for house to lose, Sarah needs to win all hands. And she is only one step away.

Sarah continued as usual and won the last hand! Everything was hers!

She looked at Akmal with a smirk on her face while pulling chips from the pot closer in slow motion. She could tell that he does not like her, and that made this win just a bit sweeter.

Akmal was glaring at Sarah and he didn't seem to be happy at all. After staring at her for some time he abruptly stood up and pointed his index finger at her. He was so angry that his whole body trembled, including that finger. "You! It will not end here!" Akmal wanted to say something more, but few bodyguards showed up and escorted him away.

Waitresses came and collected Akmal's remaining chips as well as Sarah's.

Now it was only Sarah and Aiden sitting at a large table, the only illuminated area in the large room, surrounded by darkness which was filled with bodyguards.

"You won…" Aiden whispered.

"It's one thing to win, and another to leave with winnings… but I don't think they will do anything here…" Sarah whispered back while caressing his cheek before kissing him. The game is over, and they can finally kiss, like any married couple would do to celebrate a big Vegas win. Right?

Aiden held her hand in his and squeezed it gently assuring her that she can count on him. She smiled.

Lady in tan dress approached them not long after. "Congratulations, Mrs. Black! Very impressive.. We didn't see such a clean sweep by a player for a long time. I can only say that luck was on your side tonight!"

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