The furrow between Karl's brows deepened as the mocking laughter rang around the room.
He glanced at Adelyn's cards, then shifted his gaze toward the man's.
Only the King of Diamonds had been revealed on the other side —yet that alone was enough to tilt the odds unfavorably.
Karl's expression darkened.
Leaning closer, he lowered his voice. "You're still sure you'll win?"
He waited for her to respond…
But when she didn't, he exhaled and added, almost as if consoling her, "It's okay. These men are pros. They tricked me… they must have tricked you too."
Tricked her?
Adelyn almost laughed.
"It's fine," Karl continued, sighing as though he had already accepted defeat. "It was just a car. Even if you lost it, I don't blame you." He paused briefly before adding, "Besides… didn't you say if you lose, I'd still be winning? You'd leave my brother, after all."
Adelyn slowly turned to look at him.
Karl paused under that gaze.
