Forbidden Passion
Chapter 340 Playing for Thrills

The dealer handed out a hole card and a face-up card to each player. Phoebe noticed Theodore's face-up card was a 3 of Spades and got a bit worried.

The masked man's face-up card was a King of Hearts, surprising everyone. He had the upper hand. Theodore grinned and said, "Let's go big. Everyone can call." With his billion-dollar fortune, Theodore was playing extravagantly. Phoebe regretted not knocking him out and dragging him away earlier.

Some onlookers bet on the masked man, while few bet on Theodore. The dealer kept dealing.

Theodore's next card was a 5 of Spades, while the masked man got a Queen of Hearts, giving him a better hand. The dealer dealt with the masked man first. The crowd went wild, all betting on the masked man.

The dealer continued. Theodore's next card was a 2 of Spades, while the masked man got a Jack of Hearts, causing more gasps.

Phoebe's palms were sweaty. She had just learned the rules today, and Theodore's cards didn't look good.

The masked man's next card was a 10 of Hearts, making his face-up cards King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of Hearts. If his hole card were a 9 of Hearts, he'd win. Theodore's face-up cards were 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Spades. If his hole card was a 6 or Ace of Spades, he'd narrowly beat the masked man.

The dealer stopped and signaled to reveal the hole cards.

The crowd held their breath. Phoebe was so nervous that she silently chanted for a 6 of Spades.

Theodore calmly beckoned her. "Darling, give me a kiss."

Before she could refuse, Theodore pulled her into his lap.

No one noticed the masked man's eyes dimming.

Theodore gave Phoebe a loud kiss on the cheek, making everyone laugh. Phoebe wiped her face and said sternly, "We're about to lose!"

Theodore kissed her other cheek and then looked at the masked man. "You reveal your hole card first!"

The masked man sneered, thinking Theodore couldn't have a straight flush since the dealer had swapped out the 6 of Spades.

The masked man threw his hole card on the table.

There were murmurs of disappointment. "How is it not a straight flush? So close, just one card off."

The masked man's revealed card was a 9 of Diamonds.

Different suits made a big difference.

Phoebe sighed in relief and stared at Theodore's cards, nervously clasping her hands, hoping for a straight flush.

Theodore saw her eyelashes trembling and said, "Reveal it."

Phoebe felt the intense scrutiny from everyone around her, which made her quite fearful. She gazed at the cards as if they were untamed beasts. If she didn't disclose the hole card, they would forfeit five million dollars. The crowd urged her. Phoebe made up her mind, quickly revealed the hole card, and took a look. Her heart skipped a beat. 'No way? My luck couldn't be that bad. I must have seen it wrong.'

She gritted her teeth and threw the hole card on the table. The room went silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers.

Phoebe opened her eyes and saw the 6 of Spades. She hugged Theodore and kissed him several times. "We won!"

Theodore, covered in kisses, laughed. "We won. How will you reward me?"

Phoebe blushed.

Realizing she was still on his lap, she quickly got up and told the bodyguards to exchange the chips. They ended up with an extra million dollars.

Phoebe, overjoyed, smiled at the masked man. "You lost."

With a dark expression, the masked man ordered his men to take their stuff and stormed upstairs, smashing an expensive vase in anger.

Some people rejoiced, others worried.

When Theodore and Phoebe left the casino, they took two million dollars with them. Phoebe thought, 'No wonder so many people come to the casino to make quick money.' It was exhilarating!

However, she probably wouldn't come back. Her life motto was to stay grounded. Luck like today's doesn't come often.

Phoebe's excitement lasted until they returned to the hotel and saw Donovan.

Donovan had just finished showering and came out in a bathrobe, his hair wet and hanging over his eyes. He had bruises on his mouth and body. Phoebe frowned. "Where have you been hiding? Why couldn't we reach you? Do you know how worried Mom was?"

Donovan glanced at Theodore, who showed no intention of leaving and sat on the sofa.

Seeing this, Donovan said, "Phoebe, let's talk in the guest room."

Phoebe bit her lip, giving her brother some dignity. She stormed into the guest room, with Donovan following and closing the door. He said, "My phone has GPS. They can track me."

"Hiding is useless. You were still found. If we hadn't arrived in time, you'd be shark food," Phoebe said angrily.

Donovan replied, "They just want money, not my life."

"You were at a dead end, and you're still naive? Why did you gamble? You know our family's situation," Phoebe questioned angrily.

Donovan didn't realize how close he was to death. He still thought the casino individuals were kind. If they were kind, they wouldn't have cheated him. Donovan licked his lips and sat on the bed. "Phoebe, I didn't want to gamble. I was set up."

Phoebe retorted, "If you didn't want to gamble, no one could force you."

Donovan grabbed Phoebe's wrist. "Phoebe, don't be mad. Listen to me. Darlene set me up."

"Darlene?" Phoebe frowned.

Donovan explained how he met Darlene, how she took him to the casino, and how she stole his money.

After hearing it all, Phoebe felt conflicted. "I don't know what to say. A good woman wouldn't take you to a casino."

Donovan explained, "I got deceived. Darlene seemed innocent. She promised to stay with me forever and gave me her first time. I didn't think much." Phoebe rubbed her forehead. "You deserved to be deceived!"