Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 88

Chapter

88

Dinner in the prison cafeteria was an uneventful routine for Adan-one of the few moments in his new reality where things. were somewhere near nonal. He had sat in his corner and was eating his tasteless meal without a word, until the approach of a man stopped him This wasn't any immate. He had that air of command, a carriage about him that bespoke a respect he received from all others, including guards, unless he wished otherwise. Adam placed him instantly: one of the inner workings controllers within the prison system, someone nobody crossed. "Adam Herbel, right?" he said easily, his voice low, firm. Adam nodded warily, not sure what to expect.

The man leaned in a little closer. "We've been watching you. We don't usually let just anyone in, but we think you've got what it takes. You interested in joining us?"

Adam blinked, taken aback. He had heard whispers about this group-a shadowy faction that ruled the prison from within.. They were untouchable, feared by inmates and guards alike. He couldn't believe they were inviting him.

"Yes," said Adam, his voice unwavering despite the surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

He chuckled and motioned for Adam to follow. They walked him to their table, where the group greeted him with laughter and comaraderie that was almost surreal amidst the grim confines of prison. They shared stories with them over their meal. in which their voices were filled with warmth and menace in equal proportions. For the first time since his incarceration. there seemed to be a glimmer of being let in, a reprieve from the loneliness that had hitherto consumed him.

But the day wasn't over.

Later that night, as the cells began to lock down, that very same man approached Adam again. "There's a game tonight," he hushed, his voice nearly conspiratorial. "But it's not any sort of game-it's gamble. You in?"

The sparkle in Adam's eyes lit up. He loves games, the risk and reward - it was the only thing he truly missed since being in prison. He nodded without hesitation.

"Good," the man said with a grin. "Be ready. You'll be out of your cell soon."

Indeed, true to his word, one hour later, there he was, unlocking the door to Adam's cell, which faced him and directed. saying, "Follow him. Privilege weighed more the way Adam walked with other prisoners locked behind him-the envious eyes trailing along as he walked. Finally, for the first time in this hellhole, he got that feeling of someone inside.

The guard then led him to a concealed underground chamber. The space was dimly lit, the only occupants being a sole table at the center manned by men who exuded power and danger. Upon the table lay a pack of cards, and on it Adam's heart sprang. It was a card game, his sort of game.

The game began, and soon enough, Adam found his rhythm. Hand after hand, he won, stacking cash and feeling invincible. The energy in the room shifted; the men around him grew increasingly impressed as Adam continued his winning streak. For one heady, intoxicating moment, he felt like he was on top of the world again, like the Adam Hershel he used to be whenever he was gambling.

But the illusion shattered in an instant.

One of the men watching the game suddenly shouted, his voice sharp and accusing "What's that in your pocket?"

All eyes turned to Adam. His heart froze as he reached for his pocket, pulling out a card he hadn't realized was there

"You're cheating the man roared, his voice echoing through the chamber.

The room exploded into chaos Overlapping voices rose in anger as the tension mounted with a rapality that soon became impossible for Adam to comprehend. He straggled to defend himself, but the accusations drowned him out. 21:20 Tue, Dec 17

Chapter 88

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In one swift and quick motion, one of them reached forward. A stinging pain ripped across Adam's neck as the cold blade sank into his flesh. His world spun wildly, the sounds around hin mulled and distorted.

Adam fell to the cold, concrete floor, his hands grasping at his neck as blood flowed out in hot, sticky waves. The pain was searing. He watched in blurred vision as the men who had just laughed and shared dinner with him scrambled out of the room, leaving him alone to die.

Everything around him was getting dimmer with each passing second. He could feel the life run out of him, the warmth of his blood pooling beneath him. His breathing was shallow, and his mind was a jumbled mess of regret, fear, and desperation.

As the last of his strength ebbed away, Adam's mind clung to fleeting images: his children, his wife, his past, the life he had once lived, and the decisions that had led him here. Alone in the silence, surrounded by darkness, he realized too late the Cost of

all that he had done.

SEND GIFT