Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld
Chapter 155 Just Chips in a Game

Victor slumped into his chair, his chiseled face a mix of emotions. He surveyed the surroundings; this was Cove, not his turf, and without his own bodyguards at his side, he knew he couldn't pull any stunts, especially not against the formidable

founder of Grape Casino.

With a mere fifty million on him, it was impossible to bridge the gap that night.

Even if he could, it would take time.

He needed to leave and raise money.

Finally, he put it out there: "I can pay it back, no doubt. But I need time. I can write an IOU." Victor offered.

As he spoke, his expression soured by the second.

Humiliation was unfamiliar to him.

John drew deeply from his cigar before tossing it aside with a decisive motion. Rising with a slap on the table, his face twisted into a mask of severity. "Vic, I'm ruthless, not a charity. MY rules reign tonight, and only tonight."

"You want to break them?"

Furious, Victor retorted, "I'm not a deadbeat. If I say I'll pay, I'll pay."

The tension escalated, much to the crowd's amusement. They watched eagerly.

John was the big fish here, and with no oversight, he made the rules.

After all, the casino's policy was there for a reason to curb gambling addiction and remind patrons to gamble within their means.

Some, unfortunately, bit off more than they could chew.

Just like Victor.

John nodded at Victor, then glanced at Flora, standing nearby, without saying another word. With a slight lift of his left hand, he commanded, "Grab him."

The bodyguards surged forward at his command, seizing Victor and pinning him down on the poker table while the others looked on with glee.

John approached with a knife in hand, tracing it across Victor's face. "You see, Victor, I'm missing an eye. A little recklessness in my youth cost me that, and I've never taken to seeing a man with a perfect pair of eyes since. Money is no object to me. If you won't pay your debt, how about we settle with one of your eyes? Two hundred million for an eye - either way, you come out ahead."

Victor, visibly terrified, stammered, "Aren't you afraid of the people behind the casino?"

Laughter erupted around them, and someone jeered, "Idiot, as long as there's no dead body, the casino guys won't care."

"I can't believe Victor's such a naïve fool," another mocked.

Hearing this, Victor's legs began to tremble. A rich boy from Central City, accustomed to luxury - they all prized their appearance.

"No!" Victor pleaded, visibly scared, "I assure you, I'll raise the money."

John remained unmoved, the knife tip teasingly close to Victor's eye, prompting him to blurt out in cold sweat, "Please, just don't touch my eyes. Give me a little time, and I'll get the money. The Robinsons will even grant you a favor. They won't refuse."

At that, John withdrew the knife and tapped it against Victor's cheek. After a moment's thought, he said, "Fine, but I don't need The Robinsons' favor - your word will do, Victor."

Seizing the chance for a reprieve, Victor nodded fervently. "Anything you say."

"Let me have a good time with your woman. Enjoy her thoroughly, and I'll write off the debt. How does that sound? Good deal, huh?"

Flora, pale as a ghost, staggered backward. She needed to get out - she knew Victor would agree.

Sure enough, with only a brief hesitation, Victor eagerly replied, "Okay, I agree."

Just another woman to him; he had plenty.

And Flora was just one of the many women in his collection.