“No limit?” Yvette mused, clenching her jaw. She liked the bet. “Stop the nonsense. Are we betting, or what?” she challenged.

Ethan stared at her gloomily. “Fine. If you insist, I’ll join. But let me warn you about Ryan—he’s not as gentle as he seems. If you care for him, you’d better watch out.” He suspected Yvette was defending Ryan, just like his crazy ex-girlfriend. Resentment simmered within him.

Yvette shoved her hands in her pockets, regarding him with an air of disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? Who said I like him?”

Ryan knew he couldn't let Yvette champion him. “Ethan, if you want to bet, I’ll bet with you.”

Ethan shook his head, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Sorry, but right now, I only want to bet with this beauty.”

Ryan saw the undisguised malice in Ethan’s eyes. “You…”

Ethan cut him off, rising to leave. His gaze swept the room, finally settling on Yvette. “See you in the top-floor gaming hall. You all know the way? If not, Mr. Lewis does,” he said.

After Ethan left, Ryan looked at Yvette, bewildered. He didn’t understand her eagerness to accept such a bet; it risked fifteen to twenty million dollars, at least. He knew about Yvette’s background. Despite his recent absence from school, rumors—both good and bad—had reached him upon his return. He’d learned she was the Chambers family’s recently rediscovered daughter, raised in the countryside.

Did she even grasp the nature of this bet? Her opponent wasn't just anyone; Ethan was the deputy mayor's son. Win or lose, she'd face a difficult situation. The Chambers family was already struggling, no match for Daniel. And Zachary wouldn't likely clash with the deputy mayor for her.

Besides Ryan, other physics students questioned Yvette's involvement. Was she merely seeking attention?

Yvette noticed their puzzled, disapproving glances. Silently, she turned, opened the door, and allowed the waiter to guide her to the top-floor gaming hall.

After her departure, several students complained about the attention she attracted.

“Seriously, Yvette’s always grabbing the spotlight. What does it have to do with us?” one said.

“Yeah, now Ethan’ll hold a grudge,” another added.

“If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come,” another grumbled.

Bonnie, initially intending to leave with Yvette, had forgotten her bag. Returning for it, she overheard their gossip. Her expression darkened; she was furious.

“Do you even know what’s going on?” she shouted. “Didn’t you hear what Ethan said? If Ryan doesn’t bet, can we just walk away? Do you really think Yvette wants to get involved? I know how much she hates trouble. She only stepped up because…”

She noticed their guilty looks, then glared at Ryan. “You all know Ethan wants to target Ryan, but because of his position, you didn’t dare speak up and instead blame Yvette. I’m ashamed of you. And you, Ryan, a grown man, just standing there? You got yourself into this mess, and I despise your lack of courage to stand with us.”

Bonnie snatched her red bag and left, hurrying to catch up with Yvette and the waiter. She glanced at Yvette, who seemed unfazed. “Yve, you weren’t there. I was so impressed!”

Yvette nodded casually. “Yeah, you were the most impressive.”

Sky Nimbus’s top-floor gaming hall was designed for the wealthy. Fitted with clear, bulletproof glass, high-definition cameras provided a complete, unobstructed view for onlookers. Stereo headsets ensured audibility. The hall itself cost over thirty million dollars, excluding upkeep.

Yvette and Bonnie took the VIP elevator to the top floor.

After Bonnie’s departure, Ryan urged the others to leave. Three departed quickly; ten remained, choosing to support Yvette. They knew Bonnie was right; Yvette had acted for their protection. They might lack funds, but they understood gratitude.

Seacrity buzzed with activity. Ethan’s high-stakes gamble, involving the Lewis family’s son and a beautiful girl defending Ryan, fueled intense interest. Within minutes, the gaming hall was surrounded by onlookers.

Justin, inwardly mocking Yvette’s overconfidence, saw an opportunity for drama. Ethan was a seasoned gambler; how could a student challenge him? Justin’s staff spread the word, contributing to the lively scene. He anticipated Yvette’s downfall.

Ryan joined the physics students. Upper-class attendees greeted him. He settled the group before entering the gaming hall alone.

Inside, Yvette and Ethan faced each other across the table, a high-ranking croupier between them. Bonnie stood nearby, nervously fidgeting.

Bonnie spotted a familiar face. Terrified by the situation, she could only offer silent support.

Ryan approached Yvette, whispering, “Cover the bets. Don’t worry about winning or losing, just enjoy yourself.” He expected a loss.

Despite the low volume, Ethan and the onlookers heard him.

Ethan glared at Yvette. “You said you’d bet with me. It has to be your own money, not Ryan’s. If you’re scared, admit defeat. I won’t make it hard for you.”

The onlookers grew more vulgar.

“Oh, so she’s betting with a man’s money, huh?”

“This is a man’s bet. What’s a woman doing here?”

“All right, all right. Let him. He’s got more money than sense. We’re here for the show.”

Yvette glanced at Ryan, her eyes calm yet intense. “I don’t need your money,” she stated.

Ryan was speechless. How could the Chambers family provide her with such funds? He couldn’t fathom her stubbornness.

Yvette looked at her phone. “Here it comes,” she said, as the elevator doors opened.