Chapter 79
Isabel vowed to find Wolf and take revenge for Fox. She recalled Fox mentioning a sister back home, though she didn't know her name. In their line of work, family was rarely discussed, primarily for safety. Isabel had only heard fleeting mention of Fox's family. Hoping to atone for his death, she wanted to find them and offer amends.
Every night at midnight, the haunting image replayed in her mind: her fallen comrades, bravely fighting beside her, all suffering because of Wolf's betrayal. This betrayal fueled a deep hatred, clenching her fists.
The next day, Seraphina invited Isabel to join her and some friends at Phoenix Rising. While Seraphina and her friends enjoyed card games and laughter, Isabel sat apart, scrolling through her phone, appearing bored.
"Hey, Isabel! I brought you along to have fun. Why are you staring at your phone?" Seraphina asked.
"I'll be fine here," Isabel replied.
"I thought I'd get you to socialize more, but you're still isolated. Come on."
They started to play cards, and Seraphina had already lost several rounds. "I'm not really into card games," Isabel admitted.
"Watch me play! I'll teach you!" Seraphina exclaimed, returning to the game, though she struggled to keep up with her opponents.
One opponent said, "Seraphina, you better be careful, this round, I'm definitely going to win!"
With a pout, Seraphina sighed. "Am I just on a losing streak today?"
Seeing everyone become more competitive, Seraphina hesitated, worried she might lose. Isabel encouraged her, "Play this one!" Seraphina took her advice. After a quick turn of events, it was Seraphina's turn again.
"This one…" Following Isabel's advice, Seraphina realized her hand had improved significantly.
"I won!" Seraphina shouted, filled with joy. A hand that had seemed hopeless turned into victory through clever play.
"Isabel, didn't you say you didn't like playing cards?" Seraphina asked, surprised.
"I might not enjoy it, but I definitely know how to play," Isabel replied.
Seraphina's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Alright then! Play a few rounds for me! Just teach those bullies a lesson—they think they can push me around!"
Isabel reluctantly joined the game. Unlike the others, she didn't bother to arrange her cards neatly; while most carefully organized their hands, Isabel simply glanced at hers and began playing.
Seraphina struggled to follow along, finding it hard to understand the haphazard cards. "Isabel, at least organize them a little!" Seraphina complained.
"I can't be bothered," Isabel replied, discarding a card.
While Seraphina was still thinking, Isabel played another card and unexpectedly won. The others at the table fell silent, shocked by her speed.
As the rounds continued, Isabel won incredibly fast. Her card choices seemed confusing to her opponents, leaving them unable to challenge her. Their initial confidence turned to frustration as they watched her win repeatedly.
"Wow! Isabel, you're amazing! I had no idea you were such a skilled player!" Seraphina said, wishing she had noticed this talent sooner.
Seraphina had previously assumed Isabel avoided such places because she couldn't play cards. "Well, counting cards isn't rocket science; it's actually pretty simple," Isabel explained.
"But you still need a good memory! With so many cards, how can you keep track?"
"True," Isabel conceded. For an average person, it might seem difficult. But Isabel easily remembered the played cards, anticipating her opponents' possible hands based on their moves—a clear path to victory.
"Alright, your turn now, otherwise, it loses its charm," Isabel suggested, giving up her seat. She felt the game would become boring if she kept winning. Afterward, she excused herself to the restroom.
Across the table, three people sighed in relief. "Seraphina, who is that friend of yours? She can count cards? Amazing skill!"
"Oh, she's an ordinary student! But I know she's smarter than I am," Seraphina said proudly.
"Got it." They exchanged amused looks.
A little annoyed, Seraphina replied, "What do you mean by that? Are you making fun of me!"
"It's just that your friend is incredibly talented! I doubt I'll ever want to play with her again; she seems to have x-ray vision! It feels like she knows what cards I have—competing against her is really pressuring," one admitted.
"Yeah! I'm hesitant to play against her now," another agreed.
Seraphina considered their comments, wondering if Isabel's distant attitude stemmed from her high skill level. No one would want to challenge someone so talented. As the saying goes, true champions often remain alone.
In another lounge, Tony laid several stacks of cash before Rex. "Rex, this is my way of saying thanks! Please, take it!" Tony said, looking eager.
Rex, lighting a cigarette, examined the cash. "What's on your mind?" he replied, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"Please help me deal with a person," Tony said.
"Easy enough, as long as no one dies!"
"Of course, I don't want to kill her, just teach her a lesson!" Tony couldn't afford to risk Isabel's life. If Blake found out, it would be disastrous; moreover, it would anger Sophia. The Galvez family relied on the union between Isabel and Blake to strengthen their ties with the Yates family.
"Where is she?" Rex asked.
"She's at Phoenix Rising tonight, Rex. I appreciate your help—the reward will be great!"
Without another word, Rex signaled to his men, and they left. Just then, Isabel walked out of the restrooms, preparing to wash her hands, when she felt someone watching her.
She cautiously looked up and saw several thugs leaning against the wall in the hallway, seemingly approaching. After washing her hands, she casually dried them with a paper towel.
From the shadows, Tony whispered, "Rex, that's her. Teach her a harsh lesson! Hurt her face!"
Rex crushed his cigarette underfoot and signaled for his men to advance. Tony, hiding behind them, waited eagerly as Isabel approached.
One of Rex's men bumped into Isabel on purpose. "Miss! You bumped into me!"
"Did I?" Isabel replied casually, tossing her paper towel into the trash and curling her lips into a playful smirk.