Chapter 139

The amount of money wasn't substantial, but the insult was profound for Lukas and Mark.

"Did you intentionally bring a professional to win our money?" Rowan cursed softly, then glared accusingly at Joe.

He thought Skylar inexperienced, as she appeared to be only in her twenties. Yet, her poker skills suggested decades of experience.

"Five of a kind," Skylar declared, playing a card. She added innocently, "I'm just lucky."

Joe watched Skylar's act, a slight smile playing on his lips. "If you can't afford to lose," he said evenly, "don't play."

"Who are you underestimating?" Rowan retorted angrily.

He wondered which of them couldn't afford to lose. They could easily lose billions in a single night, let alone a few hundred thousand.

They finally understood why Joe had brought her. Though beautiful, she was no mere bimbo.

After winning three consecutive games, Skylar turned to Joe. "Is this enough? Winning more seems excessive."

She estimated each man had lost between $800,000 and over $1 million, totaling $4–5 million.

Viola had always warned against gambling addiction. It was best to quit while ahead.

"Have you had enough? If not, you can keep playing. What you've won isn't a significant amount," Joe remarked, looking at her.

Skylar felt embarrassed by her winnings. "I'll treat you to dinner when we get back."

"I'll eat whatever you cook," Joe's voice deepened slightly. Perhaps the clubhouse atmosphere made him restless.

"Then I'll prepare a feast fit for you," she replied. Anything less wouldn't do justice to the millions she'd won.

"Alright," Joe responded quietly.

"What's the beautiful lady's name?" Rowan casually inquired.

It was his first time seeing Joe so close to a woman; a hint of favor was evident in his eyes.

"Skylar," she replied, pushing away her winning cards. She had won again.

"Damn!" Rowan exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Joe gave Rowan a warning glance, signaling him not to swear.

Rowan's mouth twitched.

"Mr. Martin, I'm a bit tired," Skylar feigned weariness.

In reality, she wasn't tired; the stakes were simply thrilling. With smaller amounts, she could have played until morning.

Joe saw through her ruse. "Go rest then. There's food over there."

Skylar nodded and stood. Joe asked Rowan and the others, "Are you still playing?"

Rowan also stood. "No, let's have the cake."

From the start, Joe hadn't wanted to play; his question was merely a formality. He doubted they could continue.

Skylar felt thirsty. She found no water, only soft drinks, juice, and alcohol. She took some orange juice and ate some fruit.

"Are you really Mr. Martin's secretary?"

Skylar turned to Shirley Flynn, a lead actress in a popular TV drama, currently at the height of her fame. Skylar enjoyed her shows, finding her acting natural.

"Yes, I am," Skylar replied.

That night, she was Joe's secretary, not some secret wife.