Chapter 460

The chips in front of Mandy were swept clean in an instant. Just like that, she lost three million in the opening round.

Her face turned ashen. She couldn’t process the fact that she’d lost the very first round to Shermaine, especially on Roulette, the game she was best at. And yet, she’d lost to Shermaine.

‘What is Simon going to think?’ she wondered. Her fingers clenched into fists as she looked toward the sidelines where Simon sat.

But his gaze wasn’t on her. The moment the results were announced, he had turned his full attention to Shermaine.

His eyes held something Mandy had never seen before, which contained a sharp, unmistakable interest. The kind of look a man gave a woman who had just captured his attention.

Mandy’s knuckles went white. Jealousy surged through her like a tidal wave crashing down.

“I’ll win those chips back,” she said slowly, each word cold and deliberate.

Roulette had always been her strongest game. She’d underestimated her opponent, and that was on her, but she wouldn’t lose again.

She couldn’t afford to. If she lost again, Shermaine would make a name for herself by stepping right over her.

‘Win them back?’ Shermaine, sitting calmly across from her, smiled lightly.

“I don’t think so,” she said, casually twirling a chip between her fingers. Her voice was laced with amusement. “You’re just going to lose even more.”

By now, Shermaine had four million in chips stacked neatly in front of her. And she intended to go all in again.

Mandy felt murderous. If it weren’t for the fact that it would be wildly inappropriate in front of so many people, she would’ve spilled blood right then and there, just to wipe that smug look off Shermaine’s face.

Her expression stayed stiff. “Continue.”

The croupier spun the wheel again. The red pointer spun several times before landing on the dice section.

This round wasn’t about luck alone. It was about judgment and listening skills.

The croupier held up the dice and the cup, spinning them with a flourish that felt closer to a magic act than gambling. The sharp rattle echoed for nearly two minutes before the motion stopped. He raised a hand in a classic gesture–place your bets.

The second round was critical.

If Mandy lost this, the best-of-three format meant the third round would be irrelevant. She had to win.

This time, she was all focused.

But dice was significantly harder than Roulette. Surviving here wasn’t about instinct alone. It required real nerve.

Mandy brought out another four million in chips.

According to the rules, both players had to bet simultaneously to avoid accusations of cheating.

“All in,” Shermaine said calmly, placing her entire four million on sixteen.

Mandy could either match it or double it. Her lips pressed into a thin line. Then she reached for her newly acquired six million and pushed it forward.

She bet it all on fifteen. One point short of Shermaine again.

The moment the table saw their choices, the audience, both livestream viewers and in-person guests, held their breath in anticipation.

Bets were open again for side wagers. But now, everyone hesitated.

Mandy had gone in fast, aggressive. That kind of confidence usually came with solid judgment. Losing this meant not just losing the round and the money, but also her spot in the International Gambling Tournament.

That was what made pre-match solo battles so brutal.

Despite the upset in the first round, Mandy’s betting odds remained favorable. In fact, they’d just dropped even lower. Her chances still looked good. Meanwhile, Shermaine’s odds kept creeping higher.

“Spin it!” The crowd grew louder, their shouts echoing across the venue.

Bets locked. No take-backs.

The croupier lifted the cup and called the result, “Sixteen. Boa Hanks wins.”

The livestream exploded.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Damn. There goes my rent.”

“Boa’s not just lucky. She’s scary good.”

“Did not see that coming.”

Nobody had expected Mandy to lose two straight. But now, it was plain as day who had the upper hand.

Mandy’s fans were crushed. The high-rolling guests on site murmured among themselves, stunned. Shermaine wasn’t just a pretty face. She was the real deal. The dark horse of the tournament. And clearly, she was here to win it all.

Mandy nearly lost control when the result was announced. She’d lost again.

Shermaine calmly dragged all the chips toward herself. There was no need for a third round. She waved for staff to come over and convert her winnings into Xyperia tokens.

Then she stood up, said nothing, and turned to leave.

To the livestream audience, that figure walking away was commanding.

And watching it all unfold on screen, Joshua couldn’t stop the smile that slowly curved across his face, thinking, ‘That’s my Sheary. Brilliant, no matter where she goes.’