Chapter 500
The competition would take place on the top floor of the Oster Tower.
Inside the tower, players filed in from outside. The only people allowed to witness this match in person were journalists, politicians, and the ultra-wealthy—no one else could gain entry.
Fortunately, the competition was being broadcast live across the globe. On every street corner and in every neighborhood, people could watch the action unfold from inside.
Bronx surveyed the room before asking, “Where’s Boa Hanks?”
“She hasn’t shown up yet, Sir,” came the reply.
But no sooner had the words left his mouth than the secretary’s earpiece crackled with a message from the scouts. “Target spotted, target spotted. Three miles from Gate Bridge.”
The secretary quickly corrected himself. “Sir, she’s appeared at Gate Bridge, still 3 miles out.”
“Excellent. Deploy our forces and make sure you intercept her.”
If Shermaine was late, she’d forfeit her right to compete. Better yet, if their people could capture her in the process, that would be perfect.
The moment Shermaine entered Gate Bridge territory, she could feel eyes on her—watching, tracking her every move.
Sure enough, a sniper had positioned himself in a high-rise building a thousand meters ahead. His scope found her, crosshairs settling on their target.
Shermaine’s lips curved into a knowing smile. The sniper’s finger tightened on the trigger. The shot rang out, the bullet cutting through the air toward her.
Shermaine yanked the steering wheel hard. The bullet whistled past her car, disappearing somewhere in the distance.
The sniper cursed under his breath when he saw her dodge. Refusing to give up, he squeezed off several more rounds, but every shot went wide as Shermaine weaved through his crosshairs.
She wasn’t dealing with just one shooter—multiple snipers had been waiting for her to enter their kill zone, and now they were all opening fire.
Without missing a beat, Shermaine released the steering wheel and switched to autonomous mode. In one fluid motion, she spun around and pulled out her own sniper rifle.
Through her eight-power scope, she zeroed in on one of the shooters. Her finger found the trigger. The car window slid down automatically as the bullet screamed toward its target.
With so many shooters and her car moving at high speed, they couldn’t tell which one of them she was aiming for.
A split second later, a sniper on the high-rise clutched his chest and dropped. Even as he died, he couldn’t believe that she had managed to nail him while racing at breakneck speed.
The skill it took was absolutely terrifying.
The closed roof was seriously cramping her style; she needed a clear line of sight.
As soon as Shermaine hit the convertible switch, she slipped on her sunglasses and really started having fun. Sniper after sniper went down under her precise shots.
More cars closed in fast. One of the pursuit vehicles slammed hard into her rear bumper, sending her car lurching forward.
Shermaine glanced back with casual annoyance and put a bullet right between the driver’s eyes.
The unmanned car immediately spun out of control, weaving wildly before crashing through the bridge’s left guardrail and plunging into the ocean below.
The remaining attackers weren’t taking any chances—they all drew their weapons and opened fire, bullets pinging off her vehicle in a relentless barrage.
But Shermaine’s ride was custom-built for exactly this kind of trouble, with bulletproof plating and reinforced tires that could take serious punishment.
She floored the accelerator, and her car shot forward like a shadow, leaving the bridge behind in seconds. The surviving pursuers gave chase, their engines roaring as they tried to keep up.
Meanwhile, Joshua had taken a different route and was clearing obstacles ahead. Damien and the others followed close behind, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.
At the top of the Oster Tower, the tournament was about to begin. According to this round’s rules, anyone who arrived late would be automatically disqualified.
The live broadcast buzzed with concern from viewers wondering where Boa Hanks was and whether something had happened to her.
The tournament director smiled knowingly. “Everyone remembers when Ms. Hanks almost missed her entrance before? She made it with just seconds to spare, and we were all holding our breath for her.”
He added, “So don’t worry—she’ll be here.”
Simon lounged in his seat, legs crossed, the ghost of a smirk playing at his lips. This time would be different. This time, she was destined to miss her chance entirely.
As the minutes ticked by, only three remained until the tournament began.
The tension in the air grew thick. Everyone feared she might actually be late and miss the competition.
She was the dark horse of this International Gambling Tournament. Without her, the whole game would lose its edge.
The countdown began, both online and in the venue. “Twenty, nineteen, eighteen… ten, nine, eight… three, two-”
Before they could reach “one,” Shermaine burst through the entrance.
Viewers across the country leaped to their feet in excitement. Shermaine had made it—arriving under the spotlight of thousands of expectant eyes. Talk about cutting it close.
Bronx’s and Simon’s faces immediately darkened. They hadn’t expected Shermaine to overcome every obstacle they’d thrown at her and actually show up.
Shermaine was slightly breathless—she’d run up from the first floor after Bronx had cunningly shut down the elevators. “Perfect timing,” she said with a grin.
The director smiled when he saw her. “Ms. Hanks, you’re very fortunate.”
“Thank you.”
“Please, take your seat.”
With all eyes on her, Shermaine strode confidently into the arena.
The game was about to begin. Ten players took their seats around a massive circular table, each starting with fifteen million chips. Once your chips were gone, you were out.
Tonight’s game was roulette.
Roulette held special significance in the Kingdom of Xyperia—it wasn’t just any gambling game but something far more intricate.
Simon’s face twisted into a menacing scowl, his voice dropping to an icy whisper. “Boa, this time you won’t get the chance to win again."
Bronx didn’t share his composure. If Shermaine managed to pull off a victory, the Moreno family’s reputation as the King of Gambling would crumble overnight. Even if Simon claimed the throne afterward, it wouldn’t carry the same legitimacy or glory he deserved.
But he had no choice. He tried to console himself with the thought that even if she won, Baykeep would never truly belong to her. Judy would arrive soon enough.
Across from the Oster Tower, Joshua’s hair had returned to its natural red after washing, now tousled by the wind. He raised his binoculars and watched Shermaine enter the venue, a slight smile tugging at his lips. Shermaine was about to show them what she could do.