Chapter 111: The Room Card

North looked up to find Raven's handsome face inches from hers. She hadn't noticed him approach; he simply stood there, one hand in his trousers pocket. The bosses erupted in laughter, attempting to diffuse the awkward silence.

"Young Master Raven, you're here," one said.

"Young Master, we were just saying that if North loses the game, you'll pay," another added.

Raven removed his hand from his pocket, resting it on the chair behind North. He looked at her fondly and murmured, "Just play. I'll pay if you lose."

North chuckled. "Bro, I've made money. I can pay myself."

Raven's cold black eyes instantly hardened at her words. North ignored him, focusing on the card in her hand.

Gwen approached, saying to Raven, "Rave, it's your birthday! Let's have some fun. The ladies and I will dance for you." She glanced at the women Harry had brought earlier.

Raven shifted his gaze from North, returning to the sofa with an indifferent expression. The room erupted in cheers. "Young Master Raven, what are you waiting for? Invite them to perform!"

Gwen snapped her fingers twice. The women on the sofa rose and moved to the stage. Gwen, now in a more revealing and comfortable outfit, stood confidently, her gaze fixed on Raven.

Harry, surprised by his sister's presence amongst the dancers, rolled his eyes in frustrated silence. North observed the women, then turned to Raven. "Bro, I think these ladies have a soft spot for you. Reward them."

Raven stared at her, his crimson lips curving into a cool smile. "How do you suggest I reward them?"

"Your room key. Whoever dances best gets it."

The audience cheered enthusiastically. Raven lit a cigarette, holding it between his fingers. He looked at North, slowly exhaling smoke. "Okay, the room key is in my trousers pocket. You can get it."

"What? No way," North refused.

"Why? Don't you want me to play? Why can't you get the key?" Raven turned to the women, his cold eyes softening into a gentle smile. "As you can see, it's not that I don't want to play; I just can't reach the key. My sister, though she wants me to play, isn't happy about it, hence her refusal."

Gwen glared at North, sensing her sister's reluctance stemmed from a desire to keep Raven from other women.

"North, it's Raven's birthday. Let him have some fun," one of the bosses chided. Another added, "North, with a sister like you, I can't find Young Master Raven a wife!"

North clenched her fist, recognizing their thinly veiled attempt at flirting.

"Okay, for my brother's happiness, I'll get it," North finally conceded.

She bent down, reaching into Raven's pocket, carefully avoiding contact, though her fingers brushed against his thigh. She felt his muscles tense. Frowning, she asked, "Where's the key? I can't find it."

Raven lowered his head, his voice slightly hoarse. "Go further."

North reached deeper, searching his pocket, but found nothing. Realizing she'd been tricked, she straightened up, glaring at him. Raven extinguished his cigarette.

"I'm sorry, I forgot the key wasn't on me," he admitted. "However, I'll keep my word. Whoever dances best gets my room key."

Harry chuckled. "Since Rave's agreed, ladies, dance! The best dancer gets the key to Raven's room tonight."

The music began, and Gwen and the other women started to dance. Gwen, with her alluring figure, danced enchantingly, confident of winning. The young women danced beautifully, captivating the audience, but Raven remained unimpressed. Even North found herself wanting to join in; she and Olive had always been skilled dancers, North's performance even going viral a year prior.

The applause signaled the end of the dance. "Gwen, you were magnificent! The best!" one of the bosses declared. "Young Master Raven..."