The cards were dealt lightly, gliding across the velvet tabletop like secret whispers, while eager eyes watched every move, every glance, every subtle gesture that might reveal something about the players' intentions. In this world, it's not what the cards hold that matters, but how you play them.
47Please respect copyright.PENANALFy5ubHXxF
Elizabeth sat up straight, her hands on the table, her gaze fixed on the cards she'd been dealt. She didn't blink. She didn't breathe deeply. Everything was calculated. William, however, relaxed in his seat, as if he already knew the outcome.
47Please respect copyright.PENANAdvNVo3X1Lh
🃏 William (in a quiet voice, looking at Elizabeth instead of his cards): "Poker isn't just math, it's reading... reading eyes, reading breaths, reading fear before it's born."
47Please respect copyright.PENANAv9qmYPRm69
♠ Elizabeth (raising an eyebrow slightly): "And you think you're reading me?"
47Please respect copyright.PENANAwEyOm3Tse4
🃏 William (smiling weakly, turning over one of his cards): "Not yet... but I'm learning."
47Please respect copyright.PENANA0QVFrED11d
First round, the stakes are raised, and the other players at the table exchange glances. Elizabeth places her chips steadily, without hesitation, as everyone watches, unsure whether she's confident or just pretending.
47Please respect copyright.PENANAm9Dcca6nlE
On the other side of the room, John watches silently. He's uneasy. He's seen this scene before—William luring his opponents, playing with their minds before defeating them with cards. But he's never seen anyone confront him like this. Elizabeth was different.
47Please respect copyright.PENANAKlkTf97aDC
♠ John (muttering to himself): "Do you know what you're doing, Elizabeth?"
47Please respect copyright.PENANAwhQ2tYoWkE
But she didn't need to answer.
47Please respect copyright.PENANATeOxMMSxX9
Every time William raised his bet, she followed him. Their gazes met, not an open challenge, but a silent test. Who would break first? Who would blink?
47Please respect copyright.PENANASIAsN3opP0
Then, for a moment, she did something he hadn't expected.
47Please respect copyright.PENANAuTTAsYaTAD
♠ Elizabeth (leaning forward, voice low): "You're trying to see me, but do you see yourself, William?"
47Please respect copyright.PENANA7WxLysmCG9
Something changed in his expression. For a brief, almost imperceptible moment, a shadow of a past that hadn't yet been revealed appeared. Then, as if nothing had happened, he resumed his calm smile.
47Please respect copyright.PENANAaahzQBTKGt
🃏 William: "Interesting game, Elizabeth."
47Please respect copyright.PENANAfV8UBehr8B
♠ Elizabeth: "It's only just begun."
47Please respect copyright.PENANAzzwbu6lA4T
As the final card was placed on the table, no one was yet certain of the winner, but everyone realized that this night would be like no other.
ns3.143.110.79da2