When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36 The Epic Crush

Finished

Maxwell tried to read something from Amelia’s face, but she kept that calm, faint smile–the kind that gave nothing away. Her clear eyes showed no hint of emotion.

Inside, Maxwell began to panic.

“What’s wrong, Mr. Nygard?” Amelia tapped the table lightly. “Lost your nerve already?”

Sweat started forming on Maxwell’s forehead.

He stared at the community cards–ten, jack, and queen of hearts. If Amelia held the king and ace of hearts, that meant she had a royal flush.

“I–I…” His voice trembled.

“Time’s up,” the dealer reminded. “Please make your choice.”

Jeremy cut in smoothly. “Maxwell, either call or fold. Don’t waste everyone’s time.”

Under everyone’s gaze, Maxwell finally broke. “I–I fold!”

“Smart choice.” Amelia slowly pulled her chips back, but she didn’t show her cards.

“Wait!” Maxwell shouted reluctantly. “What were your hole cards?”

Amelia blinked playfully. “Why don’t you guess?”

Then she stood up gracefully and flipped her cards over–seven of diamonds and eight of spades. Useless cards that had nothing to do with the hand.

“What?” Maxwell froze, thunderstruck. “Y–you bluffed me?”

T–that hand wasn’t a pair, not a straight–just pure garbage!

The table went silent. Anderson and Ithan both gasped.

Now it all made sense. Amelia had been acting clueless from the start, pretending to be a rookie.

It was all part of the setup to lower their guard–only to crush them when it mattered.

Ruthless. Brilliant.

Jeremy chuckled. “That was impressive.”

“Y–you little trickster!” Maxwell shook with rage. “You’re a professional player, aren’t you?”

Dammit! Maybe this had been her trap from the very beginning.

Amelia shrugged innocently. “I never said I didn’t know how to play.”

Then she looked at Anderson. “Didn’t Mr. Corva just tell me to play bold?”

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Chapter 36 The Epic Crush

Finished

Anderson rubbed his nose, embarrassed. “Yeah, I walked right into that one.”

“Continue?” Amelia asked, turning to Maxwell, whose face had gone pale. “Or are you giving up?”

Maxwell suddenly grabbed his glass, ready to smash it against the table.

Jeremy moved fast, catching his wrist. His voice was firm. “Mr. Nygard, a bet’s a bet. Take the loss.”

“You all set me up!” Maxwell roared, losing control.

Amelia’s smile vanished, her eyes turning icy. “Set you up? Did you forget who threw the first insult? If your skill is weak, just admit it. Why are you getting mad?”

Maxwell’s expression changed rapidly.

The skills he once bragged about had been destroyed by Amelia in front of everyone.

And now? Now he was the joke of the night.

His friends would never look at him the same way again.

Serves him right!

10:48 pm GP P

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