Chapter 7 - The Viper’s Gala
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The underground casino was hidden beneath a massive abandoned warehouse in the Meatpacking District. Inside, it was a decadent nightmare of velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, and cigar smoke.
Madeline stepped out of the bulletproof SUV, her heels clicking on the pavement. Gabriel had already entered through a separate door to avoid being seen with her. She was entirely on her own.
"Comms check," Dominic’s voice buzzed in her ear.
"I hear you," Madeline whispered, handing a forged VIP invitation to the armed guards at the entrance.
She walked into the main hall. The smell of expensive perfume, liquor, and danger hung thick in the air. Men in sharp suits and women in diamonds turned to look at her. She kept her chin up, channeling every ounce of fake confidence she could muster, and walked straight toward the VIP baccarat tables.
She took a seat, placing a stack of chips Gabriel had given her onto the felt.
As she reached for her cards, the chandelier light hit the emerald ring perfectly.
Across the room, a man stopped talking.
Madeline felt the shift in the atmosphere before she saw him. He was older, perhaps in his late fifties, with slicked-back silver hair and a scar running through his left eyebrow. He wore a maroon suit that screamed arrogance.
Victor Romano.
"Target is looking at you, Madeline," Gabriel’s voice crackled low and tight in her ear. "Keep playing. Don't look at him."
Madeline’s hands shook slightly as she pushed more chips forward.
May you like
Suddenly, a heavy, cold hand slammed down on her left wrist, pinning her hand to the table. Madeline gasped, looking up into Victor Romano’s smiling, dead eyes.
"That is a very unique piece of jewelry, sweetheart," Victor purred, his grip tightening until it hurt. "Where exactly did you steal it from?"
