“Don’t look at me like that—I really just guessed,” Ethan Blake said innocently.
Laurie Norton pouted. “Guessed? You guessed and dared to bet forty-two million?”
Ethan grinned. “Well, they say beginners always win, right? I’m new to jade gambling, so I figured I should win too.”
His reasoning was so naïve that even Fae Stonecrest couldn’t help but chuckle.
At the cutting table, Damian Vaughn exhaled a long, heavy breath, forcing his expression back under control. He turned toward Ethan. “Ethan, I admit it—you beat me. This round’s yours.”
His tone was steady, calm, as if losing forty-two million meant nothing.
Ethan studied his composed face. He’s got more depth than he shows.
“Rex, bring over the clear jadeite rough I won at the auction,” Damian ordered.
“Yes, sir.” Rex nodded, sh
