High Seas, Higher Stakes 1

I was relaxing on a cruise in international waters when I came across my younger sister being cornered at the poker table. Across from her stood two childhood friends, flanking a delicate-looking woman. Their lips were curled into mocking smiles as they taunted, “What’s wrong, Ms. Jefferson? Can’t afford to play no more? Weren’t you just acting all high and mighty, demanding 500 thousand dollars from Reena over a mere headscarf? “Folding is an option, too. Just transfer 15% of the Jeffersons’ shares to Reena by tomorrow.” Isabel Jefferson’s knuckles turned white, her eyes tinged red. Someone chuckled while loosening his tie. “Out of money, young lady? Tell you what—remove one piece of clothing, and I’ll give you 500 chips.” Whistles erupted around them. “Strip it all, and I’ll give you all of it.” I stood in the shadows of the upper deck, idly twisting the ring on my pinky. Years of absence must have made these fools forget. Although my sister carried our father’s last name, she was still part of the Stanford family. And anyone who dared lay a finger on a Stanford must pay the price—with their life. … Beside me, my assistant, Riley Caldwell, held his breath and spoke cautiously. “I’ll summon the cruise manager at once for an apology.” I glanced down at the poker table, my voice icy. “No rush. Let’s see what kind of show they have in store.” If they dared touch someone under my nose, no one aboard this ship would disembark unscathed. Jasper Lowell smirked as he looked at Isabel, who was surrounded by men. “Why so shy now, Isabel Jefferson? I happen to have some of your private photos. Shall we sell a set and up the stakes?” Before he finished speaking, he tossed a USB drive to the staff. A second later, a giant screen lit up. A high-resolution photo of Isabel, half-clothed, filled the screen. It was enough to stir scandalous thoughts. “The young lady of the Jefferson family is always so pure and lofty. But look at those curves hidden beneath her clothes!” “She’s not even naked yet, and I’m already fantasizing. If she strips fully, I’ve got to die on top of her!” Before the dirty talk was done, Leonard Sullivan flung another USB across the table with a cruel smile. “I’ve got more. If you won’t strip for chips, I’ll help you. Another raise for you!” The crowd roared with excitement, the atmosphere growing feverish. “What generosity from these two young men! Truly a feast for our eyes!” Isabel trembled violently, tears streaming down her face. “We grew up together… How could you do this to me?” “Now you cry? You weren’t looking that pathetic when you forced Reena to pay for your scarf!” “We’re helping you raise money out of kindness. Where’s the gratitude?” She desperately argued, “She ruined the headscarf on purpose! It was a gift from my sister—” Before she could finish, the young woman called Reena dropped to her knees with a thud. Tears streaked her face, too. “Isi, I was wrong! I’ve bet everything I own. Please, show mercy, don’t follow through!” Jasper slammed his hand on the table. “Isabel Jefferson, are you trying to destroy Reena just because you’re wealthy?” Leonard pulled Irena Channing to her feet. Wrapping an arm around her, he asserted, “You dare bully Reena in front of us? Then don’t blame us for being ruthless!” Irena cooed gently, “Don’t blame Isi. It’s my fault for upsetting her.” She then turned to Isabel, eyes gleaming, and continued, “I heard that you’re struggling financially and have to work eight jobs just to eat. If you fold now, I’ll drop everything and walk away.” I was seething to the point of laughter. Isabel’s stakes were glaring back at me. My sister had wagered everything she had, even the shares our grandfather had left her in private. If she folded now, she’d lose everything. In fact, she’d be saddled with debt. My gaze locked onto Irena. She was wearing the custom dress I had tailored for Isabel, and her wrist was adorned with the Patek Philippe watch I had gifted my sister. Even the emerald necklace that was our mother’s heirloom was hanging around her neck. Meanwhile, my sister stood rooted to the spot, trembling in a faded, old shirt and trousers with patched-up cuffs. Since when did my sister—me, Rosalind Stanford—fall to such a state? Isabel bit her lip so hard it bled. Large droplets of tears continued rolling down her cheeks. The pale tint of her face made it look as if she might collapse. It seemed that Irena hadn’t been lying after all. I barked, “Investigate this!” Riley accepted my command and scurried off. I had been abroad over the last few years, building my empire. Although I rarely returned home, Isabel and I spoke regularly. How could I have missed anything? Isabel suddenly raised her head, her voice breaking as she said, “Why? We were childhood friends. Why are you now using photos you secretly took of me as a side bet?” Jasper toyed with his chips, sneering. “If you won’t play, then forfeit. Hand it all to Reena. Consider it an apology.” Leonard didn’t even look up. “Cut the crap. Either strip or borrow from those loan sharks over there!” The crowd jeered lewdly, “Take it off, missy!” “Or you can spend a night with me, and I’ll place a bet for you!” Isabel shivered, standing alone in the spotlight. Just as the onlookers assumed she would finally cave, she lifted her chin, her eyes blazing with defiance. “I call!” Pandemonium broke out in a flash.