I narrowed my eyes, tapping my fingers lightly against the armrest. There was nothing ordinary about that stone. It was, in fact, the Stanford family seal. It had the power to mobilize over 15 million in liquid assets. For Isabel to have brought it out, it must mean that she had been pushed to the brink. Yet those idiots only gave her half its actual value? The cruise ship owner fell to his knees before me, trembling like a leaf. Sweat dripped onto the carpet, yet he didn’t dare wipe it. The crowd had already erupted into chaos. “Expert verification confirms that this is the private seal of the Stanford family. Its value is estimated at 15 million dollars.” The manager’s voice shook as he continued, “It’s currently appraised at 7.5 million dollars.” “Stanford?” someone gasped. “Who dares offend the Stanford family? They must have a death wish to cross the Stanfords!” The moment that name was mentioned, Irena’s eyes reddened with sudden emotion. “Our grandfather has been ill for years, and Dad handed all his assets over to me…” She turned to Isabel and said, “Isi, I really have no money left; I even sold my kidney. We’re sisters. Why must we destroy each other like this? We’re making a joke of ourselves.” The wine glass in my hand shattered with a crisp crack. “Sisters?” Riley leaned in and whispered, “Irena Channing was recognized as Mr. Jefferson’s illegitimate daughter half a year ago. A DNA test confirmed it. He dotes on her the most.” Very well, Gregory Jefferson. You outdid yourself this time. I had barely been away for a few years, and he dared pull a stunt like this. Did he think I’d gone soft? I would deal with him later. For now, the most urgent matter was to get Isabel out of this mess. Rage twisted Jasper’s features. “Isabel Jefferson, since you’re choosing violence, don’t blame us for being ruthless. “Call! 7.5 million dollars!” He leapt up, only to be told that his chips weren’t enough. He and Leonard exchanged a glance. Gritting their teeth, they decided to stake their families’ shares. “Double it!” roared the pair as they pushed their chips in front of Irena. “Let’s see how you’ll match this now!” Irena smiled smugly when she saw this. She mouthed at Isabel, “You’re finished.” Isabel’s body shook with fear, all color draining from her face. Only despair remained. Doubling the stakes would put 15 million dollars on the table. This move would cut off every escape route she had left. If she gave in, she’d lose it all—not just what was on the table, but maybe even her chance of getting off the ship. Yet she couldn’t match the wager either. Someone leered at her and reached a hand out. “Sweetheart, just sell your nudes and videos. That’ll get you some chips!” “Shameless fool!” Isabel slapped him across the face. “You bitch!” The man sneered. “Just wait. Sooner or later, you’ll be begging for mercy on your knees!” Leonard toyed with his chips, revealing a devilish smirk. “Double it if you want to continue.” At that moment, Irena finally dropped the innocent act. Her eyes gleamed with malice. “Sell yourself, Isi. Your body… might still be worth something.” About a dozen men gathered around, their eyes lecherous. They rubbed their hands together, chanting, “Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!” “I’ll sign a donation agreement,” Isabel said quietly. Yet, her words hit like a thunderclap. An uproar consumed the masses. “She’s lost her mind!” “This lady’s got guts! She’s betting her life away!” “Does she even have a body worth 30 million dollars?” Irena shrieked with laughter. “Oh, Isi, what are you even thinking? Even if we strip you for parts, you wouldn’t be able to raise 30 million dollars!” But before her laughter faded, the server rolled over a cart stacked with chips worth 30 million dollars. A commotion broke out in the hall, and murmurs of protest filled the air. “It must have been rigged!” “I’m healthy and jacked, yet I only have 750 thousand dollars in chips! Why the hell does she get 30 million?” “If we don’t get an explanation, we’re tearing this damn ship apart!”