His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 20

He acted as if this was as casual as picking out an apple at the grocery store.

Most of these women’s families were comfortable, sure, but their wealth still depended on Cedric’s company. None of them were truly, independently rich. A luxury home in Austral Bay would eat up almost half a year’s income for them.

When Cedric laid down his challenge, one of the women’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Cedric, are you serious? You’d better not go back on your word! Come on, let’s start right now!”

“But let me make this clear first, Aunt,” Cedric said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes, his words slow and deliberate. “If you lose, you’ll have to apologize to my girlfriend. In front of everyone.”

The table fell silent for a moment, even Lumina was caught completely off guard.

Was Cedric actually defending her? Had he started drinking before dinner, or was he just out of sorts tonight?

Lumina shot him a suspicious look and quietly reminded him, “Cedric, I’ll say it again: I don’t even know how to play cards. If we lose, you could auction me off and I still couldn’t pay for that house.”

He just laughed, gave her a gentle pat on the back of her head, and looked across at the woman. “So, Aunt, are you in or not?”

The woman glanced at Lumina, seeming utterly confident. “Of course. I’m game!”

And so, the card game began.

Lumina picked up her cards. They felt as heavy as bricks in her hands. She couldn’t even imagine what it meant to be gambling for a house in Austral Bay.

When it was her turn to play, her hands shook so badly she could barely put a card down.

Suddenly, Cedric leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear, his jaw brushing her shoulder.

Lumina froze. If she even turned her head a fraction, their lips would meet.

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