She’s Back, and Hell’s Coming with Her novel Chapter 23

The realization hit Leonard: Bryce truly was thanking him—he thought Leonard was saving him from having to face the Gambling Deity.

That was no small favor.

At Siren’s Club, there was an unbreakable rule: the last man standing had to go head-to-head with the club’s legendary Gambling Deity. And everyone knew that was a death sentence—you’d lose, guaranteed.

The Gambling Deity was the club’s pride and joy, its secret weapon. Challengers lined up, desperate for a shot at glory, but every single one had ended up crushed, humiliated, and broke.

If, by some miracle, you managed to beat the Gambling Deity, you could name any reward—literally anything. Want Siren’s Club itself handed over on a silver platter? Done. But that was just a fantasy. No one had ever managed it.

Losers, on the other hand, paid dearly: either cough up a hundred million in cash, or leave behind a hand.

“Mr. Yarrow, what’s your stake?” someone asked.

Leonard stared across the table at the calm, composed man opposite him, his heart pounding in his chest. But he had no choice now—he had to see this through.

“I want the York family’s backing,” he said, voice clear and steady. Even Bryce was caught off guard by his audacity.

Never before had some kid dared speak to him like that.

The rest of the room picked up right away on what Leonard was implying.

He wanted the York family’s support.

That was a bold claim.

Sure, the Yarrow family ranked among the top ten in Port City, but they were nowhere near the level of the Yorks. The families weren’t even in the same league. The Yorks were one of the four great families in Crowncrest City—a world apart from the Yarrows.

But then again, when else would anyone get the chance to make such a wager?

If Leonard pulled this off, the Yarrow family would be set for life. With the Yorks backing them, their position in Port City would be unshakable.

Sabrina watched the scene unfold from the audience, shaking her head in amazement.

Money really does make the world go round.

Leonard’s nerves started to fray. He’d worked up every ounce of courage for this. The Yarrow Group’s shares were the best he could offer. If Bryce refused, what then? This was his only shot at getting close to the Yorks.

The Yarrow family needed a powerful ally.

“Three hundred million, Mr. York. I know we’re not in the same league as your family, but that’s the most I can offer. It’s my sincerest offer.”

Leonard’s hands twisted together in his lap, his gaze locked on Bryce, terrified he’d say no.

Bryce was a businessman—he wouldn’t let sentiment cloud his judgment. His face didn’t even twitch as he replied, voice like ice, “Three hundred million. U.S. dollars.”

Leonard slumped back in his chair, all the strength draining from his body.

Three hundred million dollars. He might as well hand over the entire Yarrow Group.

That was more than twenty billion in local currency—Bryce’s appetite was insatiable.

How could he possibly say yes to that?