Chapter 3

I called in my advisor and asked why my account had been frozen.

He stood by the door, hands hanging at his sides.

“It was the Don's order. He wants you to cool off for a while.”

I let out a cold laugh and drove straight to the St. Mark Casino.

I had my own private stash of chips there, chips I could cash out directly.

The casino was blazing with light, packed with cheers and wails.

Time lost all meaning in here. So did names.

This place only recognized chips.

I took out every last black-gold chip and handed them to the counter to cash in.

The staff didn't ask questions.

When the cash went into the duffel bag, it dragged heavy on my hand.

I carried the bag out of the VIP lounge.

The banquet wasn't over yet. A crowd had gathered in the middle of the main hall.

Damian stood among them, his black hair slicked back with pomade, as neat as his suit.

Vera had her arm through his, her wine-red gown clinging to every curve.

She turned sideways, landing herself right in the center of every camera.

The moment she spotted me, her lips curved up.

“Seraphina, what are you doing here?”

I kept walking.

She hurried over and blocked my path, her voice sweet as honey.

“Weren't you going away for a while? Why'd you end up here?”

“Or is it that you couldn't stand leaving me and Damian alone, so you came to check on us?”

I stared her down and said coldly, “Get out of my way.”

Vera's smile didn't falter. She leaned in close to my ear and whispered:

“Your worry is well-founded. Now run along on your little trip, and stop getting in the way of me and Damian.”

My pupils contracted. I just stood there, staring at Vera.

Damian appeared beside her, his face tight with impatience as he looked down at me.

"Seraphina, what exactly is your problem? Can you just let me breathe for one second?"

Exhaustion pressed down between his brows.

Like he was the one backed into a corner, not me.

"Enough! Stop making a scene here!"

His voice was sharp. "I'll have someone take you home!"

Suddenly, a booming voice came from behind.

"Damian, tonight's arrangements were truly thoughtful."

Damian's expression shifted at once.

I turned and saw tonight's guest of honor, the Nevada congressman.

He shook Damian's hand warmly. “Finally got to meet my generous host.”

Then his gaze landed on Vera.

“And this charming lady must be your wife?”

Vera didn't deny it. If anything, she stepped forward with a smile.

“It's our honor to have you here.”

“We've prepared a private room and chips for you. Right this way, please.”

She took the congressman's arm and expertly led him toward the VIP suite.

Damian stood there, looking a little awkward.

“The congressman is tonight's guest of honor. The new casino's gaming license depends on his approval.”

He reached up and smoothed the stray hairs by my ear, as if to explain.

“I couldn't very well correct him in public. Vera was only trying to smooth things over for me. Don't take it to heart.”

So the title of Donna was something he could hand off to just anyone.

Pain spread through my chest like a spiderweb.

But I did my best to keep the smile on my face.

“Okay.”

Damian visibly relaxed, with a flicker of unexpected relief.

“That's my Donna. Getting more sensible all the time.”

He leaned close to my ear and murmured, “I'll come home early to keep you company tonight. Wait for me.”

I sneered inwardly.

By the time he got home, I'd be long gone from Las Vegas.

“What are you two whispering about behind my back?”

Vera's voice came suddenly from behind.

I flinched and stepped back on instinct, colliding with her.

Vera arched backward dramatically, her fingers deliberately snagging the baptism cross necklace around my neck.

The next second, she ripped it clean off.