"I'm certain everyone seated here is familiar with the rules of this game. If you are not, I will suggest you leave right now before we begin." Maximus's tone was laced with a hint of authority and threat.When no one said anything, Maximus grinned evilly to himself. He introduced all ten key players seated around the table before calling on everyone to place their initial bets.The game instantly kicked off after the card dealer had dealt cards to all ten players.The first round went on smoothly with each player feeling lucky and triumphant.However, after forty minutes into the game, the atmosphere in the room became very electrified and toxic.The initial smiles and confidence on some of the players' faces were replaced by regrets and seethed rage.Five players had already lost good sums of money. They quickly and wisely called in a fold as the stakes were now at a neck-breaking level.The other five remaining players had an air of confidence that each of them would win the game
"What the f**k!" Someone murmured audibly."Is she out of her mind?!" Another person retorted."She's got balls, I tell you!" One of the players who had once been privileged to witness Anna's ingenuity in poker exclaimed proudly.The once tense atmosphere was now engulfed with a mixture of muffled compliments and sarcastic comments until Maximus lifted his hand in the air. Maximus never knew his girlfriend to be reckless. He observed something different about her behavior which seemed totally off from the Anna he knew. She was more daring, ruthless and dangerously competitive. Staring at the total amount of roughly fifty-two million dollars on the poker table and what he stood to lose, Maximus leaned closer and whispered into Phoenix's left ear. "Babe, are you sure you have what it takes to win this game? Don't you think you're been a bit reckless?" A hint of foreboding and threat lingered in his tone."Relax, sweetie. Have a little faith in me." Phoenix replied without breaking e
It was a night of glamour, mystery, and luxury at the Artyln palace. Guests in their number, all adorned with elegant god-like attires move around the hall fraternizing and making merry. The captivating orchestra band rendered both ancient and classical music, keeping the hall lively and electrified.Under the disguise of the event, an underworld gang carried out their mission seamlessly."Phoenix, move in on the target. The cat has taken the bait." A slightly rough voice echoed from the other of a blue tooth device."Copy, Alpha." A captivatingly pretty lady on a feathery orange-red Phoenix masked replied codedly. Her alluring body was magnificently accoutred in a classic sapphire blue plunging neck dress.She carefully maneuvered her way through the crowd of happily chatting guests and scanned her surrounding before walking into the convenience.Unknown to her, an attractive pair of deep blue eyes had been transfixed on her when she unconsciously brushed her delicate skin on his arm
Dex stared at Phoenix in horror, wondering why she was so hyped and furious. He stared at her and at the chaos behind them. Somehow, he suspected that she knew something about the partly exploded Artlyn Palace."Y...you knew this was g... going to h....happen?" Dex stuttered in bewilderment."F**k!" Phoenix struck the steering wheel angrily, making her hands turn red.Phoenix took in a forced breath to control her rampaging emotions. She was slightly frustrated that her Uncle, David Kingston, narrowly escaped the sixth, and almost successful attack on his life.'How many lives does the beast even have anyway?' Phoenix hissed.The last hit targeted at David had been on a chattered airplane he boarded. The gang struck when credible intel confirmed his presence in the plane. Unfortunately for them, he was alerted of the imminent danger. So, he escaped the plane unscathed in a parachute before it exploded.After this failed mission and a major successful robbery, the gang went under for t
"You better have something for me, you disgusting fool!" David was piqued by the slight hint of cheerfulness in Ivan's eyes."I...I...I... I'm working on it, Mr. Kingston." Ivan stuttered as he hid his trembling hands behind his back. "These people are good at covering their tracks. They are uncommonly skilled. But since they are not aliens, I promise you, we will find them and I will personally hand them over to you.""Isn't that the same line you have been quoting to me for months now, you pathetic loser?" David snarled. "You have until the end of today to come up with useful information. Otherwise, I'll castrate you and feed your balls to my hounds. And when I'm done with you, I'll pay a nice visit to your family. Even your pet animal would not be spared."Ivan's heart began slamming against his chest as he watched David leave. His mouth turned dry and his chest tightened at the thought of David's threat. His face was beaded with cold perspiration as he dished out frantic orders to
Max, the mansion butler was surprised to see his boss with a beautiful lady when he opened the door. He smiled and stepped aside, welcoming them politely.Phoenix admired the matured but humble and professionally dressed butler. His neatly trimmed and styled gray hair reminded her of her sweet nanny, years back.A sad thought crossed her mind as she remembered her nanny's horrific screaming voice the day the assassins came for her. It had been just a week of mourning her parent's death. Years later, when she sought out her nanny in disguise, she discovered that her nanny died a month after her disappearance due to heartbreak. This enraged her so much that she went on a killing spree until her blood thirst was satisfied."Phoenix, welcome to my humble home," Dex smiled."Hmm... Humble you say!" Her temporal sadness disappeared as her eyes glimmered with admiration. She genuinely complemented the tastefully and luxuriously decorated interior.The mansion living room was elegantly decora
"Helen!" Detective Ivan screamed into the phone, attracting the attention of his concerned team of investigators. "Helen...Helen! What have you done to my family!" He boomed at the top of his voice as his eyes turned red with catastrophic anxiety and imminent tears.Unfortunately for Ivan, the line went dead. Without listening to Williams's pleas and advice, he ran quickly towards his car, entered swiftly, and zoomed off, leaving a cloud of dust behindWhen Ivan entered his home. He was met with a dreadful scene. His wife lay in the pool of her blood with three gunshot wounds splitting her head apart and two gunshot wounds on her stomach. His only child lay beside his mum with a single gunshot bullet wound on his head. As promised earlier, his precious pet dog was not spared in the slaughter.Walking slowly toward the corpses before him and trembling vigorously, Ivan fell to his knees. Heavy tears, slimy mucus, and saliva flowed from his eyes, nose, and mouth. His lips vibrated as he
Years back, Phoenix, - known by her true name, Lara Kingston, - was the ideal angelic child any parent could ever wish for. She was fondly called Lara the meek at her elementary school, due to her calm and friendly nature.At the age of five, Lara Kingston was the most lovable pupil in her class. She never ceases to amaze her teachers and classmates with her level of humility and generosity.Lara could never hurt a fly or stand and watch one being killed. The sight of blood always traumatized her. When a child is bullied or beaten, she would cry for days as though she was the one that was hurt. Hence, at a very tender age, she was an advocate for peace and love.Although her parents were multi-billionaires, Lara never for once acted proud. Her simplicity was contagious.Before going to school every morning, she would ensure that the mansion chefs prepared enough food to share with classmates, friends, and anyone who had nothing to eat. She didn't stop at just sharing food but would sh