The air grew tense as Buckminsterâs words hung in the air. A collective shiver ran through the crowd, their expressions turning grim and uneasy.
Engaged in a game, were we?
This was a deadly game!
In this critical moment, the truth became crystal clear to everyone. Buckminster was anything but the amiable and kind-hearted persona he portrayed. He was a cunning predator, wearing a crooked smile that concealed his true nature. His every word was deceit, leaving no room for trust. Only a fool would be swayed by his empty promises.
Buckminsterâs eyes scanned the room, a sly grin spreading across his face. âI reckon itâs time for a little game. Whoâs got the nerve to join me in a round of Blackjack?â
With those words, he strode confidently toward a gambling table, sitting and preparing himself for the challenge ahead. Fletcher stepped forward, standing behind Buckminster with an exhilarated expression.
A tense silence settled over the room as everyone exchanged wary glances, their faces marked with fear and uncertainty. No one dared to step forward, unwilling to take on the ominous task before them.
âHey, whatâs the deal with you all? We were having a blast a moment ago, and now none of you have the guts to play. You think youâre too good for Mr. Payne?â Fletcher snapped in anger.
A hush fell over the crowd, their silence growing even more profound.
Nobody dared to be the first to take a stand in such a critical moment.
Being wealthy individuals, they cherished their lives significantly.
Buckminster and Fletcher emitted an air of brutality and sheer terror, making it clear that engaging in any game with them would risk their lives and potentially leave them with half a soul to lose.
âSeems like none of you have the guts to step up, huh? Well, that suits me just fine. Iâve got a little list right here, and weâll be playing by the gameâs rules.â
âYou see, out here in the vast expanse of the open sea, your regular security team and mercenary group wonât come to your rescue anytime soon.â
âWeâve got all the time in the world to have ourselves a little funâ
With a grin spreading across his face. Buckminster produced a list and studied it intently.
The assembled crowdâs countenances darkened, their hearts plunging into the abyss.
The presence of a list meant there would be no escape for any of them.
Buckminsterâs eyes scanned the list, a cunning smile curling at the corners of his mouth. âWell, well, well, this name is interesting. Same surname as mine, but with a slight twist. Emmett Tucker, you must be the wealthiest magnate from Malachia, right?â
âStep right up. Mr. Tucker.â
As he spoke, his gaze swept across everyone in the casino. âWe donât just have a list, folks. Weâve got pictures too. Mr. Tucker, thereâs no escaping for you in this casino. I suggest you stand up tall and firm.â
His voice, though soft, resonated with an extraordinary clarity that pierced through the air, reaching the ears of every individual in the room.
Amid the crowd, an elderly gentleman in his sixties stood up, his eyes wide with fear and a faint quiver in his frame. Sporting a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles, his fair skin and elegant attire added to his distinguished appearance, exuding an energy that conveyed his elevated status among the crowd.
Despite approaching the age of sixty, his countenance boasted a rosy hue, his hair a lustrous black, all thanks to the diligent application of medications and traditional medicine.
His eyes flickered with dread and apprehension at that precise moment, his body quivering involuntarily as fear took hold of him.
âEmmett, huh? Well, why donât you mosey on over here and have yourself a seat, Buckminster grinned.
Enunettâs gaze filled with terror, his legs engaged in a futile battle, leaving him completely paralyzed and unable to make a single move.
âUtterly worthless!â
Fletcher approached and firmly grasped Emmett with a determined stride, lifting him off the ground like an eagle snatching its prey. Swiftly, he marched toward the gambling table where Buckminster sat, forcefully slamming Emmett onto the table in front of Buckminster.
âWell, now, Mr. Tucker, we share a couple of letters in our names. That tells me we must have been kinfolk five hundred years ago.â
Buckminster produced an adult game, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward Emmett. âSeeing as weâre all part of the same family, how about you take the dealerâs chair for a Blackjack game?â
âTime to take charge and deal the cards.â
âBuckminster, since weâre all part of the same family, so letâs have ourselves a straight talk. You name the price, and Iâll hand it over to you without a fuss. No need to play me for a fool, you hear?â
Emmettâs voice trembled as he spoke.
âListen here. We may be family, but rules bind us. It wouldnât be right to take your money, for that would make us no better than a band of thieves.â
Buckminsterâs expression remained composed as he chuckled. âWell, now, it appears weâll have to settle this matter on the gambling table, where the fate of wealth is determined, wouldnât you agree?â
BANG!
Fletcherâs hand slammed onto the gambling table, his voice commanding as he rebuked, âEnough with the idle chatter! If Mr. Payne wishes to engage with you, consider it a mark of respect. Now, deal the cards promptly, or donât be surprised if I show you no courtesy!â
âQuit wasting time!â
His voice boomed like rolling thunder, shaking Emmett to the core and making his whole body quiver with fear.
Emmett, now too afraid to say another word, hastened to shuffle and deal the cards, distributing them to Buckminster and himself.
Without glancing at his cards, Buckminster spoke up, âGiven your seniority, Iâll address you as Mr.
Tucker. We had an understanding, didnât we? If you happen to lose, your assets become mine.â
âIf I come out on top, will you honor your word and set me free? Emmett questioned.
âSure thing, I always keep my promises,â Buckminster nodded firmly.
A broad grin spread across Emmettâs face, his delight evident.
Such words offered him a lifeline, a sliver of hope amidst the uncertainty.
With the cards dealt, he gingerly picked up those two cards from the adult game, feeling their weight as if they were heavier than a mountain. His hand trembled uncontrollably, filled with fear and anticipation, while his heart pounded like thunder. His hands sweated with nervousness, his heart threatening to burst from his chest as it pounded relentlessly.
âIt must be a winning hand, without a doubt!â
Emmett uttered a silent prayer in his mind, then clenched his teeth as he reached for the deck of cards and glanced at his hand.
Upon taking a look, his eyes widened in disbelief. A wide grin spread across his face as he burst into raucous laughter, triumphantly flipping the two cards open and slamming them onto the table.
âHaha! I won! Iâve won!â
All eyes turned toward his hand, revealing an Ace and a King, the classic pair for a perfect Blackjack.
Adding to his stroke of luck, he was also the dealer, ensuring his triumph in this very round!
Buckminster cast a glance at Emmettâs cards, then without even bothering to look at his own, he broke into applause and chuckled. âWell done, youâve won.â
Emmett gazed at Buckminster, his eyes brimming with hope. âDoes that mean I can go?â
Buckminster nodded affirmatively and commanded, âYouâre free to leave. Make way for Mr.
Tucker!â
With his commanding voice, the mercenaries stationed at the main gate swiftly yielded, clearing a path before them.
âMuch obliged, Mr. Payne! Much obliged, Mr. Payne!â
Emmett, overcome with exhilaration, didnât waste a moment as he burst out of the scene with uncontainable delight.
However, as he made a break for the exit, Fletcher swiftly produced a revolver, pointing it directly at the back of Emmettâs head, his finger tightening around the trigger.
BANGI The gunshot crack echoed through the air, and in an instant, his head erupted in a gruesome blossom. He crumpled to the ground, lifeless and beyond salvation.
19:25 1 Even in death, his eyes remained wide open, staring in disbelief, unable to comprehend the tragic end that had befallen him.
âApologies, Mr. Tucker, Buckminster laughed. âI promised to let you walk away, but my companion, Fletcher, seems to have a different idea.â
Josef, Sharvin, and the rest of the onlookers watched in horror as their hearts plummeted to despair.
Now, they were utterly confounded, unable to fathom the true intentions of Buckminster.
If this man had any intentions of acquiring wealth, it didnât make sense for him to end Emmettâs life ruthlessly. After all, by doing so, they would be deprived of any chance to claim their assets.
However, against all expectations, Buckminster eliminated the wealthiest magnate from Malachia.
What on earth were their intentions?
All eyes were fixated on Buckminster, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
His enigmatic demeanor left them pondering, unable to truly grasp his motives.
âAlright, letâs go through the roll call once more.â
Buckminsterâs âs expression remained composed as he gestured for others to carry Emmettâs lifeless body away.
Holding the list in his hand, he spoke in a steady tone, âAlright, moving on, we kindly request the presence of Miss Labenz!â