Ellinor Mendozaâs game plan got all scrambled up. She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and got ready to play her hand.
Out of nowhere, Theo Blanchetâs big hand reached out. His rough fingertips pressed her card back into the pile, then picked a new one for her to play.
Ellinor stared at the card he played and had an epiphany. Playing the card his way was indeed unexpected and increased the odds.
of winning.
She didnât understand why Theo, who was ignoring her just now, was helping her all of a sudden.
They locked eyes.
Theo showed no emotion. âWhat are you looking at me for? Look at your cards!â
Ellinor fell silent. There was no need to be so serious.
She wanted to thank him, butâ¦.
Anyway, Theoâs reminder was wellâintentioned.
But after he scolded her, Ellinorâs gratitude instantly vanished.
She pouted and turned her face away, frowning at her cards and feeling a bit annoyed.
Theoâs action surprised everyone, but it was also expected.
Jonah Wyton and Kemp Larios exchanged glances, understanding each other without uttering a word.
Bartlett Rex squinted at Theo, then looked at Ellinor as complex emotions emerged in his eyes.
The girl, who had always been cold to him, always seemed calm and composed and did not frown no matter what happened.
However, just because Theo got close, she changed her face. This was a reaction he could never get from her, no matter what he did.
Under Theoâs guidance, Ellinor decided to follow his strategy and the game went much smoother.
Occasionally, Theo would help her adjust the order of her cards, then whisper to her about what to watch out for.
Every time he spoke, there was no emotional color, but Ellinor could always feel his cold aura and pressure.
Ellinor was now focused on winning the game; she wouldnât care about anything else. As long as she thought he was right, she would listen.
A few rounds later, Jonah saw the situation spiraling out of control and realized he couldnât win. He complained, âTheo, you know, a real gentleman doesnât talk while looking at his cards.â
Theo, expressionless, gave him a cold look, âA real gentleman also doesnât pick the best cards for himself when dealing.â
Jonah, whose magic skills were high, laughed when Theo exposed him, but he didnât feel ashamed, âTheo, whose side are you on? Ellinor is with Balfour; she has nothing to do with you now. You donât need to stick your nose in this.â
Jonahâs words made Ellinor feel very uncomfortable; he brought up the topic they had avoided before, and the atmosphere. instantly became awkward.
Theo picked up the water glass on the table and drank a sip without expression, âIâm not trying to interfere. Iâm just curious to see how you would perform a striptease.â
Jonah looked horrified and pretended to cover his chest, âTheo, I thought you were my friend, and you wantâ¦â
Theoâs face darkened, a hint of disgust flashed in his eyes and he said coldly. âBug off!â
Ellinor glanced at Jonahâs dramatic expression, then turned to look at Theo next to her, discovering the cup he was drinking from was the one she just used.
Why did he pick up her cup and drink from it again?