"Why bother? They’re dead. What’s the point of keeping the ashes? It’s better to stop now. If you lose, you’ll be useless. Who will want you then?"
The mocking words sliced through me, deep into my heart. My gaze fell on the eighty jars of ashes behind me, and I forced myself to straighten my back.
“Tell me the result, don’t waste my time.”
The host dragged out his announcement, stretching the moment to its fullest.
“The answer is Japanese food. Sorry, Miss Nolan, you lost again.”
“Do you want to continue? The next bet is your hair.”
“Go on.”
Janelle smiled and walked toward the winner of this round, her voice dripping with sweetness.
“I heard that if you scatter ashes in the sea, the deceased can be reborn. Could you give me the ashes of Miss Nolan’s parents?” she asked, her tone syrupy.
“After all, she took care of Adam for five years. I want to repay her kindness.”
The man hesitated, glancing at Adam, seeking approval. Adam’s cold, threatening gaze made him nod quickly.
“Of course. I’m here today because of your blessing. Just two jars of ashes—think of it as a wedding gift for Miss Burt and Adam. Take them.”
Janelle took the ashes and left, cradling them like a precious possession. I followed her hurriedly, but she stumbled several times, caught in the crowd of guests.
By the time we reached the deck, Janelle had already scattered my parents’ ashes into the sea. Beneath the surface, a shark had been waiting, drawn by the scent.
“No—!” I cried out, my voice cracking, as I dashed toward her.
Janelle screamed and released the jar, letting it sink into the sea. Tears flooded my eyes, blurring everything.
From behind, I heard Adam’s voice, cold and uncaring.
“Caitlin, don’t go crazy. You scared Janelle.”
“If you want to continue, get out of here. No more waiting.”
“Oh, and by the way, the next game’s chips are the ashes of your two younger siblings.”
He hugged Janelle tightly and turned away without a second glance.
When I arrived back at the game, it was already halfway through. A waiter, unable to bear the tension, leaned in and whispered the question for the round.
It was to guess where Janelle had stayed the night before.
Before the host could announce the answer, I spoke quickly.
“Adam’s old house!”
The host shook his head with a regretful expression.
“It was a seven-star hotel. Sorry, Miss Nolan, you lost again.”
The winner popped open champagne, celebrating their success.
“No wonder Mr. Read asked me to arrange a hotel for last night. He was giving me a chance!”
“Adam is so generous. I’ll never forget this!”
The man toasted Adam, and the crowd laughed. But as the cheers rang out, I saw Adam’s bodyguards walking toward me, razors glinting in their hands.
I closed my eyes, my body numb. I had become a puppet, simply accepting whatever Adam decided to give me.
The cold light from the razor hit my scalp, and the host paused, sensing the rising tension.
“Miss Nolan, the bet for the next game is your two arms. Are you sure you want to participate?”
“Continue.”
The taste of blood filled my mouth, and I could barely hear my own voice over the ringing in my ears.
The man beside me, who had lost several rounds, couldn’t hold his frustration any longer.
“Caitlin, are you crazy? Why don’t you just burn your own ashes already? What are you fighting us for?”
“You’re never going to win. You’re just wasting time. If I really cut off your arm, can you accept it? Stop pretending!”
“Let everyone sleep for a night and give you a few jars. That’s enough. Do you really think you’re so special? Can’t you see that this is all about getting revenge on you?”
I took a drink from the wine in front of me, trying to steady my shaking hands.
“I admit it. I’m willing to accept the loss.”
“As long as I still have chips, the game isn’t over.”
“Speak up,” the host said, nodding toward Adam.
At his signal, the game continued.
