The atmosphere in the casino was pushed into a frenzy by that insane prize, and the chips piled higher and higher as everyone went red-eyed with greed.
At that moment, the door was pushed open again, and a man with a black eyepatch over his left eye walked in.
It was Domenico Carbone, Julian's sworn enemy.
"Don Vitale, you're in a generous mood tonight, using your own woman as a prize."
Domenico's leering gaze stayed locked on me.
"I hear she's a walking lucky charm. Whoever touches her gets rich. My luck's been awful lately, so I'd like to borrow her to turn things around."
He pulled out a chair and sat down without hesitation, openly declaring his intent to win me.
Julian's expression darkened.
I had long heard that no woman taken by Domenico ever met a good end.
My Papa and Mamma weren't back yet, and I hadn't seen them. I couldn't die.
Grabbing my last chance, I clutched Julian's sleeve. My voice shook. "Julian, don't do this. Have you forgotten who carried you out of that shipping container at the dock?"
That had been the first time we met. He was being hunted by enemies, burning with fever, and covered in blood as he hid in a rusted container.
I, a pampered young lady, had carried him for nearly two miles through the freezing wind and begged my Papa to gather men to save him.
I thought that reminding him of that debt would awaken even a trace of his former affection.
Instead, he flung my hand away violently.
"You're talking about that incident?" he scoffed.
"Everything you've eaten, worn, and used these past few years came from me. I paid that debt off a long time ago. If your old man weren't the Don of the Lombardi family, would I have needed to put up with you all these years?
"Now that he isn't in Athrasia, who do you think would dare protect the Lombardi family's precious princess?"
So, that was the real reason behind his revenge.
Not only did he refuse to back down from Domenico's provocation, but he also raised the stakes.
"Whoever wins takes her. I won't say a word."
In the end, Domenico won.
Grinning and revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth, he made his demand in front of everyone.
"Pretty little thing, take off your clothes and let me inspect the goods. Let's see if the real thing matches what's on the chips."
I froze where I stood.
Julian looked at me coldly. "A bet's a bet. Don't embarrass me on my own turf."
Seeing no way out of this, I reached for the first button on my chest with trembling hands.
At that moment, Milena suddenly cried out as if she had lost her footing, and the red wine in her hand splashed all over me.
The thin fabric of my dress was soaked through, and the curves of my body showed faintly beneath it.
Lewd remarks echoed around me.
"She's so slutty. She makes me want to do her right here."
"Her breasts look mouth-watering."
I stood under the spotlight, exposed to every pair of eyes there.
Milena hurriedly pulled out tissues. "I'm sorry, Winona. I didn't mean to. My hand slipped…"
Julian grabbed her hand and gently wiped the wine from her fingers. "Were you startled? Your hands are so cold."
Seeing that hurt my eyes. My dignity was ground into the dirt, yet all he cared about was whether his god-sister's fingers were cold.
Domenico had already lost patience. He yanked me into his arms. I struggled desperately, only to be held even tighter.
Using the last of my strength, I looked toward Julian and prayed that, for the sake of everything I had done for him and the love I had once given him, he would help me.
Instead, he turned away, pinched Milena's cheek, and murmured something teasing to her. My plea for help earned nothing but his cold indifference.
