The casino of Broken Loyalties

A black luxury car glided to a stop in front of Scarlet Casino.

The giant red neon sign bathed the wet pavement in crimson light. Music and laughter drifted from inside, but outside, the night suddenly seemed to hold its breath.

The rear door slowly opened.

A pair of black heels touched the ground.

Then she stepped out.

Her long brown hair fell in soft waves down her back, catching the glow of the casino lights. Honey-colored eyes swept over the towering building before her.

She wore a dark wine-colored dress, elegant yet daring. The slit along one side revealed the tattoo on her leg.

A black serpent.

Its body coiled around a blooming rose, winding from her thigh downward. Under the red lights of the casino, the snake seemed almost alive.

People stared.

Not because she was beautiful—though she undeniably was.

It was the tattoo.

There was something unsettling about it. Something dangerous.

A guard near the entrance lowered his voice.

"Who is she?"

Another man frowned. "I don't know… but she looks like trouble."

A woman nearby whispered, "No. She looks like the kind of person trouble follows."

Thalia ignored every stare.

Her phone vibrated.

She answered without taking her eyes off the casino.

"I'm here."

A pause.

Then a male voice burst from the other end of the call.

"What? You're already there? Are you crazy?"

She sighed.

"Good evening to you too."

"I mean it, Thalia! Why are you working in a casino of all places?"

Her eyes remained fixed on the glowing sign.

SCARLET CASINO.

"I need this job."

"No, you don't! You can still leave. Get back into the car."

A small smile tugged at her lips.

"You worry too much."

"Because someone has to! Do you even know what kind of people walk into places like these?"

"I can take care of myself."

"That's exactly what you always say before doing something reckless."

She laughed softly.

"I'll be fine."

"No, you won't. I have a bad feeling about this."

The smile on her face faded.

For a second, she simply stared at the casino.

Its red lights.

Its golden doors.

The strangers watching her.

The strange pull she couldn't explain.

"Maybe," she said quietly. "But I can't run from every dangerous place."

The man on the phone was silent.Then he spoke again, his voice lower.

"Promise me you'll be careful."

Thalia's honey-colored eyes softened.

"I promise."

"Call me if anything happens."

"I will."

"And if I don't hear from you—"

She cut him off with a small laugh.

"You'll hear from me."

A long sigh came from the other end.

"You are impossible."

"I've been told that before."

She ended the call.

For a moment, she simply stood there.

The cool night breeze lifted a strand of her brown hair.

She looked up once more at the glowing red letters.

SCARLET CASINO.

She didn't know why, but as if tonight wasn't the beginning of something.

As if it was a return.

Straightening her shoulders, Thalia walked toward the entrance.

Dozens of eyes followed her.

None of them knew her name.

None of them knew why a serpent and a rose were tattooed on her leg.

And none of them knew that the girl walking through those doors was about to change the fate of Scarlet Casino forever.The black car rolled to a stop in front of the Scarlet Casino. The music from inside faded as the doors opened.

Inside Scarlet Casino, the reception area glowed beneath golden chandeliers, while the soft clinking of chips and the strains of jazz filled the air.

Behind the reception desk, Caleb was focused on typing at his computer.

"Do you ever get tired of working?" a voice asked.

Caleb did not look up.

"No."

A dramatic sigh came from the man beside him.

Arman leaned casually against the desk, dressed in a black suit and wearing an expression that suggested boredom was his greatest adversary.

"You know, I feel sorry for you."

Caleb continued typing.

"I didn't ask for your sympathy."

Arman ignored the remark.

"I had a wonderful evening yesterday."

"I met a very attractive woman."

Silence.

"Beautiful smile. Gorgeous eyes."

Arman frowned.

"Are you even listening to me?"

"No."

Arman leaned against the reception desk, lazily twirling a pen between his fingers.

"I swear, Caleb, one day you're going to regret spending your entire life behind that computer."

Caleb didn't look up.

"And one day you'll regret flirting with every woman who walks through that door."

Arman grinned.

"Impossible. My charm is a gift to humanity."

Caleb sighed.

At that moment, the casino doors opened.

A woman walked in.

Long brown hair.

Honey-colored eyes.

A dark wine-colored dress.

And on one leg, partially visible through the slit of her dress, a serpent coiled around a blooming rose.

Arman's words died in his throat.

He straightened.

"Well…" he said softly. "Speak of the devil."

Caleb looked up.

Thalia stopped before the desk.

"Good evening. I'm here regarding the job."

Caleb nodded and searched for her file.

Arman, meanwhile, was openly studying her tattoo.

The snake.

The rose.

The confidence with which she carried herself.

He didn't even realize he was staring.

Thalia noticed immediately.

She looked at him.

Then at his expression. Then back at him.

A small smile appeared on her lips.

"Is there something on my face?"

Arman blinked.

"No."

"Then perhaps on my dress?"

"No."

She nodded thoughtfully.

"Then I assume you've simply forgotten that staring is generally considered impolite."

Caleb nearly choked on his coffee.

Arman's eyes widened.

For the first time in a long time, someone had called him out so calmly.

And so politely.

She wasn't angry. She wasn't flustered.

She wasn't impressed either. She simply looked… amused.

A laugh escaped her lips.

A soft, brief laugh.

Not mocking.

Just entertained.

Arman stared.

Then, to Caleb's horror, he started grinning.

"You know what?" he said. "I like you already."

Her eyebrow rose.

"That's kind of you."

"And dangerous."

"The part where you insulted me politely."

She folded her arms.

"I didn't insult you."

"You absolutely did."

"Then I apologize for your interpretation."

Caleb looked between them and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Arman, however, looked delighted.

He pointed at her.

"See? You did it again!"

Thalia's smile widened ever so slightly.

For reasons he couldn't explain, Arman found the entire situation ridiculously amusing.

Most people tried to impress him.

This woman had an aura within thirty seconds of meeting him.

The strange look in Thalia's eyes vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

She turned away from Arman as though he no longer existed.

Arman blinked.

That was it?

No reaction?

No curiosity?

No awkwardness?

She had simply… dismissed him.

Oddly enough, he found that even more interesting.

Meanwhile, Thalia looked back at Caleb.

"So," she said calmly, "where do I sign?"

Caleb stared at her for a second, still recovering from the strange exchange.

"Ah… right."

He straightened in his chair and pulled a file from the drawer.

"There are a few terms and conditions before you accept the position."

"I'm listening."

Caleb opened the file.

"This is not an ordinary job."

Her expression didn't change.

"You'll be living inside the casino premises."

She raised an eyebrow.

"For how long?"

"Twenty-four hours a day. Seven days a week."

Silence.

Arman looked at her, expecting surprise.

There was none.

Caleb continued.

"You'll only receive one day off each week, and even that can be canceled during emergencies or important events."

Still no reaction.

"You won't be allowed to leave the casino grounds without permission."

Nothing.

"You'll be assigned living quarters here, and your duties may change depending on management requirements."

Thalia listened quietly, her face unreadable.

Caleb frowned.

Most people asked at least ten questions by now.

She simply waited.

"And…" he said carefully, "the salary is considerably higher than most jobs of this kind."

For the first time, she spoke.

"How much?"

Caleb told her the amount.

Even Arman looked impressed.

It was a very generous salary.

Yet Thalia's expression remained calm.

As if money wasn't the reason she was here.

Caleb slid another document toward her.

"There's one more thing."

She picked up the papers.

At the top, in bold letters, was written:

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT.

She read silently.

Then her eyes stopped on one paragraph.

If the employee terminates the contract before its completion, a substantial financial penalty must be paid to Scarlet Casino.

Her fingers paused.

Arman folded his arms.

"That's usually the part where people reconsider."

Thalia didn't look at him.

Caleb added, "The penalty is… expensive."

Silence.

A few more seconds passed.

Then she placed the papers on the desk.

"Pen."

Both men looked at her.

"What?" Caleb asked.

"I need a pen."

"You've read the conditions?"

"Yes."

"And you still want to sign?"

She looked directly at him.

"I came here for a job, didn't I?"

Caleb was speechless.

Arman let out a low whistle.

"You know, you're either very brave or completely insane."

For the first time in several minutes, she glanced at him. A faint smile touched her lips.

"Perhaps a little of both."

Then she took the pen from Caleb's hand.

Without hesitation…

She signed her name.

Thalia.

The ink had barely dried when a strange feeling settled in the room.

As though, with one signature, she had stepped into something much bigger than a job.

And somewhere deep inside Scarlet Casino…

Someone's fate had just changed.

Caleb closed the file and placed it back on the desk.

For a moment, he simply looked at Thalia.

Then he frowned.

"You know…" he began, "I read your résumé."

Thalia looked up.

"You speak three languages, have management experience, know accounting, and your previous recommendations are excellent. You're much more capable than this."

She remained silent.

Caleb folded his arms.

"So why a casino?"

No answer.

"Out of all the places in the city, why Scarlet Casino?"

The question lingered in the air.

Even Arman looked curious.

Thalia's honey-colored eyes drifted toward the scarlet neon lights outside the glass doors.

A small, unreadable smile crossed her face.

Then she looked back at Caleb.

"Maybe I was looking for a place that doesn't ask too many questions."

Silence.

Caleb blinked.

That was not an answer.

It was an escape.

Arman grinned.

"Mysterious. I like it."

She ignored him.

Caleb, however, studied her face.

For some reason, she looked…

Tired.

Not physically.

But as though she had carried something heavy for a very long time.

He decided not to push further.

Everyone had secrets.

He cleared his throat.

"Well, in that case, I'll take you to your assigned bungalow."

He reached for a keycard.

Immediately, Arman pushed himself away from the desk.

"I'll take her."

Caleb looked at him.

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Absolutely yes."

Caleb narrowed his eyes.

"You're trying to avoid work."

"I am a man of hospitality."

"You're a man of excuses."

Arman placed a hand over his heart.

"You wound me again."

"I'll survive."

"So will I."

Caleb sighed.

Before he could argue further, Thalia spoke.

"It's fine."

Both men looked at her.

"I don't mind."

Arman's grin widened.

"You see? She likes me already."

"No," she said calmly. "I simply don't mind."

The grin faltered.

Caleb nearly laughed.

Arman pointed at her.

"She does that on purpose."

"I've only known you for five minutes."

"And somehow I've already been rejected twice."

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"That sounds like a personal problem."

For a second, Arman stared at her.

Then he burst out laughing.

Caleb shook his head.

Unbelievable.

Most people either feared Arman or tried to impress him.

This woman dismissed him at every opportunity.

And somehow…

He seemed to enjoy it.

Caleb handed the keycard to Arman.

"Fine. Take her to Bungalow Seven."

Arman saluted dramatically.

"With pleasure."

He turned to Thalia.

"Shall we?"

She picked up her bag.

"Lead the way."

Arman smiled and began walking.

Thalia followed him without another word.

Neither of them noticed Caleb watching from behind the reception desk.

He looked at the signed contract.

Then at the retreating figure of the brown-haired girl with honey-colored eyes and the serpent-and-rose tattoo.

A strange feeling settled in his chest.

As though the night had just changed.

And somehow…

The arrival of Thalia at Scarlet Casino would change far more than any of them could imagine.

As soon as Arman left, silence settled over the bungalow, enveloping Thalia in its stillness.

She released a long, weary sigh.

The day had been overwhelming.

The long journey.

The interviews.

The unusual contract.

The unfamiliar faces.

Everything.

She set her bag on the couch and carefully slipped off her heels.

Every muscle in her body ached.

Her shoulders felt heavy, and her eyes stung with fatigue.

She glanced around the room.

In less than ten minutes, she had somehow transformed the tidy bungalow into complete disarray.

One suitcase lay open on the floor.

Clothes were draped over a chair.

A book rested on the coffee table.

A scarf hung from the arm of the sofa.

She looked at the mess.

Then at herself.

Then back at the mess.

A soft, tired laugh escaped her.

"I've been here for ten minutes," she murmured, "and it already looks like a hurricane passed through."

She ran a hand through her long brown hair and lowered herself onto the edge of the bed.

For several moments, she remained there, staring into space.

She was exhausted.

Completely exhausted.

The kind of fatigue that seeped into your bones.

The kind that made you want to sleep for a week and forget the rest of the world existed.

She closed her eyes.

Silence.

Then—

Ding Dong.

Her eyes snapped open.

She frowned.

Who could that be?

She had been there for less than an hour.

The doorbell rang again.

Ding Dong.

Suppressing another sigh, she rose and walked toward the door.

She opened it.

Two young women stood outside.

Both were smiling at her as though they had been eagerly anticipating her arrival.

The first had long, soft pink hair that reached nearly to her waist. She wore a bright, welcoming smile and carried the kind of warmth that suggested she could befriend anyone.

The second had short black hair framing her face and sparkling eyes filled with curiosity. She, too, was smiling.

For a brief moment, no one spoke.

Then the pink-haired woman raised a hand and waved enthusiastically.

"Hi!"

The black-haired woman smiled even more broadly.

"You must be the new employee."

Thalia blinked, still too exhausted to fully process the situation.

"...Yes."

The two women exchanged a glance.

Then looked back at her.

Their smiles somehow grew even brighter.

"Welcome to Scarlet Casino!"

The two girls stood at the door, smiling so brightly that for a second, Thalia wondered if they had mistaken her for someone else.

The pink-haired girl tilted her head.

"Can we come in?"

Thalia blinked.

"Oh. Sure."

She stepped aside.

The two girls immediately entered as if they had known her for years.

Then they stopped.

Both stared at the living room.

The open suitcase.

The clothes on the chair.

The scarf hanging off the sofa.

The half-unpacked bags.

Silence.

Then the pink-haired girl gasped dramatically.

"Oh, my God."

The black-haired girl covered her mouth.

"It looks like a crime scene."

Thalia looked around.

"...I was going to clean it."

The two girls burst out laughing.

To her surprise, she almost smiled.

The pink-haired girl dropped onto the couch.

"I'm Bubble, by the way."

She pointed at herself proudly.

"Yes, that's my real nickname. No, I don't know why my parents let it happen."

The black-haired girl sat beside her.

"And I'm Tina."

She gave Thalia a warm smile.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Thalia."

"We know," Bubble said cheerfully.

Thalia frowned.

"You do?"

Bubble and Tina exchanged another look.

"Everyone knows," Tina admitted.

"The new employee arriving today was basically the biggest gossip topic in the staff quarters."

Thalia looked alarmed.

"I was gossip?"

"Oh, absolutely," Bubble said.

"You have no idea how curious everyone was."

"We spent half the day guessing what you'd be like," Tina added.

Bubble began counting on her fingers.

"Some people thought you'd be old and strict."

"Someone thought you'd be a bodyguard."

"One guy thought you'd be scary."

Tina grinned.

"And I thought you'd have glasses."

Thalia stared at them.

"...Why glasses?"

"I don't know," Tina said honestly.

"You just seemed like someone who'd wear glasses."

Bubble laughed.

"We've been waiting all day to meet you."

Thalia looked between them.

"You don't even know me."

Bubble shrugged.

"True."

"But making new friends is fun."

Tina nodded.

"And life inside Scarlet Casino gets boring if you don't make friends."

A small silence settled.

Then Bubble's eyes landed on the serpent-and-rose tattoo on Thalia's leg.

Her eyes widened.

"Okay, can we talk about that tattoo?"

Tina immediately leaned forward.

"Yes! I was trying not to ask."

Thalia looked down at her leg.

"This?"

"Yes, this!" Bubble exclaimed.

"It's gorgeous."

"And mysterious," Tina added.

"It looks like it belongs in a movie."

Thalia smiled faintly.

"It's just a tattoo."

Bubble and Tina looked at each other.

Then back at her.

"No," they said together.

Thalia blinked.

Bubble pointed at the snake.

"That thing definitely has a story."

Tina nodded.

"And I love stories."

For a moment, Thalia's fingers brushed the tattoo unconsciously.

A shadow crossed her honey-colored eyes.

Then it disappeared.

"Maybe another day," she said softly.

Neither Bubble nor Tina missed the change in her expression.

They didn't ask again.

Instead, Bubble suddenly clapped her hands.

"New topic!"

Tina laughed.

And for the first time since arriving at Scarlet Casino, Thalia found herself sitting on her messy couch with two complete strangers, listening to their gossip and ridiculous stories.

Oddly enough…

She didn't mind it at all.

Bubble and Tina made themselves comfortable on the couch while Thalia sat across from them.

Bubble suddenly pointed a finger at her.

"One important rule."

Thalia raised an eyebrow.

"Never mess with the people who are above us."

"Above us?"

Bubble nodded. "Caleb, Arman, and the others. They're our superiors."

"They're dangerous," Tina added.

Thalia frowned slightly.

"Who's Caleb?"

"The guy at the reception," Bubble said. "The one who interviewed you."

"The research chief," Tina explained. "He looks calm, but he notices everything. Nothing escapes him."

Thalia nodded slowly.

"And Arman?"

The moment his name came up, Tina rolled her eyes.

Bubble made a face.

"Oh, don't even get me started."

Thalia almost smiled.

"That bad?"

"He's a playboy," Bubble said immediately.

"A huge one," Tina agreed.

"He flirts with everyone."

"And somehow gets away with it."

Bubble sighed dramatically.

"He's handsome, and he knows it."

Thalia let out a small hum.

That sounded exactly like the man she'd met.

"But…" Tina suddenly said.

Bubble looked at her.

Tina's expression turned serious.

"He's dangerous."

Silence.

Thalia looked at her.

"Dangerous?"

Tina nodded.

"He jokes around a lot, but don't let that fool you. He didn't get his position here by being stupid."

Bubble crossed her arms.

"When things get serious, he changes completely."

"Into what?"

Neither girl answered immediately.

Finally, Tina spoke.

"Someone you don't want as an enemy."

The room fell quiet.

For some reason…

That answer interested Thalia.

More than it should have.

She leaned back slightly.

"Really?"

Tina nodded.

"Really."

A small, unreadable smile appeared on Thalia's face.

Bubble suddenly looked at the clock and gasped.

"Oh no!"

Tina checked the time and immediately stood up.

"We should get ready!"

Thalia looked at them. "For what?"

Bubble looked horrified.

"Don't tell me nobody told you!"

"Told me what?"

Tina smiled.

"Tonight is Classic Night."

"Classic Night?"

Bubble nodded excitedly.

"It happens every month. The casino has a special theme. Everyone dresses elegantly, there are live performances, and all the VIP guests come."

"It's one of the busiest nights here," Tina added.

"And the most chaotic," Bubble said dramatically.

Thalia raised an eyebrow.

"Sounds important."

"It is!" Bubble exclaimed.

Tina smiled at her.

"And since you're starting tonight, you'll get to see the real Scarlet Casino."

Bubble pointed at her.

"You need to get ready too."

Thalia looked at her simple clothes and then at the two excited girls.

"I think I'm fine."

Both girls stared at her.

"No," they said together.

Thalia blinked.

Bubble grinned.

"We have two hours."

Tina smiled mischievously.

"Plenty of time to make you look like you belong at Classic Night."

For the first time since arriving at  Casino…

Thalia had a very bad feeling about this.

An hour later, Thalia stood in front of the mirror.

She almost didn't recognize herself.

Bubble and Tina stood behind her with proud smiles.

"Tada!" Bubble said.

Thalia blinked.

She was wearing a navy-blue silk gown that wrapped elegantly around her body. The dress had a long slit on one side, revealing the serpent-and-rose tattoo on her leg.

The silk shimmered under the lights.

Her long brown hair was left mostly open, with the top section tied back in a small band, letting soft waves fall over her shoulders.

A delicate headpiece rested in her hair.

Her honey-colored eyes seemed brighter than usual.

And the bold red lipstick made her look even more striking.

For a moment, she simply stared at herself.

Bubble placed her hands on her hips.

"Say it."

Thalia looked at her.

"Say what?"

"That we are geniuses."

Tina grinned.

"You look gorgeous."

"No," Bubble corrected. "She looks stunning."

Thalia looked back at the mirror.

The woman staring back at her looked confident, elegant… and almost dangerous.

She let out a small laugh.

"I didn't know I could look like this."

Bubble gasped dramatically.

"Excuse me? You always looked like this. We just helped."

Tina nodded.

"You were hiding it."

Thalia smiled.

A genuine smile this time.

Bubble pointed at her reflection.

"Trust me, when you walk into Classic Night looking like this, people are going to stare."

Tina grinned.

"And not because of the tattoo this time."

Thalia shook her head, amused.

"You're both impossible."

"And you're beautiful," Bubble said matter-of-factly.

For a moment, the room fell silent.

Thalia looked at herself one last time.

Then she took a deep breath.

Tonight would be her first night at Scarlet Casino.

And somehow…

She had a feeling it wouldn't be an ordinary one.

                       THALIA'S LOOK

                            TINA'S LOOK

As they walked out of the bungalow, Thalia glanced at Bubble.

She blinked.

"Weren't your hair tips pink earlier?"

Bubble grinned.

Now, the ends of her long hair had turned burgundy.

"Yep."

"You changed it already?"

Bubble flipped her hair dramatically.

"I love changing my hair colors."

"Every day," Tina said, sounding used to it.

Thalia looked at her in disbelief.

"Every day?"

Bubble nodded proudly.

"Life is too short to have the same hair color all the time."

Tina sighed.

"Last week, she had blue hair."

"And before that, silver," Bubble added.

"And before that, purple."

Bubble smiled brightly.

"I get bored easily."

For the first time, Thalia laughed.

"You really are something."

"I know," Bubble said proudly.

Tina rolled her eyes.

The three of them continued walking, talking about random things and laughing along the way.

Before they knew it, they had reached the entrance of Scarlet Casino.

The building glowed under the night sky, its scarlet lights shining brightly.

Classic Night had officially begun.

The casino was already crowded.

Elegant music filled the air as guests entered one after another.

At the entertainment area, Bubble stood in her long pink gown, playing the violin beautifully. Her duty tonight was to entertain and welcome the guests.

Meanwhile, near the entrance, Caleb stood with his arms crossed, observing everything carefully.

Beside him was Arman.

As usual.

Irritating him.

"You know, if you smile once in a while, people won't think you're a robot," Arman said.

Caleb ignored him.

"I'm serious."

Silence.

"I think you secretly enjoy my company."

Caleb finally looked at him.

"I don't."

Arman grinned.

At that moment, Thalia walked toward them.

Her navy-blue gown caught the light, and the slit revealed the serpent-and-rose tattoo on her leg.

Arman stopped talking for a second.

Caleb blinked once.

She looked… different.

Elegant.

Striking.

Thalia stopped in front of them.

"Good evening."

Caleb quickly returned to his senses.

"Good evening. Are you comfortable? Is everything alright? Did you settle in properly?"

Thalia nodded.

"Yes. Everything is fine. Bubble and Tina kept me entertained."

A small smile appeared on Caleb's face.

"I'm glad."

She looked around at the guests.

"So, what exactly do I need to do?"

Caleb straightened.

"Your duty tonight is simple."

He pointed toward the entrance.

"Whoever enters the casino, you greet them politely and guide them if they need assistance."

Thalia nodded.

"That's all?"

"For now."

She nodded again.

"I can do that."

Before Caleb could reply, Arman suddenly spoke.

"Oh, she can do much more than that."

Thalia looked at him.

Arman grinned.

Caleb sighed.

And just like that…

his headache for the evening had officially begun.

Meanwhile, at the bar counter, Tina was busy serving drinks.

Unlike Bubble's cheerful energy, Tina worked calmly and efficiently.

"One whiskey, please."

"Coming right up."

She handed over the glass with a smile.

Another guest approached.

"A glass of champagne."

"Of course."

She prepared the drink quickly and passed it over.

The guests seemed to like her immediately.

She was polite, friendly, and knew exactly what she was doing.

From across the hall, Bubble noticed and smiled.

"She's in her element again."

Back at the entrance, Thalia glanced toward the bar.

"That's Tina?"

Caleb nodded.

"She's one of our best bartenders."

As if sensing them watching, Tina looked up and waved at them.

Then another customer called for her attention.

"Coming!"

She turned back to work, serving drinks and chatting with guests, completely at ease in the lively atmosphere of Classic Night.

At the end of a dimly lit hallway, far from the music and laughter, Caleb stood before a man.

Only the man's back was visible.

Yet the atmosphere surrounding him felt unusually oppressive.

Caleb straightened his posture.

"It's almost time," he said. "The auction will begin shortly."

Silence.

Caleb continued, "The hall is prepared. As usual, no female staff members are permitted inside."

The man remained silent.

He simply looked at Caleb.

Just one glance.

A cold shiver ran down Caleb's spine.

At last, the man spoke.

"I want everything to proceed smoothly."

His voice was calm.

Too calm.

"No mistakes. No complications."

The words were not spoken loudly.

Yet they carried the weight of a warning.

Caleb swallowed.

"Everything is under control."

Several seconds passed in silence.

Then the man shifted his gaze away.

The conversation had ended.

Caleb quietly released a breath he had not realized he was holding.

Even after all this time...

That man still had the power to unsettle him.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Scarlet Casino, the atmosphere was entirely different.

"Welcome to Scarlet Casino. Enjoy your evening."

Thalia greeted another group of guests with a courteous smile.

The guests returned her smile and stepped inside.

She found herself enjoying the work.

The music, the lights, the steady flow of people...

It was vibrant.

Engaging.

For the first time that night, she felt completely at ease.

Completely unaware...

That somewhere within the casino, an auction was about to begin.

And that before the night was over...

Her path would cross with a man unlike any she had ever encountered.

"Welcome to Scarlet Casino. Enjoy your evening."

Thalia greeted another guest. As she looked up, she noticed a man in a black mask.

He wasn't heading toward the main hall.

Instead, he turned into a restricted corridor.

Her brows furrowed.

"Sir?" she called.

No response.

Something felt wrong.

Without thinking, she followed him.

The music faded as she walked deeper into the corridor.

The masked man suddenly stopped.

Then he turned.

Before Thalia could speak, he rushed toward her.

Her eyes widened.

She quickly dodged.

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed.

The man didn't answer.

Suddenly—

The lights went out.

Darkness.

Complete darkness.

Someone brushed past her.

She couldn't see anything.

A few seconds later, the lights came back on.

Thalia blinked.

And froze.

She was standing on a stage.

In front of her sat dozens of people—millionaires, businessmen, and dangerous-looking men in expensive suits.

Every pair of eyes was on her.

Her heart raced.

"W-What...?"

She looked around frantically.

Where was the masked man?

How had she ended up here?

And what kind of place had she just walked into?

Powerful businessmen.

Men in expensive suits.

And others who looked far more dangerous.

Gangsters.

All of them were staring at her.

Silence filled the hall.

Thalia's breath caught.

She slowly looked around.

The room was enormous.

Luxurious.

And every pair of eyes in the hall was fixed on her.

For the first time that night…

A feeling of unease settled in her chest.

Something was terribly wrong.

Thalia took a step back.

Every eye in the hall was on her

Her heart pounded.

What was happening?

Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm.

She gasped.

"Come with me."

It was Arman.

For once, he wasn't smiling.

He looked genuinely alarmed.

He quickly pulled her off the stage.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered.

"I—I don't know!"

"You don't know?!"

"I followed a man in a mask, and then the lights went out, and somehow I ended up here!"

Arman stared at her.

She looked completely confused.

Which meant…

She really had no idea where she was.

His expression darkened.

How had she gotten onto the stage?

At that moment, Caleb hurried onto the stage.

The entire hall was silent.

He took a deep breath.

"My apologies, everyone."

No one spoke.

"This was an unfortunate mistake. A staff member accidentally entered a restricted area."

The crowd remained quiet.

Caleb continued calmly.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Tonight's auction will end here."

A few people looked annoyed.

Others whispered among themselves.

But no one argued.

Slowly, people began standing up and leaving.

Meanwhile, Arman kept a protective hand on Thalia's arm.

She still looked shaken.

"What auction?" she whispered.

Arman looked at her.

Then away.

"You weren't supposed to see this."

Before she could ask another question, a heavy silence filled the room.

Someone…

Was still there.

Watching.

From the shadows at the back of the hall.

Watching the emptying room.

Watching the frightened girl.

Watching Arman and Caleb.

And watching the stage.

The person's hands slowly clenched.

Boiling with anger.

One mistake.

One unexpected girl.

And tonight's plans had been completely ruined.

Before anyone could say a word—

A voice spoke from the shadows.

"Stop."

The entire room fell silent.

Arman's grip on Thalia's arm tightened.

Caleb froze.

Then…

A man stepped out of the darkness.

The sound of his shoes echoed across the hall.

Thalia looked up.

And her breath caught.

He was tall.

Tan.

His long, wavy blond hair fell around his face.

His brown eyes were unreadable.

But what made him frightening…

Was the scar.

A long scar ran from above one eye, down to his cheek.

It didn't ruin his face.

If anything, it made him look more dangerous.

More intimidating.

More impossible to ignore.

The room seemed to hold its breath.

Then, to everyone's shock, the man walked directly toward Thalia.

She didn't move.

She couldn't.

Her heart was pounding too fast.

He stopped in front of her.

She slowly lifted her eyes to meet his.

For the first time that night…

She felt nervous.

The man's gaze remained fixed on her.

As if he were trying to remember something.

Or someone.

Neither of them spoke.

The silence stretched.

Arman looked between them, confused.

Caleb looked uneasy.

Why was he staring at her like that?

Thalia swallowed.

She had no idea who this man was.

And yet…

Those brown eyes made her feel as though she had stepped into something dangerous.

Something she did not understand.

The entire hall remained silent.

Then the man finally spoke.

"She's a spy."

The words were calm.

But they sent a chill through the room.

Thalia's eyes widened.

"What?!"

Caleb immediately stepped forward.

"No, sir. She's just a new staff member."

The man didn't even look at Thalia.

His eyes remained on Caleb.

"Are you sure?"

Caleb swallowed.

"Yes."

The man took another step forward.

"How can you be certain she wasn't sent by one of my enemies?"

Silence.

Before Caleb could answer, Arman spoke.

"She said she was following a man in a mask. Then the lights went out, and she somehow ended up here."

The man's gaze shifted to Arman.

"If she's telling the truth."

The room became quiet again.

Thalia frowned.

"I am telling the truth."

The man finally looked at her.

Those unreadable brown eyes made her heart skip a beat.

He said nothing.

Instead, he looked at one of his men.

"Check the security footage."

"Yes, sir."

The man left immediately.

A few minutes later, he returned.

"Sir, she's telling the truth. She followed a masked man into the corridor. The lights went out, and she appeared on the stage."

Silence.

No one spoke.

The man looked at Thalia again.

She wasn't lying.

Yet…

Something still felt wrong.

He couldn't explain it.

He should have dismissed her as an unfortunate accident.

But he didn't.

A small part of him remained suspicious.

A spy?

An enemy's pawn?

Or simply a girl in the wrong place at the wrong time?

He didn't know.

And he hated not knowing.

Without showing a single emotion, his eyes slowly observed her.

The navy-blue gown.

The confident posture despite her fear.

The honey-colored eyes.

The brown hair.

Then…

His gaze stopped.

The serpent-and-rose tattoo on her leg.

His eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

Something about it…

Provoked him.

Not anger.

Not recognition.

Just…

Something.

A strange feeling he couldn't place.

A feeling he immediately buried.

His expression remained cold.

No one in the room noticed the slight pause.

Except perhaps Arman, who looked between them in confusion.

The man looked away as if nothing had happened.

But his eyes returned to the tattoo once more.

Only for a second.

Then he masked every emotion.

As though that brief moment had never existed.

The silence in the hall felt heavy.

The man looked at Thalia one last time.

Then he spoke.

"Whatever happened here tonight…"

His voice was cold.

"...whatever you saw, whatever you heard, it does not leave this room."

Thalia frowned.

"If it does—"

He didn't finish the sentence.

He didn't need to.

The warning was clear.

For a few seconds, she simply stared at him.

Then she became angry.

Actually angry.

"Are you serious?"

The entire room froze.

"You called me a spy. You didn't believe a single word I said. I end up in a room full of dangerous-looking people and an auction I don't even understand, and now you're threatening me?"

No one dared to interrupt.

Thalia's heart was still racing from everything that had happened.

"I am already terrified by whatever this is!"

She pointed around the hall.

"And now you're acting like I'm the problem?"

The man's expression didn't change.

He simply looked at her.

Then…

He gave a small, annoyed snort.

As if her anger didn't matter.

That did it.

Thalia's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Oh, wow."

Before anyone could react—

Slap!

The sound echoed through the hall.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Thalia had just slapped him across the face.

No one moved.

No one breathed.

Even Thalia looked surprised for half a second.

Then she straightened herself.

"You are unbelievable."

She turned around.

And walked away.

Just like that.

Without apologizing.

Without looking back.

Without caring what was happening behind her.

The hall remained frozen.

Arman's mouth slowly fell open.

Caleb looked as though his soul had left his body.

One of the guards blinked.

Another looked ready to faint.

Did…

Did she just slap the boss?

The boss?

No one had ever dared to raise their voice at him.

Forget slapping him.

The room remained in complete shock.

Meanwhile, the man stood there, unmoving.

A faint red mark had appeared on his cheek.

And for the first time in a very, very long time…

Someone had done something completely unexpected.

The hall remained silent.

The red mark was still visible on his cheek.

Then…

To everyone's horror—

He smiled.

Not a normal smile.

A slow, almost creepy smile.

Arman swallowed.

He knew that look.

It meant the boss was interested.

And that was never a good sign.

The man looked in the direction where Thalia had disappeared.

Then he spoke calmly.

"Giving me such an attitude…"

His smile deepened slightly.

"...is not safe for her."

No one dared to speak.

"She has entered the lion's den."

A chill passed through the room.

He finally turned to Arman.

"Keep an eye on her."

Arman blinked.

"And I want everything about her."

Silence.

"Who she is. Where she came from. Why she came here."

His brown eyes darkened.

"I want all the information."

Arman simply stared at him.

He didn't say a word.

Didn't ask any questions.

He only nodded once.

The man looked away again.

As though the matter had already been decided.

But he still couldn't forget the girl's honey-colored eyes.

Or the serpent-and-rose tattoo.

Or the fact that she had slapped him.

A strange expression crossed his face.

Then it disappeared.

Unnoticed by everyone.

Almost everyone.

Because someone else had been watching the entire scene.

A girl stood near the upper railings of the hall.

She had seen everything.

The accusation.

The conversation.

The slap.

And most importantly…

The way he had looked at Thalia.

She clenched the railing tightly.

Her eyes burned with jealousy.

She had never seen him pay this much attention to anyone.

Not once.

Yet tonight…

A new girl had arrived.

And in a matter of hours, she had become the center of his attention.

Her jaw tightened.

Who was this Thalia?

And why was she suddenly so important?

The girl's eyes darkened.

One thing was certain.

She already hated her.

And somewhere in the casino…

Without even knowing it…

Thalia had just gained her first enemy.