Chapter 1: You Should Be Called a Weirdo
With a bright moon overhead and calm seas below, a luxurious cruise ship cuts through the waves. Onboard, the air is alive with music and dance, lights bright. Everything seems perfect, yet on the deck, by the railing, a conversation between two wealthy sisters paints a less rosy picture.
"Hey, Sophia, out of all these billionaires and nobles, isn't there even one you fancy?" Zoe dreams of marrying into extravagant wealth to elevate her status further, if only her looks matched her ambitions. Meanwhile, her stunning friend, surrounded by countless admirers, finds none of the eligible bachelors appealing.
Sophia sips her Raphael, scoffing, "Why would I dirty myself for those who've rolled in countless others?"
Zoe's mouth falls open. "You can't still be a virgin?"
"And why not?"
"You're twenty-two!"
"Isn't that meant for marriage...?"
"Oh, my God, you're so old-fashioned!" Zoe groans. "What if your mom keeps pushing you..."
"She's not my mom!" Sophia interrupts.
"Fine, your stepmother! What if she keeps pressing you to marry one of those billionaires?"
Sophia takes another sip. "Simple. Break their lineage at the root, crush their balls!"
Her tone is calm, as if discussing everyday matters, but Zoe nearly spits her drink into the sea.
"Aren't you afraid they'll retaliate?"
Sophia looks puzzled. "Which man would broadcast such humiliation? They'd fear my wrath even more."
Zoe's expression darkens. "I think you shouldn't be called Sophia; you lack grace. You should be called a Weirdo."
Sophia shrugs indifferently, placing her glass back on the waiter's tray. "I have to go. You stay here, waiting for your billionaire prince charming."
Watching Sophia leave, Zoe mutters, "Disdaining those bachelors yet dressed so provocatively... Doesn't she know this cruise is full of them?"
Not far behind, a man with captivating eyes follows Sophia's departure intently. Lounging in a VIP seat, his wine glass nearly empty from long sitting, he's overheard the sisters' exchange without missing a word.
Soon, a man in black whispers something to him, and he too leaves.
In the casino, at an imperial table, Sophia has already won two rounds for Lincoln. One more, and the gold bricks at the table's center are theirs.
Oscar, undefeated in gambling, unexpectedly loses to a masked girl. Trying to maintain his composure, Sophia's mocking smile infuriates him.
"I have to see who's got our gambling god Oscar on the verge of explosion!"
Upon hearing this, Sophia looks up. She's never swayed by men, but must admit the man approaching is strikingly handsome.
Women around scream, but he pays them no heed, his gaze fixed on her. Seeing him, even the gambling god stands, respectfully calling him "Big Brother" and stepping aside.
Leo recognizes the woman called "Weirdo" by her friend. But she's helping Lincoln? Lincoln's woman? But she disdains noble young masters; why would she fancy Lincoln, a coarse tycoon with a beer belly? Is she pretending, or does she have an agenda?
Leo's glance shifts between the central box and the alluring woman opposite. Perhaps, she's also after the secret within the gold bricks?
"May I ask who you are?" he initiates.
Without hesitation, Sophia retorts, "I'm the gambling god's grandma!" Always striking first applies everywhere!
"You—" Oscar almost lunges at the arrogant woman but is halted by Leo's chilling gaze.
He's the gambling god's elder brother, and she claims to be their grandma. For the first time in his life, Leo encounters a woman daring enough to provoke him.
"Fine, the final round. Let's see if you're worthy of the title you've given yourself."
At the gambling table, the cards fly swiftly.
To bystanders, it's just a blur of changing cards accompanied by gasps of awe. But she sees him sneak a Hearts Ace and a Spades King, swiftly replaced by her with worthless cards. He catches her taking a Diamonds 4 and a Clubs 7, yet expertly swaps them for the Joker and the Jack.