Chapter 71 edited

With a pale yet resolute demeanor, Kage returns to the table, his determination evident in every step. As he readies himself for the next round of the game, he addresses the table with a wry apology, "Sorry. That last hand almost did me in." Turning to the waiter, he requests a change in his drink preference, "Water, if you would."

Le Chiffre's composure wavers slightly at Kage's return, a hint of unsettlement flickering across his features.

Meanwhile, Wolpert, now out of money, tosses his cards in and offers Kage a small, knowing smile. With only five players remaining, the marathon session begins to take its toll, evident in the fatigue that weighs heavily on the players' shoulders. Yet, amidst the exhaustion, Kage's stack of chips steadily grows, his resilience unmatched.

As the game progresses, one by one, players dissolve from the table, their chairs left empty as the dealer, too, succumbs to exhaustion and packs up for another break.

After the brief respite, the players return to the table, with Kage appearing alert and focused while Infante and Le Chiffre, despite their attempts to combat fatigue with espressos, show signs of weariness. Kage, however, remains seemingly unaffected by the grueling hours.

As the tension at the table mounts, the dealer announces, "Big blind now one million," prompting Kage to confidently place a million-dollar plaque in the designated spot. Beside him, Fukutu matches with a $500,000 chip for the small blind.

The community cards are revealed: Ah, 6s, 8s.

Le Chiffre's hand, Ac and 6h, already boasts two pairs, intensifying the stakes.

Kage assesses his own hand, 7s and another low spade, hinting at a possible flush. Fukutu holds Ks and Qs, also hinting at a flush possibility, while Infante reveals 8c and 8h, securing three of a kind.

Le Chiffre raises the bet to "Five million," prompting the others to match. Lady Jaye and Mathias watch with bated breath as Mathias calculates, "Twenty-four million in the pot already."

The tension escalates with each passing moment. The next community card, the elusive spade, is laid down. Fukutu reconsiders his options and decides to go all in with his remaining chips. With everyone matching his bet, the pot swells further.

Observing from the sidelines, Lady Jaye and Mathias analyze the unfolding drama. Mathias murmurs to her, "Possible flush, possible full house, two pairs? Sixty million in the pot."

As the intensity of the hand reaches its peak, Le Chiffre and Kage lock eyes, a silent battle of wills ensuing. Meanwhile, Wolpert, having left the bar to witness the pivotal moment, joins the spectators.

With anticipation at its peak, the dealer deals the final card—the Ace of Spades. Mathias leans in once more, whispering to Lady Jaye, "Somebody's got the full house." The tension reaches its zenith as the players await the final reveal.

As the tension reaches its peak, Le Chiffre and Infante both reveal full houses, with Le Chiffre holding the superior hand. Despite this, Infante exudes confidence, pushing all his remaining chips forward and declaring, "Five million dollars."

Le Chiffre, unfazed, smiles at Kage and ups the ante, "Ten."

Kage's eyes flicker between the community cards and Le Chiffre, weighing his options carefully. Meanwhile, Mathias and Lady Jaye watch from the sidelines, their concern evident. Lady Jaye whispers, "He's going to do it again, isn't he?"

Mathias sighs, resigned to the impending outcome, "Le Chiffre must have the full house. Kage's flush will be beaten. He's been trying to bluff, and then he'll have nothing to bluff with. He should keep what he has."

Kage pauses, contemplating his next move. After a long moment of deliberation, he gathers his chips and plaques, pushing them all into the center of the table. "All in," he declares, his voice steady.

The dealer swiftly tallies Kage's chips, announcing, "Ten million dollars," as Mathias and Lady Jaye look on in disbelief at the audacious scene unfolding before them.

Back at the table, Le Chiffre's gaze locks with Kage's, his expression inscrutable as he considers his cards once more. With a smile, he ultimately pushes his remaining chips forward and concedes, "Very well." The stakes couldn't be higher as the players brace themselves for the climax of the intense showdown.

As the tension in the room reaches a palpable climax, a stunned silence descends upon the players and spectators alike, all eyes fixated on the mountain of plaques and chips amassed on the table.

The dealer breaks the silence, addressing the players, "Please show your cards, gentlemen."

One by one, the players reveal their hands. Fukutu proudly displays his spades flush, earning a nod of acknowledgment from the dealer. "Ace, King, Queen flush," the dealer confirms.

Infante follows suit, laying down his pair of eights, prompting the dealer to announce, "Full house. Eights full of aces."

Le Chiffre confidently reveals his hand, showing his Ace and Six: another full house. With victory seemingly assured, he abandons his poker face, grinning wolfishly as he awaits the final verdict.

But then it's Kage's turn. With a calm demeanor, he places his cards down, prompting Le Chiffre's grin to falter.

The dealer spreads Kage's cards over the community cards, declaring, "Four through eight of spades, the high hand."

Le Chiffre's expression shifts from confidence to disbelief as the reality of defeat sinks in. A small red globule appears in the corner of his eye, a testament to his mounting frustration. He quickly wipes it away, his gaze locking with Kage's in a silent glare. Without a word, he abruptly leaves the table, disappearing from view.

Meanwhile, Kage makes his way to the bar, where Lady Jaye awaits with a congratulatory smile. "Congratulations. I had some faith in winning," she remarks.

Kage responds with a playful jest, "Some."

Lady Jaye smiles in return, her expression speaking volumes.

Sensing the lingering tension, Kage suggests, "It's best to move away from here. I'm sure Le Chiffre, in his anxious state, will try something."

Lady Jaye nods in agreement, and together they depart from the scene.