The private casino inside Golden Phoenix Hotel was no ordinary gambling den. This was a place where the wealthiest men in the world played—not just for money, but for power, control, and sometimes, revenge.
Ochieng stepped into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. Rolex, Walter, and Ela flanked him, their expressions unreadable. Across the table sat Gideon Luxford, dressed in an elegant midnight-blue suit, his smile cool and confident.
"Glad you could make it," Luxford said, swirling a glass of whiskey.
Ochieng sat down. "Let's get to it."
The dealer, a stunning woman named Nelly, shuffled the deck, her gaze flicking between the two men. "Gentlemen, the rules are simple. Five-card poker. Best hand wins."
Luxford leaned forward. "And the wager?"
Ochieng smirked. "If I win, I take Blackhawk Industries."
Luxford chuckled. "And if I win?"
Ochieng's eyes darkened. "Then you take my shares in Phoenix Holdings."
The room tensed. Phoenix Holdings was a multi-trillion-dollar empire. This wasn't just a game—it was war.
Nelly dealt the cards.
Meanwhile…
Seline sat inside La Vienne Café, her hands trembling as she scrolled through news articles about Ochieng. His face was everywhere.
She bit her lip. Had she made the biggest mistake of her life?
"You regret it, don't you?"
She turned sharply. Victoria. Ochieng's former flame.
Victoria smirked, stirring her coffee. "He's beyond your reach now, Seline."
Seline's jaw tightened. "We'll see about that."
Back at the casino…
Ochieng glanced at his cards. Ace of spades. Ace of hearts. King of diamonds. Queen of clubs.
A powerful hand.
Luxford's eyes gleamed. "Your move."
Ochieng pushed his chips forward. "All in."
Luxford grinned. "Bold." He matched the bet.
The final card was revealed.
Silence.
Ela's eyes widened. Rolex exhaled sharply. Walter gritted his teeth.
Luxford laughed softly. "Looks like I win."
Ochieng's gaze remained cold. "Not so fast."
He flipped his cards over.
Royal Flush.
The room erupted.
Luxford's smirk vanished. His empire—gone in a single move.
Ochieng stood, buttoning his suit. "Pleasure doing business with you."
As he walked away, Luxford whispered, "This isn't over."
Ochieng smirked. "It never is."