Part 1The Heiress's High-Stakes Gamble

I was taking a breather on a cruise ship in international waters when I stumbled upon my stepsister surrounded at a poker table.

Her two childhood friends stood opposite her, flanking a delicate-looking girl, sneers playing on their lips:

"What's wrong, Miss Vance? Can't afford to call? Weren't you tough before? Daring to ask Chloe for three million for a scarf?"

"Folding is fine too. Just sign over your 15% of the Vance family shares to Chloe tomorrow."

My sister's knuckles were white, her eyes rimmed with red.

Someone laughed and loosened his tie: "No money, little girl? How about this, take off a piece of clothing, and I'll give you five hundred in chips."

Whistles erupted around us. "Strip naked, and all my chips are yours."

I stood in the shadows of the high balcony, slowly turning the ring on my pinky finger.

Not showing my face for a few years, these trash must have forgotten that although my sister took her father's surname, she is still a Sterling.

Touch a Sterling girl, and you pay with your life.

......

The special assistant beside me held his breath, whispering carefully: "I'll call the cruise manager right away and have him apologize to you."

I looked down at the poker table, my voice icy: "No rush. Let's see what tricks they're playing."

Those who dare to touch my people under my nose, no one on this ship will have a good end.

* * *

Liam Carter looked at my sister, who was surrounded by men, with a sneer on his lips:

"Luna, why are you scared to strip? I have your private photos here. Why don't I sell a set and add to your bet?"

Before he finished speaking, he tossed a USB drive to a staff member.

The next second, the big screen lit up.

High-definition photos of my sister in compromising states were projected for all to see, igniting imaginations.

"The eldest Miss Vance, usually acting so high and mighty. Who knew she had such a body underneath!"

"Just seeing this makes me hard. If she strips, I might die on top of her."

Filthy language continued as Noah Reed threw another USB drive, laughing sinisterly:

"I have more here. If you don't dare to strip for chips, I'll help you. Adding another bet for you!"

The crowd roared in approval, the atmosphere heating up instantly.

"The two young masters are generous! Giving us such a feast for the eyes!"

My sister trembled all over, tears streaming down her face: "We grew up together... how dare you treat me like this?"

"Now you know how to cry? Where was this pitiful act when you forced Chloe to pay for your scarf?"

"We're kind enough to help you raise money, why are you so ungrateful?"

My sister retorted urgently, "She ruined the scarf on purpose! That was a gift from my sister..."

Hearing this, the girl named Chloe, sandwiched between the two men, suddenly knelt down with a thud, tears streaming:

"Sister, I know I was wrong. I've even bet myself. I beg you, please have mercy and stop following the bet!"

Liam slammed the table and stood up: "Luna, relying on your money, will you only be satisfied when you drive Chloe to death?"

Noah pulled Chloe up from the floor and held her in his arms, saying sternly: "Since you dare to bully Chloe right in front of us, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

Chloe comforted softly, "Don't blame Luna. Blame me for upsetting her."

She turned to my sister, eyes flashing with calculation, "Luna has no money left. I heard she works eight jobs a day just to eat. If she doesn't follow this hand, I'll stop here."

I laughed in anger. Looking at the chips on the table, my sister had bet her entire fortune, even the shares our grandfather gave her privately.

If she stops now, she will have nothing and carry a huge debt.

I stared at Chloe. She was wearing the custom dress I had made for my sister, the Patek Philippe watch I gave my sister on her wrist, and even the emerald necklace our mother left for my sister around her neck.

And my own sister was wearing old clothes washed white, with patches on her pants.

When did my sister, a Sterling, fall to this state?

My sister bit her lower lip hard, tears winding down her pale face, looking like she would collapse any moment.

It seemed what Chloe said was true.

"Investigate!" I ordered sternly.

The special assistant understood immediately and left.

I had been expanding the market abroad for the past few years and rarely went home.

But I contacted my sister monthly. Why was there no sign of anything wrong?

My sister suddenly looked up, her voice broken: "Why? We were childhood friends. How could you use candid photos of me as chips?"

Liam played with the chips, sneering: "If you don't want to exchange, admit defeat. Give all these to Chloe as an apology."

Noah didn't even lift his head: "Cut the crap. Either exchange or go over there for a nude loan and strip right here!"

Lecherous jeers erupted around them:

"Strip, princess!"

"How about sleeping with me for a night? I'll bet for you!"

My sister was surrounded, trembling all over.

Just when everyone thought she would yield, she suddenly looked up, a desperate light in her eyes:

"I'll continue to follow!"

The whole audience was in an uproar.