Rebirth: My CEO Husband's Thoughts Are Too Shameless

Meanwhile, elsewhere inside Crimson Crest, another woman quietly slipped into the bustling casino disguised as one of the waitresses.

It was none other than Gen.

She tugged lightly at the unfamiliar uniform before adjusting the name badge pinned to her chest.

”I just hope no one recognizes me,” she murmured under her breath.

Before coming here, Gen had spent hours wondering how she could possibly get past the casino’s notoriously strict security.

Fortunately, luck had been on her side.

Earlier that day, she had run into one of the casino’s young waitresses outside the staff entrance. After explaining that she desperately needed to find someone inside, Gen had managed to persuade the woman to lend her uniform and employee ID for a generous sum of money.

Glancing down at the name badge once more, she let out a quiet sigh.

”No one will know it’s me.”

At least...

That was what she hoped.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Gen picked up a serving tray and stepped confidently onto the casino floor.

The dazzling lights, loud music, and constant chatter instantly surrounded her.

”Goodness...” she muttered, scanning the sea of people.

”This place is packed.”

Her eyes swept across the crowded gaming tables.

”How am I supposed to find Dad in all of this?”

After overhearing Thomas mention Crimson Crest on the phone the previous evening, Gen had wanted to report everything to Clara immediately.

However, Lily had mentioned that Clara was dealing with personal matters and didn’t wish to be disturbed.

In the end, Gen decided to investigate on her own first.

If she could uncover exactly what Thomas was planning before involving Clara, it would save everyone unnecessary trouble.

So here she was...

Walking straight into one of the most dangerous places in the city.

As she moved through the crowd, Gen remained alert.

There was one person she absolutely wanted to avoid.

Karlo Morritte.

The owner of Crimson Crest.

His reputation alone was enough to make experienced criminals think twice before crossing him.

Rumor had it that nothing escaped his notice.

Anyone acting suspicious inside his territory rarely stayed unnoticed for long.

That was precisely why Gen had rehearsed every movement before coming here.

She had to look natural.

She had to blend in.

Most importantly...

She couldn’t afford to make a single mistake.

Instinctively, her gaze drifted toward the second-floor VIP lounge.

Behind the one-way glass stood a tall man in a tailored suit.

Even from a distance, his commanding presence was impossible to ignore.

”So that’s Karlo Morritte...” she whispered.

”He’s... intimidating.”

The sharp aura surrounding him sent a chill down her spine.

Not wanting to attract unnecessary attention, Gen immediately lowered her head and continued serving drinks as though she hadn’t noticed him.

Just then—

A loud voice echoed across the casino.

”She’s cheating!”

The sudden outburst caused dozens of guests to turn toward one particular poker table.

Within seconds, a crowd gathered around it.

Gen frowned.

”What’s happening over there?”

Curiosity made her take a few steps toward the commotion, but the growing crowd completely blocked her view.

She stood on her tiptoes, trying to see past the spectators.

Nothing.

All she could hear were angry voices and excited whispers.

Just as she was about to move closer, another waitress hurried over.

”Hey!”

Gen turned around.

”The guests in the VIP section need drinks. Go attend to them.”

Following the waitress’s finger, Gen looked toward the nearby VIP tables.

Her heartbeat instantly skipped.

Among the guests sat the very man she had been searching for.

Thomas.

Even from a distance, she recognized his disheveled appearance.

He was laughing loudly with a drink in his hand as though nothing had happened the previous night.

Gen quietly tightened her grip on the tray.

”I found you...”

Taking a slow, steady breath, she nodded at the waitress.

”Alright.”

Without drawing attention to herself, she turned toward the VIP section.

Yet, before leaving, she couldn’t help casting one final glance toward the poker table where the shouting continued to grow louder.

For some reason...

She had a strange feeling that whatever was happening over there was far more important than it appeared.

***

Back at the poker table, the whispers only grew louder.

Clara could easily tell what Finn was trying to do.

He wasn’t accusing her because he genuinely believed she was cheating.

He was trying to turn the crowd against her.

The more people doubted her, the easier it would be to pressure her into making a mistake.

His desperation was written all over his face.

Although he tried to hide it behind confidence and anger, Clara could see right through him.

He needed money.

Desperately.

And now that he was on the verge of losing everything he had brought to the table, he was willing to use any means necessary to stop himself from walking away empty-handed.

A faint smile appeared on Clara’s lips.

Years ago, before getting in the Hayes Mansion, she had worked part-time in a casino to support herself and her mother while studying.

During the day, she attended classes. At night, she served drinks to gamblers until closing time.

That job had taught her something far more valuable than dealing cards.

It had taught her how to read people.

Behind every smiling face was a different story.

Some gambled because they chased excitement. Some because they were addicted. Some because they were drowning in debt and believed luck was their last lifeline.

She had seen people celebrate with tears in their eyes. She had also seen others lose everything they owned in a single night. She knew what kind of place she worked, which is why she never got the courage to tell Diana about it.

But now looking at Finn now, she already knew which category he belonged to.

He’s desperate...

Good. It’s working exactly as I expected.

Clara gently placed her cards on the table before looking directly at him.

”Fine.” Her calm voice immediately silenced the crowd.

”If you truly believe I’m cheating...” She leaned back in her chair. ”...then let’s settle it with one final match.”

The spectators gasped.

”Did she just challenge him?”

”Is she serious?”

”This is getting interesting.”

Finn’s eyes gleamed. Exactly what he had been hoping for.

He had years of experience playing poker. There was no way he believed he could lose to a woman who, in his eyes, was merely lucky. Still, he hid his excitement behind a thoughtful expression.

”I’ll accept.” A sly smile slowly spread across his face. ”But on one condition.”

Clara raised an eyebrow.

”What condition?”

Finn pointed toward the mountain of chips stacked neatly in front of her.

”If I win...” His eyes flashed with greed. ”...every single chip you’ve earned tonight belongs to me.”

The entire casino fell silent. Even the spectators who had been whispering moments ago stared at Clara in shock.

That wasn’t a small wager. It was everything she had won throughout the evening.

One wrong hand...and she would lose it all.

”That’s too much.”

”There’s no way she’ll agree.”

”Anyone would refuse.”

The crowd waited for Clara to reject the outrageous demand. Instead... she smiled.

”Fine.”

”...”

The silence that followed was deafening. Even Finn looked momentarily stunned.

He had expected her to hesitate. To bargain.

Perhaps even walk away. But not...not agreeing without a second thought.

A strange feeling suddenly crept into his chest.

For the first time since accusing Clara... he wasn’t entirely sure he had made the right move.