Chapter 32: Destined to Lose

"I... I left home in such a hurry this morning. I forgot my wallet, both cash and card." Sophie Mitchell said, her cheeks flushing. "Ha! Henry Carson, are you guys really that broke now? Can't even scrounge up a grand, yet you dare to gamble on jade?" mocked Ella Roberts, her voice dripping with glee. "I remember you wanted the Heart of the Emperor just now, and now you don't even have a thousand bucks? Have you completely lost your marbles?" The Roberts couple continued their jeers, and soon enough, the surrounding crowd chimed in with laughter and whispers. "I've got it covered," Rowan Erickson quickly interjected, pulling out a thousand dollars and handing it to Henry Carson. "Don’t worry, your gamble with this money won’t be in vain." "Thanks, Rowan, but if this goes south, I can't let you cover my eight million. Besides," Henry said, glancing sideways, "what would you want in return?" Sophie's heart skipped a beat, anxiety showing on her face. What would Rowan ask for? Hand