Chapter 453

Vincent's sudden appearance, coupled with the soaring stakes, instantly sent a current crackling through the air.

Nikolas and Elvin exchanged a glance.

Claude's face darkened like a storm cloud at Vincent's unexpected arrival. He broke the silence first, his voice heavy with hostility and edged with displeasure. "Mr. Jones? What business brings you here?"

Vincent didn't so much as spare Claude a glance. His gaze locked firmly on Hannah as he replied, steady .and sure, "Since it's a wager, everyone has the right to join."

He then directed his next words at Hannah, his tone softening with quiet assurance. "Have fun in the competition. I'm fine with the outcome." A faint tremor stirred in Hannah's heart. She arched a brow. "Miss Cortez seems to stand the stronger chance of winning. Why not put your bet on her and guarantee your profit?"

Vincent's lips curved into the shadow of a smile. "I won't change my bet. Whether you win or lose, it doesn't matter. The Jones Group can handle it."

His words carried the weight of confidence yet the ease of nonchalance.

A subtle ripple flickered in Hannah's eyes.

Meanwhile, Elvin drew Lindsay aside. His voice dropped to a low murmur, eyes gleaming with both calculation and greed. "Lindsay, do you have the confidence to take the match?"

。"Of course," Lindsay answered without hesitation,her tone brimming with pride. "None of them are my equals."

Years of fencing since childhood had honed Lindsay's skill, and she dismissed Hannah's earlier victory over Claude as no more than Claude deliberately holding back.

Seeing his daughter's unwavering confidence, Elvin's eyes lit with a greedy spark. He clapped her shoulder with vigor. "Excellent, let's seize this chance!Vincent's presence makes it perfect. Time to raise the stakes!"

Straightening his suit, Elvin wore the polished smile of a seasoned businessman and strode briskly toward Vincent. "Mr. Jones, you've wagered a precious mine with your own hand. Bold indeed! But honestly, I expected something much more valuable from you than that, given your stature.Why not make things a bit more funny?"

He leaned closer, voice sharp with provocation."Mr.Jones, do you dare wager Jones Group's shares?Now that would truly befit your standing!"

His words drew every eye in the room to him.

Vincent regarded Elvin's greedy expression with an icy gaze. Without a flicker of hesitation, he replied inchiling calm, "Alright. Fifteen percent of Jones Group shares-equal to Ms. Scott's stake. I bet on her triumph."

The crowd stirred in disbelief. Vincent had actually agreed!

Elvin's face split into a grin of unrestrained joy."Splendid! MAr. Jones, that's what I call decisiveness!"He wheeled around and whispered urgently to Lindsay, "Did you hear that? Fifteen percent of Jones Group shares! You must win this duel at all costs!"

The sheer weight of her father's expectation tightened Lindsay's chest, yet her confidence in her ability never wavered. She nodded firmly. "Rest assured! Victory will only be mine."

Nikolas, too, felt his blood stirred by the staggering 'stakes. He leaned close to his date, Aylin Brewer,and whispered eagerly, "Did you hear that? If we seize this, we'll be set for life! Give it your everything!"

Vincent observed Elvin's and Nikolas's greedy faces,his eyes flashing with a cold light. Then, with

deliberate force, he spoke. "Since I've laid down such a heavy wager, it's only fitting that you raise yours as well. Otherwise, wouldn't this whole gamble fall flat?"

Claude furrowed his brows, bewildered at Vincent's intentions.

But Elvin, caught up in the excitement of his fantasy,instantly rose to the bait. "Of course! I'll add twenty million!"

Vincent's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Merely twenty million? It's a bit low, but it'll do."

Elvin's grin faltered. He had intended to say two million, but in his excitement, twenty million had slipped from his tongue. Ten times over. And yet,Vincent had dismissed it as a not-too-big amount.

·Elvin's face flushed crimson, but convinced of his daughter's sure victory, he nodded as he confirmed his stakes.

Claude and Nikolas, cornered by the two's rising stakes, ground their teeth and followed suit.

Claude put forward ten luxury yachts, while Nikolas staked a brand-new commercial building in the heart of the city.

The wagers soared to a suffocating height, and the training ground's atmosphere tightened like a bowstring.

Hannah frowned slightly, stepped to Vincent's side,and lowered her voice. "Can't you see? Elvin is setting his sights on you!"

Vincent tilted his head just enough to answer. "I see it."

Her worry pressed forward. "If I lose, fifteen percent of your company's shares wilI vanish in an instant!"

Vincent's eyes locked on her, steady and unwavering, brimming with trust. "I said I'm fine with any outcome. Just enjoy the duel without any concern or burden."