"So you'll have to put it up as collateral. No money to call? Then I suppose we'll just have to tear—"
She let the threat hang, her smile razor-thin.
My fists clenched until my knuckles went white.
Clever. So goddamn clever. Using my mother as a chip while forcing me to bet everything I had.
"I call."
"Hahaha! Like he's got a cent left to his name!"
I gave my bank account number directly to one of the staff to verify. Only after they confirmed my funds would they allow me to continue.
The dealer proceeded to the next round. I drew the seven of spades. The shark drew the six of clubs.
"High card's mine. I bet my mother's safety."
Mark sneered, utterly dismissive—as if no matter what I did, the outcome was already written.
The next card came. Mine was the ace of hearts. The shark's was the ace of spades.
Mark pushed half of the chips forward with a grin. "Half your entire fortune. You don't get a choice."
"Hahaha! Call or don't—either way, you're screwed!"
I looked at my mother. Tears streamed down her face as she choked out the words: "Son, just go! Don't do this for me—"
"Mom, it's okay."
I turned back to face them and called.