Chapter 1
A group of Manhattan’s elite heirs were playing Texas Hold’em at a party, using their dates‘ clothing as stakes–one piece removed per loss.]
My fiancé Ryder Kane deliberately lost three hands in a row, leaving me nearly undressed.[]
I excused myself to the bathroom to collect my emotions, but overheard their mocking conversation through the wall.
“Kane, just because Piper poured Victoria’s medicine down the drain yesterday, you’re publicly humiliating her? Aren’t you afraid she’ll call off the engagement?”
Ryder snorted coldly.
“Please. She’s just some nobody who had the nerve to mess with my sister before even getting her foot in the door. She’s practically begging for what’s coming to her!”
“If she hadn’t donated her kidney to me, forcing my hand through public pressure, there’s no way in hell I would’ve gotten stuck with trash like her.“[]
“Letting her sit at a high–stakes table like this is already charity work for that backwoods hick!!”
But yesterday, it was Victoria herself who had thrown away her own medicine and blamed it on me.
e.]
I wiped away my tears of frustration and humiliation, then calmly returned to the table.
Victoria, who had been enjoying the spectacle, suddenly pretended concern.[]
“Sister–in–law, don’t push yourself. If you go home naked, you’ll only embarrass my brother.”
I smiled coldly:
“I’ll play this hand. If I lose, I’ll streak all the way home!
…D
The crowd of trust fund babies froze momentarily before erupting in shrill laughter.
Ryder? He hadn’t even flinched while watching me strip down to almost nothing, but now his expression darkened ominously.
“Jesus, Piper, what happened to the quiet, modest girl I thought I was engaged to? Now you’re showing your true colors–a real gold–digging!” Ryder sneered.
“You’re just some broke college girl working part–time jobs to survive. You can barely afford to eat, let alone play high–stakes poker like this!“[]
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a vicious whisper.[]
“Or maybe you’re just desperate to show off that body to all my friends? Is that it?”
Victoria covered her mouth in mock shock, her eyes dancing with malicious glee.[]
“No wonder she trapped you with that kidney donation! The poor thing is absolutely man–crazy!” She turned to her brother with faux sympathy.
“But, brother, if she’s this determined to humiliate herself, who are you to stand in her way?“]
I wasn’t fooled.
Victoria was banking on me losing spectacularly–stripped naked and humiliated beyond recovery.
The Kane family would never accept such a scandalous daughter–in–law, leaving her free to manipulate her brother as she always had.]
The other guys, eager to add fuel to the fire, chimed in with their own taunts.
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Besides, with only three pieces of clothing left, my figure was tantalizingly visible beneath the fabric, and their eyes were glued to my body
“Let Piper play! Beginners‘ luck might save her at least one piece of underwear for the ride home!”
Their girlfriends weren’t any kinder, eyeing me with unveiled contempt.
“Great, now we’ll all be safe from stripping since she’ll lose every hand.“[]
“I bet her underwear is from some discount store anyway. Gross.“[]
One of the guys slid over, patting the chair at the far right of the table.]
“Since you’re new, we’ll give you the best seat–makes it easier to strip when you lose!“]
More laughter erupted.]
I just calmly took my seat, swallowing back tears as they continued their jeering. Ryder’s smile returned as he tossed a stack of chips my way.
“Fine, have it your way. When you lose and my mother cancels our engagement, remember you brought this on yourself.“[]
The dealer distributed the hole cards, and the first player immediately raised the stakes.[]
“If Piper’s feeling brave, we shouldn’t look like cowards. I bet three items of clothing–my girlfriend’s wearing plenty!“]
His companion gave a theatrical pout as the others laughed and matched his bet.[]
All eyes turned to me, with my mere three remaining garments.]
“Well? Strip already! Let’s see what Kane’s been enjoying!”
Another chimed in, “You’re awfully confident for this round. What’s your plan for the next? Or do you have some secret weapon hidden under that cheap lingerie?”
I looked at their leering faces and pushed down my humiliation.[]
“That’s nothing. I can offer something much more exciting. How about 10 GB of private photos? Can I bet those?“]
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