The low murmur of conversation mixed with the quiet shuffling of cards as Ms. Carter tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her blouse hugged her slim frame, sleeves rolled just enough to show forearms tense with focus. The last hand hadn’t gone well, and her chip stack reflected it—painfully.

Another round? she asked coolly, voice velvet-smooth but hiding the edge of nerves.She caught a smirk across the table. Someone was enjoying this a little too much. She raised an eyebrow, unwilling to be rattled.All in, she said, sliding her last chips forward with a confident flick. She leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, posture perfect—a mix of elegance and quiet defiance.The flop came down, and her heart skipped. A flush. Not unbeatable, but damn close. Her expression didn’t flicker.Feeling lucky? she asked, her voice dipping just slightly.The tension in the room thickened. A bead of sweat slid down someone’s temple. Ms. Carter didn’t blink.Let’s raise the stakes, she said, tilting her head, blue eyes locked and unreadable. It was more than a game now—it was a challenge. And she wasn’t folding.