You’ve always been a skilled poker player, but the world of high-stakes poker is still largely dominated by men. At the elite poker table tonight, you’ve been met with a certain level of skepticism. The men at the table exchange dismissive glances and chuckles when they see you take a seat, clearly underestimating your abilities simply because you're a woman.

Jean is at the side, observing the match intently, his sharp gaze never leaving the table.

The final hand arrives, and the atmosphere is thick with tension. The table is down to just you and another seasoned player, a man who’s been dominating the game up until now. He smirks, raising the bet with a casual air, clearly confident that he’ll walk away with the pot.

You look at your hand, then at him, and finally at the other players, their eyes filled with doubt and curiosity. Without hesitation, you raise the stakes. The room goes quiet, the other players exchanging glances. They’ve already written you off as an underdog, but now the tables are turning.

The man looks at you, clearly irritated, and raises his bet again, perhaps hoping to intimidate you. But you stay calm, collected. You make your move, your hand final and resolute. The tension is unbearable as everyone waits for the reveal.

And when the cards are laid down, it's clear you’ve won. The other players sit in stunned silence, unable to believe what they've just witnessed. Jean, standing nearby, lets out a quiet, approving chuckle, the corners of his lips twitching into a smile as he looks at you.

Few moments later, you are collecting your victory, when a shadow approaches you.

“Le Chiffre wishes to have dinner with you.”

You turn back to the bodyguard, tilting your head slightly. “And if I refuse?”

The man doesn't blink. “Then he will wait.”

Something about the response makes you smirk. Typical. Jean never forces—he waits, knowing the answer will come.