Chapter 11 Raising the Stakes

"Don't bet with him. I'm not confident we'll win," Petra whispered to Liam. "No worries, I've got this," Liam replied with a calm smile. Then, raising his voice, he called out, "Osbert, since you're eager to bet, let's do it. "But if we succeed, Petra will take over the family business, and you'll break both your legs." Do you have what it takes?" "Why wouldn't I?" Osbert sneered. "You're doomed to lose anyway." Liam glanced at Eric. "Old fool, what about you? Are you in on this?" "You've got a death wish, kid? Fine, I'll indulge you!" Eric growled, his voice heavy with menace. "Everyone here can be a witness. The Snowdens accept this bet!" "Alright!" "No problem, we'll all witness this!" "Anyone who backs out will be shunned by River City!" The crowd quickly voiced their agreement. After all, who wouldn't want to watch the drama unfold? Besides, no one really thought Liam stood a chance. "Mr. Osbert, can I join in and raise the stakes?" Alex raised his hand from the sidelines. "Breaking Liam's legs seems too kind." He looked at Liam, his eyes flashing with a hint of malice. "I want to bet my hands against Liam's hands." A ripple of shock spread through the crowd. Was Alex harboring a personal vendetta against Liam? "No problem!" Osbert grinned eagerly and asked, "Liam, do you accept the raised stakes?" "I've got no reason not to." Liam stayed cool, unruffled. "If anyone else wants to raise the stakes, bring it on. I'll take them all." "In that case, I'll raise the stakes too!" Lizzie joined in, not bothering to hide the hatred in her eyes. "Petra, I've never liked your face. I'm betting my face against yours. "The loser lets the winner cut their face. Do you dare?" The crowd erupted into murmurs. Lizzie clearly wanted to ruin Petra's beauty. Petra's expression faltered for a second, about to protest when Liam interrupted her. Liam cut in and said, "Honestly, Lizzie, your ugly face doesn't deserve to be in this bet. But for Petra, I'll accept." He leaned close to Petra and whispered, "Don't worry, we're definitely going to win. "And if we somehow lose, I'll just run away with you." He wasn't being reckless and had plan B in place. With his current skills at the meditation phase, escaping was easy. Petra took a deep breath, knowing there was no turning back now. "Liam's been in a coma for three years and just woke up yesterday. He's acting impulsively," she thought. "But I've waited for him for three years. Tonight, I'm willing to take the chance with him." Her voice rang out clearly, full of determination. "Lizzie, if you want to make a wager, I'm on board." "Perfect, Petra! I can't wait to see that pretty face of yours scarred!" Lizzie couldn't hide her glee. The crowd shook their heads in pity. Petra's beauty was stunning, and it seemed like such a waste to have it ruined. "Well, since everyone's getting in on the fun, I'll join the bet too." A voice from the entrance silenced the room. Philip entered the banquet hall, flanked by a dozen bodyguards. "It's Mr. Philip!" "Mr. Philip, you're here!" The crowd greeted him with respect. Philip strode up to Liam, his expression icy. "Liam, since you dared to show up at the party, I'll raise the stakes on Osbert's side. If you lose, I'll have you castrated. You'll never be a man again." The room fell into stunned silence before erupting into chatter. "That kid is finished! If Mr. Philip's involved, there's no way he's winning." "Poor Petra. She's done for too." "Well, it's her own fault. Why choose a poor country boy over Mr. Philip?" Before Liam could respond, Sydney raised her hand as well. "Since Mr. Philip's getting involved, I can't just sit by." Sydney smiled seductively at Philip, trying to curry favor. "I'll raise the stakes too. I'll bet 100 million on Osbert winning." "Very well! You're sensible," Philip said, clearly pleased. "Thank you, Mr. Philip," Sydney responded, clearly pleased with herself. As long as she stayed close to the Mallins, what did she have to fear from Petra? "I know some of you are worried that Liam doesn't have the money to pay up if he loses," she said, scanning the crowd and speaking louder. "But don't worry, Ms. Snowden will help him settle his debts. And as for how Ms. Snowden will repay it, well, I'm sure you all understand. "Come on, don't you all want a chance to be Ms. Snowden's creditor?"