

Sam Shelby
Author
Novels by Sam Shelby

The Gambling System
In a world where gambling dictates status, power, and survival, Peter Donovan—a seventeen-year-old delivery boy who despises gamblers—has spent his life avoiding risks. But when his ailing mother’s life hangs by a thread, Peter is left with no choice but to enter the high-stakes world he’s always loathed. Desperation forces his hand, and Peter bets everything—only to lose it all.
Beaten, broken, and left for dead in a rain-soaked alley, Peter prepares to fade into the darkness. But as the last of his hope slips away, the impossible happens.
A faint glow pierces through his pain—a semi-transparent interface appearing before his eyes.
[System Initialization… Loading Player Data…]
Name: Peter Donovan.
Status: Uninitiated Gambler.
Class: None.
[Welcome to the Gambling System]
The mysterious system offers Peter a second chance—an opportunity to rise from the depths of despair and claim the title of Gambit King. With every gamble he takes, Peter unlocks new abilities, refines his skills, and challenges the world’s most notorious players. From roulette wheels to strategy-driven death matches, Peter will face impossible odds, mind-bending risks, and dangerous opponents who’ll stop at nothing to crush him.
This is the story of a boy who risked it all, lost everything, and dared to gamble again. This is the tale of how Peter Donovan rose to become the Gambit King.
Ongoing · 175 views
Read
Chapter: Chapter 36 – The Illusion of Strategy
Peter’s hands clenched into fists under the table. He could feel his pulse hammering in his ears, drowning out the noise of the room. The weight of another crushing defeat settled on his shoulders, suffocating and undeniable.Three rounds. Three losses.He had come in confident—no, desperate. Desperate to prove that he could compete. That he belonged here. That he could win.But Dante Whittemore-Knight had annihilated him. Every. Single. Time.Peter had used Probability Vision in their second match, believing that cold, hard math would finally give him the edge.He lost.Then, he tried Pattern Recognition Detector, thinking he could uncover Dante’s rhythms and habits, break through his unshakable composure.He lost again.Worse, he had trusted it—believed that Dante’s hesitation meant he had the upper hand. That the data was absolute.And yet, at the last second, Dante had flipped the entire game on its head.The system had been wrong.It had told him Dante was weaker. That
Last Updated: 2025-03-18
Chapter: Chapter 35: False Pattern
……..[BET DETECTED: QUEST ACTIVATED – POKER DUELROUND 3]Objective: Win the game.Reward: +5 EXP.Penalty: -3 EXP.SKILLS AVAILABLE:1.Probability Vision2.Pattern Recognition Detector3.Tactical Vision4.Second Chance5.GAMBLER PROFILE….. Peter’s breathing was ragged, his pulse erratic. His hands trembled under the table, but he refused to let Dante see it. Refused to let anyone see it. He had played twice. Lost twice. And both times, it had felt like he was drowning—like no matter how hard he struggled, Dante had already seen the outcome.Poker was supposed to be a game of risk, of uncertainty. But against Dante, it felt like the outcome had been scripted from the start.That cold, emotionless stare. That unshakable confidence. That smirk.Peter hated that smirk.It was worse than an insult. Worse than Dante laughing in his face. It was pity.And that was something Peter Donovan could not stand.He had tried playing without the system. He had trusted his own
Last Updated: 2025-03-18
Chapter: Chapter 34: Illusion of Chance
Peter’s fingers trembled slightly as he shoved his last 100,000-euro chip forward. His heart pounded against his ribs, his pulse erratic with frustration, humiliation, and an unbearable, boiling anger directed at one thing.Himself.How could he have been so stupid?He had played like a reckless amateur in the first round. No system. No strategy. Just gut instinct. And he got crushed.That was his fault.His jaw clenched, his body rigid with frustration. His opponent—the ever-stoic, ever-unshaken Dante Whittemore-Knight—remained composed as he matched the bet with 110,000 euros, once again ensuring he controlled the game.It was infuriating.That calmness. That absolute confidence.Dante wasn’t just playing cards. He was dominating the table. And the worst part? Peter had let him.The first round had been a humiliation, but he refused to walk away like a fool. He would adapt. He would win.……..[BET DETECTED: QUEST ACTIVATED – POKER DUEL]Objective: Win the game.Reward:
Last Updated: 2025-03-18
Chapter: Chapter 33: Texas Hold’em
Peter felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.The same mysterious, sharp-eyed boy from the lavatory.The one who had stared into Peter’s soul and whispered:“You have his eyes.”“The man I must gamble, beat, and kill.”Peter’s jaw clenched.The White Knight stood there, his presence as suffocating as before. His icy silver hair framed his sharp, angular face. His piercing gray eyes held no emotion—just an intense, unwavering stare, as if he had already planned every move, every outcome, every victory before Peter had even walked into the room.He was dressed immaculately, donning a tailored white suit with silver embroidery, making him look less like a gambler and more like royalty preparing for war.And yet, despite his composed exterior, there was something... unsettling about him.Something that made every hair on Peter’s body stand on end.The White Knight’s face expressionless“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show up.”Peter’s fists clenched at his si
Last Updated: 2025-03-17
Chapter: Chapter 32:Sharing the bed
Peter spun around so fast he nearly tripped over himself, slapping a hand over his face in a desperate attempt to erase what he had just seen. But it was too late. Noir’s nude figure was forever burned into his memory. Her skin glistened with water droplets, each one tracing along the soft, smooth curves of her body before dripping onto the pristine marble shower floor. The steam from the shower clung to her, swirling like a misty veil, enhancing the golden glow of her sun-kissed skin. Her raven-black hair, damp and sticking to her neck and shoulders, added to her allure. The way she stood, completely unbothered, exuding nothing but confidence, sent Peter’s brain into a meltdown. Goddamn it. What the hell is wrong with her?! “WHAT THE HELL?!” Peter shouted, his face burning hotter than the sun. “C-Cover up or something!” Noir tilted her head, amused, reached for a nearby towel with calm, deliberate movements, the fabric barely covering her as she wrapped it around hers
Last Updated: 2025-03-16
Chapter: Chapter 31: Clearance
Peter stepped through the gates of Monte Carlo Gambling University, and for the first time, he truly felt the weight of where he was. The campus was magnificent, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Gleaming marble pathways stretched out before him, leading towards grandiose structures of glass and steel that seemed to touch the sky. The university grounds were immaculate, each blade of grass perfectly trimmed, the fountains cascading with water so clear it looked like liquid crystal. Luxury cars—the kind Peter had only ever seen in magazines—lined the entrance, their polished exteriors gleaming under the sunlight. The students walking past were clad in designer suits, exuding confidence and elegance, as if they belonged to a world completely separate from his own.Peter, in stark contrast, stood there in his wrinkled navy-blue blazer, his shirt slightly untucked, and scuffed black shoes that had seen better days. His entire appearance screamed out of place, and he felt it more
Last Updated: 2025-03-15

The Enigmatic Alexander Chase
Tragedy
Hidden Identity
Mystery
Adventurous
Divorce
Face-Slapping
Heir/Heirness
Incredible Son-in-Law
Independent
Urban
10
When the heir to the most formidable conglomerate finds himself as a lowly live-in son-in-law, every move he makes seems ludicrous. Those who try to decipher his unconventional behavior wonder, "In a world where hierarchy reigns supreme, where the poor tremble before the rich, and the wealthy claw their way to the top, how does he fit in? A wretched pauper without fear. Where the hell does he belong?"
And for those foolish enough to challenge him, thinking their power invincible, soon realize they've underestimated true strength. Concealed beneath the guise of a lowly son-in-law, he wields a power that can bring even the mightiest to their knees.
Ongoing · 1.1K views
Read
Chapter: Chapter 37: Checkmate
A few hours had passed since Seraphina was re-offered the Maverick contract, a desperate move by the Lockwoods to salvage their crumbling deal. And now, she was ready to give her answer.She sat at the dinner table with Alexander, her fingers drumming anxiously against the surface as they waited. The tension in the air was thick, but thankfully, they didn’t have to wait long.Her phone rang.Seraphina’s breath hitched as she glanced at the screen. Lady Lockwood. Her grip tightened around the device. She turned to Alexander, hesitation in her eyes."Alex… are you sure about this?" she asked, doubt creeping into her voice.Even after hearing the truth from Jacob Harrington himself—one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Pantheon Valley—Seraphina couldn’t shake the feeling that she was about to gamble away a golden opportunity. Fate had handed her a second chance, a rare gift in a world that seldom forgave mistakes. And yet, here she was, about to throw it all away.Alexander met
Last Updated: 2025-02-20
Chapter: Chapter 36: Beneath the Surface
EarlierAt Maverick Corporation, Alexander finished his call to Seraphina, a smile of satisfaction tugging at his lips. He had set the wheels in motion—now all he had to do was watch as the Lockwood family found themselves on their knees, forced to acknowledge Seraphina's worth.“Thank you, Archie,” Alexander said, handing the phone back.“Anytime, sir,” Archie replied with a nod of respect.Alexander added his personal number into Archie's phone before returning it. “Let me know if you need anything.”Archie stared, surprised by Alexander’s humility. For a man who wielded power and influence so effortlessly, his humility was almost startling. Archie couldn’t help but contrast Alexander with Daniel Lockwood, who possessed much less power yet flaunted it shamelessly. It was a striking irony that lingered with him.Outside, in his car, Alexander composed a message to Seraphina:“Seraphina, Lady Charlotte will call soon and offer you the project head position for the Maverick contract. W
Last Updated: 2024-11-12
Chapter: Chapter 35: Dumb-dumb
“Wait, let me get this straight. Lady Lockwood—the matriarchal bitch you basically thought was going to banish you—called you directly, apologized for the misunderstanding, and went as far as offering you the project head position, and you said no?” Happy yelled, her voice filled with disbelief as she stared at Seraphina like she’d lost her mind."Welllll, technically, I didn’t say no," Seraphina replied defensively, fidgeting with her hands. "I told her I’d think about it."“That’s the same thing, you dumb-dumb! What the hell is there to think about?” Happy threw her hands up in exasperation.“Seraphina, what is wrong with you?” Caroline interjected, her voice tight as she tried to keep her temper in check. “Please, tell me you have a good reason for delaying your response to Lady Lockwood.”Seraphina looked down, avoiding her mother’s piercing gaze. She opened her mouth as if to explain, but no words came out. How could she explain something she barely understood herself?Caroline s
Last Updated: 2024-11-09
Chapter: chapter 34: Hangover
Seraphina had passed out, the result of too much alcohol consumed with Happy. They both lay sprawled on her bed, and even in her sleep, Seraphina’s pain was visible. Tears trickled down her closed eyelids, leaving damp trails on her cheeks. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, and a voice yelled, “Seraphina!” It was Caroline, her mother. The noise was deafening, but only Happy stirred, squinting against the light. “Hey, Mrs. Caroline,” Happy greeted, her tone casual, as if Caroline hadn’t just stormed in. Caroline shot Happy a venomous glare. How dare she greet me like we’re friends, she thought, remembering the heartbreak Happy had caused her son, Shay. The only thing they shared was a mutual disdain for Alexander. “Happy, what the hell are you doing here?” Caroline asked, her voice dripping with scorn. “What the hell does it look like I’m doing here? I’m helping my best friend after her so-called family betrayed her and kicked her out,” Happy replied, her tone laced with sas
Last Updated: 2024-11-07
Chapter: Chapter 33: The Lunch Date
Earlier That DayGrace’s heart began to race as Alexander’s calm but insistent voice came through the phone.“You’re with Daniel Lockwood, correct?” he asked.Grace was taken aback that he knew this. How could he possibly know that? She hesitated before responding, “Yes, sir.”“Good. I need you to relay a message to him.”“Of course, sir. What should I tell him?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.Alexander’s voice remained steady, but there was an edge to his words. “Inform Mr. Lockwood that Maverick Corporation will only accept Seraphina Lockwood as the project head for our deal. And as a response to his actions, we have decided to terminate our two hundred billion-dollar contract with the Lockwood family if Seraphina is not restored to her rightful position.”Grace’s eyes widened. She struggled to hide her surprise. Daniel Lockwood had been sitting here, trying to charm her into putting in a good word for him with the head of Maverick Corporation… and now Alexander himself was instru
Last Updated: 2024-11-01
Chapter: Chapter 32: Roses
Earlier That DayDaniel Lockwood pulled into the parking lot of Maverick Corporation in his sleek blue Chevrolet. As he stepped out, adjusting his tailored suit and straightening a bouquet of roses in his hand, he couldn’t help but replay his earlier conversation with Lady Lockwood. It had taken some careful maneuvering, but he had successfully managed to persuade her to keep him as the head of the Maverick project.Lady Lockwood, after watching Ethan Bishop’s confession, had initially texted Seraphina, asking her to come see her. The intent was to apologize for the misunderstanding and crown her as project head. But the moment Daniel heard of this, he rushed to Lady Lockwood and urged her to reconsider. He argued that the midnight confession seemed suspiciously convenient, likely falsified to cover Seraphina’s shame. Even if it were genuine, he argued, would the media and the elite of Pantheon Valley really buy into it? The scandal was still too fresh, too hot to be cooled down by a
Last Updated: 2024-10-29
You may also like