Home / System / The Gambling System / Chapter 26: Naomi
Chapter 26: Naomi
Author: Sam Shelby
last update2025-03-12 22:56:43

Peter’s breath hitched.

For a moment, the noise of the gambling den—the roaring crowd, the clinking of chips, the shuffling of cards—faded into nothing.

Naomi.

She stood before him, wearing a sleek emerald dress that hugged her figure, the low glow of the casino lights reflecting off the delicate gold chain around her neck. Her dark brown hair, once so familiar, cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. Her makeup was subtle yet sharp, accentuating her high cheekbones and full lips—the same lips that once whispered promises to him, the same lips that had kissed him under the streetlights of their old neighbourhood.

But it was her eyes that froze him in place.

They weren’t the same.

Once, they had been warm, filled with light, mischief, and reckless dreams. But now?

Now, they were distant. Guarded.

Cold.

“Peter?”

Her voice was soft, uncertain.

For a moment, Peter could only stare, his mind caught between the past and the present. The girl he once knew—th
Continue to read this book for free
Scan the code to download the app

Related Chapters

  • The Gambling System   Chapter 27: Six million euros

    They both agreed on a game of Baccarat, A game of prestige, chance, and gut instincts. One of the oldest and most respected gambling games in the world, played in the grandest casinos by the wealthiest elites. Yet, beneath all its grandeur, the rules were simple. Two hands were played—the Player and the Banker. The goal was straightforward: get as close to nine as possible. Numbered cards 2 through 9 carried their face value, while 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings were worth zero. Aces were one. If a hand’s total exceeded nine, only the last digit counted. For example, a hand with a 7 and an 8—which would normally be 15—was actually worth 5. There were no complicated strategies, no deep calculations like in blackjack or poker. It was a game of pure probability, a gamble in its truest form. And Peter? Peter had never played it before. “How much does the pizza boy even have to gamble?” Viktor sneered, lounging in his chair like a king on his throne. Peter didn’t flinch.

  • The Gambling System   Chapter 28: The restroom

    They went to den’s restroom The restroom was immaculate, almost eerily so, considering the chaos of the gambling floor outside. The walls were lined with black marble, polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the dim, golden glow of the overhead lights. The air smelled of expensive cologne and fresh linen, a stark contrast to the thick, smoky musk of the casino. Everything was pristine—too perfect, too lifeless, like a luxury hotel bathroom that had never been touched.It was a huge contrast from the gambling ground.Naomi dragged Peter inside, her grip iron-tight, and immediately turned to bolt the door behind them. The click of the lock echoed sharply, sealing them away from the world outside.“You have five seconds,” she said, her voice cold, distant.Peter blinked, still catching his breath from the sudden retreat. “What?” he asked, confused.“That’s all you’re getting,” she said flatly. “Four seconds left.”Panic set in. Five seconds? That wasn’t what they agreed on. He had

  • The Gambling System   Chapter 29: Was she right?

    Peter remained at the restroom of the gambling den till the late hours of the day. He sat on the floor, frozen in despair. And when he finally took his leave, he left his bike at the gambling den and walked home. His legs felt like lead, each step heavier than the last. He wasn’t just exhausted—he was hollow.The night air was thick with humidity, clinging to his skin like a damp sheet. Streetlights flickered overhead, casting long, distorted shadows on the cracked pavement. The city still buzzed around him—cars honking, people laughing, the faint hum of distant music—but it all felt muted, like he was trapped in a vacuum, completely detached from the world around him.He had lost.Not just at the gambling table, but in every possible way.Naomi had humiliated him, had ripped him apart from the inside out, and the worst part?She wasn’t wrong.Peter reached the trailer park, stepping over puddles of dirty rainwater as he approached the small, rusted metal box he called home. It

  • The Gambling System   Chapter 30: His Decision

    Peter’s mother sat on the hospital bed, her frail hands resting on the crisp white sheets, her eyes lost in the endless expanse of the morning sky. The soft golden light of dawn seeped through the glass window, bathing the room in warmth. A smile graced her lips, small and serene. It was almost 8 a.m.—Peter would be arriving soon.But at this moment, her thoughts weren’t on her son.Her mind wandered back to him.Peter’s father.She imagined what he would say if he could see their son now. How proud he would be. How much he would see himself in Peter. Would he smile? Would his eyes gleam with that same fire they used to have, back when he was young and reckless, believing the world was something he could conquer?A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.She turned just as a nurse stepped in, holding an envelope in her hand.“This came in for you, Mrs. Donovan.”Her brow furrowed. A letter?Who still sent letters in this day and age?She took it, confusion flick

  • The Gambling System   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

  • The Gambling System   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

  • The Gambling System   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 f

  • The Gambling System   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:

Latest Chapter

  • Chapter 103: The Mirror Breaks

    Peter didn’t speak.He didn’t fidget. Didn’t sigh. Didn’t crack a joke.He just stared at his chips, at the rising tower across the table that now belonged to Naomi.And behind her…Viktor.He hadn’t said a word since sitting on stage. He hadn’t offered a nod, a smirk, or a twitch of condescension.He simply watched.Like a king at court.Like a god behind glass.Peter had never feared silence until now.Because in that silence—there was no reassurance.No mockery to sharpen his edge.No reaction to push against.It was Naomi’s game now.Naomi, with her red ruby necklace glinting under the stage lights.Naomi, who once trembled in his arms after a stormy night.Naomi, who now looked at him like a rival she intended to erase.The dealer reshuffled."Next round," she said simply.They both submitted their participation chip and the cards were dealt. Naomi gave up one card.Peter stared at his hand.9-Spade, 9-Heart, 7-Diamond, 3-Club, 2-Spade.Another pair.Anot

  • Chapter 102: Another Break

    During the break, the crowd buzzed with unease, trying to make sense of the exchange. Naomi had won the round, yes—but barely. And not convincingly. She didn’t celebrate. She didn’t even smirk. She simply gathered the chips with a mechanical hand, her mind elsewhere.Peter could see it. The flicker behind her eyes. The tremble she was trying to bury beneath bravado.And that’s when Viktor moved.He didn’t speak. He stood.Slowly. Deliberately. Like a king rising from a throne he never doubted was his.The lights of the hall seemed to bend toward him. Eyes turned. Voices hushed.Even the dealer, ever expressionless, paused mid-shuffle to watch.Viktor stepped onto the edge of the raised platform, not breaking eye contact with Peter. The distance between them was wide—but somehow, Peter felt like the man was breathing down his neck.“You’re clever, Peter,” Viktor said softly.His voice didn’t need to be loud. It carried.Too well.The crowd leaned in.Naomi’s spine went rigi

  • Chapter 101: Hunting

    The next round began with the quiet tension of a lit fuse. The crowd, now too stunned to keep up their commentary, watched in breathless silence. Naomi’s win had widened the chip gap again — Peter’s stack sat noticeably shorter, Viktor’s calm presence looming larger behind Naomi’s chair like a shadow.But Peter wasn’t fidgeting anymore.He sat still. Thinking. Observing.No more frantic energy. No more reactive betting.This time, Peter was hunting.They both dropped their participation chip for this round and the dealer laid down the cards, smooth and methodical. Five cards each.Peter didn’t even glance at his hand right away.Instead, he studied Naomi.She shifted her chair an inch back. Adjusted her sleeve. Looked at Viktor for a brief second — and in that blink, Peter saw something she didn’t mean to show.Uncertainty.She was no longer gambling for herself.And it was breaking her.“Will you trade?” the dealer asked.Peter didn’t hesitate. “One card.”Naomi blinked

  • Chapter 100: Just Pressure

    The next round was quieter.No shouts from the crowd. No big swings of excitement.Just pressure.Thick.Heavy.Alive.Naomi shuffled her cards with perfect grace, but her hands betrayed her — just slightly. A tremble in the thumb. A hitch in the wrist.Peter caught it all.This was new.Naomi had always thrived under risk. But now? The weight wasn’t just the money or the game. It was Viktor.The puppet strings were showing.Peter leaned back in his chair, deliberately casual, stretching his arms like he was lounging at a café.“I have to admit,” he said, eyes on Naomi but voice aimed at Viktor. “I thought you’d be scarier than this.”Viktor didn’t rise to the bait.But his fingers paused their motion along the rim of his untouched glass of water.Peter had noticed that too.No alcohol. No erratic behavior. Viktor didn’t gamble like Naomi.He didn’t chase the thrill.He chased the certainty of power.The illusion of invincibility.And illusions?Peter was learning

  • Chapter 99: After the Break

    The 10-minutes break elapsed soon enough and the dealer reset the table.Cards shuffled. Chips stacked. The next round loomed like a guillotine blade, swinging lower and lower with each tick of the clock.Naomi’s fingers tapped lightly on the felt table. Her ruby necklace — the same fake one she’d worn since childhood — glinted under the spotlight. It was a small, meaningless trinket to anyone else. But to her, it was a reminder:You chose this life. You chose the gamble.Peter was silent, staring at his untouched chips.He had 75 billion left.Naomi had over 200 billion.It was a massacre waiting to happen.But Naomi didn’t look smug this time.She looked… hungry.“Shall we?” the dealer asked, almost too polite.They both dropped their participation chip for this round and the cards were dealt.Five each.No words exchanged.Peter peeked at his hand. Two pairs. Not bad. But nothing to write home about.Naomi looked at hers and — to Peter’s shock — laughed.Not a polit

  • Chapter 98: The Cornered King

    The moment Viktor declared his 200 billion euro investment, the auditorium detonated in sheer chaos. Screams. Gasps. Phones snapping pictures. Some students stood in shock, others cheered like they were watching a high-stakes sports final. "Two hundred billion?!" "Is this real life?" "Who the hell has that kind of money just sitting around?" "That’s not gambling. That’s a declaration of war!" "Bro… this isn’t a game anymore. This is a massacre." Even some of the professors seated in the higher rows murmured uneasily, their whispers blotted by the crowd’s explosion of disbelief. A girl near the aisle dropped her soda and didn't even notice. A guy in a leather jacket muttered under his breath, "That’s more than the GDP of a small country." Katherina leaned forward in her seat, eyes wide with twisted delight. "Ooooh, it’s happening. The stakes are no longer just life or death — they’re legacy. This is beautiful." Grant, meanwhile, sat frozen in place — mouth parted, mind racin

  • Chapter 97: A Battle Beyond Money

    The crowd exploded again.If Peter’s bet had been a bomb, Viktor’s was a nuclear strike.People screamed.Chairs clattered against the floor.Someone in the back actually fainted."TWO HUNDRED BILLION?!""IS THIS EVEN LEGAL?!""WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?!""THIS IS MADNESS!"It wasn’t just a gamble anymore.It was warfare on a scale none of them had ever witnessed.---And in the center of it all —amid the chaos and disbelief —Peter and Viktor locked eyes.No words.No smiles.Just two forces of nature colliding —and only one of them would walk away.The second Viktor’s voice cut through the air —"Two hundred billion." —the reaction was cataclysmic.The arena didn't just erupt — it detonated.It was as if the very walls trembled from the shockwave of noise.A thousand voices screamed at once, the sound bouncing off the ceilings and hammering into the floor.Some people laughed hysterically, others yelled in disbelief, and still more sat frozen, mouths gaping like broken machines."TWO

  • Chapter 96: The Battle Escalates

    For a single breathless moment, the entire arena froze.Then, dramatically — like an emperor descending into the gladiator pit — Viktor stood from his luxurious VIP seat and began making his way toward the stage.His every step echoed in the vast silence.A slow, deliberate, predatory gait — like a wolf circling wounded prey.The crowd instinctively parted for him, the sea making way for the storm.The overhead lights caught his sharp suit — dark as night — and made it gleam like polished obsidian.Every movement he made was smooth, precise, dripping with arrogance.He didn’t strut.He didn’t posture.He simply existed with an undeniable dominance.As he ascended the steps onto the stage, his smirk widened — the kind of grin you’d see on a man who already knew the ending of the story... and knew it ended in your ruin.---Peter’s fists clenched by his side.His mind scrambled to process what the hell was happening."What the hell is going on?!" he blurted, voice cracking with confusio

  • Chapter 95: Choosing Fire Over Safety

    Risk made Naomi feel real. It reminded her she still existed — that she could still touch the world, and it could touch her back. But even with all the dares, the bets, the adrenaline highs, the near-death moments she laughed through… Something inside her stayed hollow. A part of her stayed cold. Like no matter how hard she ran, some piece of her was still trapped in that silent house, under a mother’s cold hand, waiting for a father who was never coming back. --- Until she met him. Until she met Peter. --- It was a cold, gray morning. The kind that makes the whole city feel dead. The sky was heavy with low, steel-colored clouds. The streets were slick with rain from the night before, the air sharp and damp. Naomi had her headphones in, lost in the beat of some reckless song — one that made her feel like she was the only real thing in the world. She didn’t see the bus. She didn’t hear the shouts. Didn’t realize the screaming wasn’t part of her music. Until — Hands.

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
Scan code to read on App