CHAPTER 6: Kidnapped

Due to Lester's request, the auction managers visited the casino earlier in the day, which is why all five auction managers are present tonight. Lily is also present, with Lester as his date. Jin assumes they are still waiting for their newest member.

That woman truly has a steely heart. This is the second time she has made them wait for her arrival. Is not it unprofessional for someone like her to constantly be late for everything? When Jin saw his guards, he instructed them to check the security of the area. They still have three hours until the auction begins officially.

It was not long before the managers heard a loud cheer from a poker table near where they were standing. As they gathered around the table, the managers were surprised to see Himari seated on a chair with a velvet cushion, playing poker with one of their VIP guests. However, they were surprised to learn that their new manager would have to face the leader of the Yellow Jaguars, a formidable opponent.

By looking at their table, it is clear that Himari is the one who consistently wins. The casino chips keep stacking up on her side. The Jaguar's leader set his cards on the table.

Straight Flush.

Jin thought he had already won the poker game until Himari placed her cards on the table as well.

Full House.

The Jaguars' leader sighs heavily before returning his gaze to Himari.

"I suffered defeat." He said with a friendly tone. "Who knew I would be facing a beautiful lady who is good at playing cards tonight?"

"You are complimenting me too much, sir," Himari said with her usual smile on her lips. "I suppose I am just lucky tonight."

Jin can see Lester's smug expression when he turns his head to look at him.

"I assumed you chose her because she is very good at playing these games," Jin said to Lester.

"We always have draws in our matches because she is so good at it. That is why we never find out who won or lost our matches." He said something that surprised all four of them.

Lester hates losing to anyone. His pride would never allow it to happen. That is why it surprised them all to learn that Himari could compete with him and make Lester recognize her abilities. Himari rose from her seat and spoke with the pit boss for a moment before facing the audience.

"I will pay for all of your drinks this evening. I sincerely hope everyone has a pleasant stay here."

A round of applause surrounded them before Himari approached the managers. She still has that smile on her face.

"So you have been working even without us?" Lester asked Himari.

"Not necessarily. That guy noticed me while I was walking around. Who am I to say no to a guest who has invited me?" Himari explained before calling for a waiter and ordering a glass of champagne.

"Are you pleased that my skills are not as rusty as you expected?"

Jin noticed her boss at Yellow Jaguars conversing suspiciously with his subordinates while she was speaking with the other managers. He remained silent for a while, observing them. He does not mind if some mafia groups come to visit and play at this casino as long as they do not cause too much trouble. Then someone walked towards Jin, followed by Bern from behind. These two are Jin's loyal bodyguards.

"Boss, I just finished checking the entire area." There will be no issues with tonight's auction." Jack enthusiastically reported to his boss.

"You are being so loud." Bern scolded Jack. "You are disturbing the other guest with your loud voice."

"Of course not!" Jack protested.

Jin saw that Jack was staring at Himari with a cocked head as he turned to face the men behind his boss.

"She seems familiar. Where have I seen—Ah!" Because of his sudden loud voice, he unintentionally caught Himari's attention. "She's the woman— Hmprh!"

Before Jack could say anything, Bern covered his mouth with his hands. Jack, of course, finds it difficult to keep secrets to himself. He had seen her picture on Jin's table the night before, so maybe that is why she looked familiar. Jin requested that Bern investigate her immediately following their brief encounter in the elevator yesterday.

After only a few hours, Bern returned with a folder in hand. Jin read the documents that revealed more information about Himari. As Dice previously stated, she owns a well-known restaurant chain in Finrel City. Her mother died when she was very young, so she was raised solely by her father. Himari attended a music school abroad before returning to their city to study business management.

When Jin asked Bern why she transferred schools, he explained that Himari was involved in an accident that injured both of her hands. Though she could still use her hands, Himari experienced numbness and was unable to move her fingers. Himari had to choose a different career because she could no longer continue as a musician. According to Bern, if it was not for her injured fingers, Himari would be a well-known musician known for her unique ability to play the instrument.

She has also made numerous accomplishments in her business career. It is natural for a businesswoman like her to possess such knowledge. But deep down, Jin has a strange suspicion that Himari is hiding something from them. Especially since she knows his identity and appears to be familiar with the White Dragons. Jin asked Bern to investigate her once more and report back to him what he discovered later.

"Is there any problem?" Himari asked, looking at Jack and Bern.

Jack exhaled as he escaped Bern's arms.

"Are you attempting to kill me?!" Jack asked Bern in a loud voice.

"I will if you do not stop blabbering," Bern said unconcernedly. Then he looks at Himari. "My name is Bernard Li, and this person over here is Jack Phelon."

Himari Fujimoto introduced herself to the two guards before addressing Jin directly.

"Friends of yours or members of your group?"

Jin glared at her, to which Himari responded with a sly smile. Jin was skeptical that she would provide him with an honest explanation for how she knew them, even though he was really curious. She is a dangerous woman. She can manipulate her environment with ease. But for the time being, he will remain silent until he learns the truth. When Himari's phone rang, she excused herself and answered it.

"Jin," Bern addressed his boss.

"I know. We should watch her for a while before making any moves. Right now, the tight security of tonight's auction is our priority."

"Understood."

As Jin parted ways with his subordinates, he joined Lester and began playing Baccarat. Everything seemed normal until Lily charged towards them. They have already realized something is wrong. Lily pauses in front of them for a moment before taking a deep breath. Then Lily took hold of Lester's arm and, with a horrified expression on her face, pulled him back.

"Lester... Himari... She was abducted by those individuals she was earlier playing with!"