Chapter 199

"He didn't say," the man replied, eyeing Kelsey before bowing. "You must be the one Michael mentioned, Richard's girlfriend?"

Kelsey blushed.

Before she could respond, Jack frowned and snapped, "What nonsense! This is the young lady from the Jose family."

"Oh, sorry," the man said, scratching his head. "I just noticed how concerned she seemed about Richard and assumed..."

Jack's face darkened even more.

Kelsey ignored Jack and explained, "Mr. Cole is a friend of my sister. She's in trouble, and I need his help. Is he really not here?"

"He's really not here, but if it's urgent, I can take you to Michael. He might know when Richard will be back." The man seemed eager to help, maybe out of respect for Jack or Kelsey's mention of a friend.

Kelsey nodded. "Alright, thank you."

Jack looked like he wanted to say something, but Kelsey walked in without acknowledging him.

Jack pursed his lips and followed.

They passed through two more courtyards. When they opened the third door, a loud noise hit them.

The place was packed with gambling tables on both floors.

The casino was buzzing with shouts, sighs, and screams under a huge crystal chandelier.

It was Kelsey's first time in a casino, and she found it fascinating. She glanced at a table and saw chips piled high.

She'd seen those colorful chips in movies. The stakes here could ruin someone!

"Open!" someone shouted excitedly, revealing the cards.

Some people laughed, others groaned in frustration.

Kelsey wanted to watch more, but Jack pulled her arm. "Ms. Jose, this isn't for you!"

Kelsey looked at Jack's stern face and found it amusing. "I'm just looking."

Jack insisted, "You shouldn't be looking either!"

Kelsey raised an eyebrow. "Jack, my eyes are my own. Whether I look or not is up to me. My family doesn't control me, so why should you?"

"Ms. Jose, I promised Mr. Jose to bring you here safely. If something happens, I can't explain it to him."

Jack spoke politely but seriously, like an old-fashioned elder.

"You're really boring!" Kelsey said and walked away.

They went upstairs, through the noise, and into a private room.

The room was luxurious, with a plush carpet.

The atmosphere was different from outside.

Outside was chaotic and noisy.

Inside, it was quiet, with a long table surrounded by wealthy businessmen from Lakina.

Kelsey recognized some faces, including Parker, who was close to her father. She didn't know Parker's full name.

"Parker," Kelsey called out, but her eyes landed on the person next to him.

Next to Parker was a young woman with heavy makeup, a miniskirt, and bare shoulders. She had a red wig and glittering gold eyeshadow, half-leaning in Parker's arms with a charming smile.

Despite the thick makeup, Kelsey immediately recognized her as Nancy!

Kelsey glanced at Jack and felt a bit sorry for him. 'Poor Jack, so clueless,' she thought.

But Jack didn't even look at Nancy. Instead, he met Kelsey's eyes and then looked elsewhere. "That's Michael," he said.

Jack was so calm, it was hard to tell if he really didn't see Nancy, was pretending not to, or just didn't recognize her.

The man who brought them over had already approached Michael, bent down, and whispered, "Michael, Miss Jose is here to see Richard."

Michael raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly. His gaze swept over Jack's face and then slowly fell on Kelsey's.

'Is it him?' Kelsey thought, recognizing him.

Wasn't he the one she and Isabella had seen when they spied on Nina and Richard having dinner together?

At that time, Kelsey had asked his name, but Michael didn't say. Later, Isabella mentioned he was Richard's subordinate, and Kelsey assumed he was a thug.

Now, Michael was slouched at the gambling table, one hand on the back of his chair. His black leather jacket was open, revealing a black T-shirt underneath. A long silver chain with a cross pendant hung around his neck, almost reaching his abdomen.

As Michael moved, the cross reflected a cold light under the lamp.

"Do you know him?" Jack asked.

Kelsey didn't answer and walked over.

Michael had already looked away and continued playing cards.

Seeing Kelsey approach, he frowned in displeasure.

There were rules in a casino, especially during a game. Interruptions weren't allowed.

If Kelsey broke the rules, he wouldn't care about her identity; he'd deal with her according to the rules!

Michael made up his mind, but to his surprise, Kelsey just stood aside, waiting silently.

Knowing the rules in the place as well, Jack wanted to remind her, but Kelsey was already behaving well.

He gave Kelsey a curious look.

But Kelsey's attention was on the gambling table. She seemed very interested in everything about the casino!

Jack sensed danger, his fingers slowly clenching at his side.

Once this was over, he had to get Kelsey out of here immediately. If she picked up bad habits, he wouldn't be able to explain it to Zaire.

The game continued.

Across the table, Nancy stared at Jack, her eyes filled with panic.

But then she remembered she had already broken up with Jack!

He couldn't control her anymore!

Now, whoever she was with, Jack had no right to interfere!

So, Jack hadn't interfered, not even glancing in her direction since he entered.

Nancy noticed that Jack's gaze seemed to drift towards Kelsey.

Nancy felt a bit uncomfortable. Was Jack with Kelsey now?