#Chapter 305: Raise the Stakes

Karl As I deal the cards, the clink of poker chips echoes in the dimly lit room. Anton, John, and I are gathered around a small card table, engrossed in a game of poker while the others are watching a movie in the adjacent room. The stakes are low, just a friendly match with chips and no real money involved. The atmosphere is light, filled with casual banter and the occasional burst of laughter while the sound of soft music emanates from the bluetooth speaker in the corner. I never thought I would say this, but I’m honestly enjoying the time with the two men who I’ve actually been starting to see as my friends. And I hate to admit this part even more, but… I’m actually a bit sad to know that they’ll be leaving in the morning. It gets a little lonely here, being the Alpha that everyone looks up to. Sometimes it’s nice to just be seen as an equal. But then, suddenly, Anton, with a mischievous glint in his eye, says something that I didn’t expect. “Why don’t we make this mo