The third round, however, unfolded differently as Derek emerged as the victor.

Brady, on the other hand, found himself grappling with the fickle hand of luck. He only managed to secure one victory.

In a generous gesture, Sabrina and the others pushed their chips toward him, But Brady only gathered Blayze's and Derek's chips and tucked them away in his personal stash, leaving only Sabrina's chips untouched.

With a subtle smile, he slid them back to Sabrina.

"Miss Chavez, you needn't part with these chips. If you lose, all you have to do is answer a simple question. Why did you marry Tyrone?"

Sabrina, undaunted, nudged the chips back to him.

"And what if I choose not to answer?"

Brady curled his lips, casting a sidelong glance in Blayze's direction.

“Miss Chavez, it's merely idle curiosity. No big deal."

His hunch whispered that there might be a hidden secret, one she was hesitant to reveal to Blayze.

"I'm wondering why you find my marital status so intriguing. Are you always this direct with new acquaintances?"

Derek, seizing the opportunity, flung the chips Sabrina had offered into Brady's drawer and offered sage advice.

“Let's not muddy the waters on this rare gathering. Let's enjoy ourselves and keep the chit-chat Light."

Brady, rolling the dice between his fingers, responded thoughtfully, "I overheard something, and I simply wished to confirm it with Miss Chavez."

“Brady! Blayze's tone bore a faint but distinct note of caution.

A moment of silence hung in the air, broken by Brady's persistent inquiry.

"Word on the street is, you married Tyrone because of a certain rendezvous between the two of you, and the Blakelys got wind of it. What's your take on that, Miss Chavez?"

Suddenly, Brady felt the collective weight of all eyes upon him.

Blayze's irritation was palpable, but Brady wouldn't easily back down.

Beads of sweat formed on the tip of his nose, and even though he briefly considered a retreat, he steeled himself and remained resolute, standing tall.