Kieran knew that, although Lila didn't express it, she cared about Terry as a friend.
Landon's eyes lit up as he glanced at Lila. He had a feeling she hadn't played many card games before.
She usually didn't like crowded places, so she often left early during family gatherings, such as the Morgan family's New Year celebration.
As expected, Lila shook her head. "I don't play much."
Kieran smiled faintly, subtly shifting to give her more space to hop in.
"If you win, it's yours. If you lose, I'll pay. If Landon wins, I'll give him double the amount as a return gift for his greeting," he said lazily, clearly indifferent to the outcome.
Landon's eyes brightened at his words.
"Come on, don't stop me from earning pocket money!"
Ultimately, Lila walked over. "Then I'll play a couple of rounds."
Truthfully, she hadn't played much before. She hoped she wouldn't lose too much so Kieran wouldn't have to spend as much on her.
Lila picked up the cards Kieran had just placed down. She paused momentarily, noticing that Kieran's card arrangement had no order whatsoever.
He hadn't even grouped cards of the same rank together, playing them entirely at random.
Seeing her reaction, Landon felt confident that he had the game in the bag.
He grinned. "Don't go easy on me."
Lila nodded, glancing sideways at Kieran. The corners of his eyes were slightly raised as if telling her just to have fun.
She pressed her lips together, quickly organizing her cards according to her habit.
It was now her turn to play.
Landon laid down a 6, and Lila responded with a K.
Landon scratched his chin, unsure whether she didn't know how to play or if her hand was too good.
But he didn't comment, continuing with the game for another two rounds.
Looking at the four Aces and one Jack remaining in his hand, he noticed the obvious surplus of cards in Lila and the other player's hands.
He thought this was a sure win.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)