"Can you stop showing off and let the machine do its job?" Bryan called across the table, gesturing lazily at the automated shuffler built into the dealer's station. "You're not in a casino drama, Lily."
Lilianna paused mid-shuffle, her golden hair fell over one shoulder.
"Showing off?" She raised an eyebrow—amused, not offended. She set the deck down on the felt with a clean tap. "I'm warming up, Bryan. There's a difference."
"But if you're concerned about fairness, maybe I should walk everyone through the rules first. After all, not everyone here was familiar with the game. Unless, of course, you would all prefer I just take your money blind."
"Please," Thiago muttered from swirling something amber in a crystal glass. He seemed to be regretting sponsoring Ciel based on how he kept staring at Ciel's pile of chips. "Some of us haven't even gambled since the Academy."
Lilianna planted both hands on the edge of the table and swept her gaze across the seated players.
