The woman standing behind Michael exuded an aura of confidence and allure. She was dressed in a sophisticated black ensemble that seemed tailored to accentuate her well-endowed figure. The dress was elegant yet bold, with a deep plunging neckline and a slit along the thigh that suggested both style and daring. A fur shawl draped over her shoulders added a touch of vintage glamor, contrasting with the modern cut of her attire. Her hair was a cascade of light blonde that reached her neck, styled in soft waves that framed her face, highlighting her sharp, observant eyes and a playful smile that hinted at a mix of mischief and intellect.
She wore minimal jewelry, just a few tasteful pieces that sparkled subtly, complementing her outfit without overwhelming it. On her feet were high-heeled shoes, the kind that made a definitive statement with every step. Her overall appearance was not just of someone who was there to play games of chance but to conquer them, a presence that was as much at home in the luxurious surroundings of the VIP section as it was strikingly distinct.
"Do you mind if we can play one game together? Just the two of us?" She proposed.
"Who are you?" Michael asked.
"I'm Bridget von Reimann," she introduced herself formally. "I'm sure you have heard of us."
Michael raised an eyebrow, the name Bridget von Reimann indeed rang a bell. "The JAB Holding Company," he said, recognition dawning on him. "Quite a leap from global investments to a poker table."
Bridget's smile broadened, pleased at his awareness. "Life is dull without a few risks. Wouldn't you agree, Mr...?"
"Call me Michael," he replied, extending a hand, which she shook with a firm grip.
"Very well, Michael. Shall we?" Bridget gestured to a private table set aside for high-stakes games.
Michael nodded, and they both walked over to the table. A dealer was already present, shuffling a deck of cards with practiced ease. Michael could feel the eyes of the room on them, the air charged with anticipation.
As they took their seats, Bridget continued, "I prefer a game that tests more than just luck. How about a round of Texas Hold'em?"
Texas Hold'em is a specific variant of poker, a game that includes many different types of card games with varying rules and strategies. Poker is the overarching category, while Texas Hold'em is a specific game within that category.
In Texas Hold'em, each player is dealt two private cards (known as 'hole cards') that belong to them alone. Five community cards are then dealt face-up on the 'board.' All players in the game use these shared community cards in conjunction with their own hole cards to each make their best possible five-card poker hand. The community cards are revealed in stages: the first three are shown together (the flop), the fourth is revealed next (the turn), and the last community card (the river) is revealed last. Players have the option to check, bet, raise, or fold after each deal; this means that, unlike in some other forms of poker, there could be multiple betting rounds in each hand of Texas Hold'em.
"How much is the starting bet?" Michael inquired, his gaze fixed on the deck as the dealer shuffled it one final time before the start of the game.
"One million pesos," Bridget replied without a flicker of hesitation, her eyes locked on his, challenging him. "Is that acceptable for you, Michael?"
Michael nodded, not betraying any emotion. "One million it is."
The dealer dealt the cards, and the round began.
As the game of Texas Hold'em progressed, Michael and Bridget von Reimann were locked in an intense battle of wits. Each observed the other, looking for tells and patterns, using every piece of knowledge at their disposal. The other players at the table seemed almost peripheral, as the real contest unfolded between these two formidable opponents.
The dealer laid out the flop: a King of Hearts, a Ten of Clubs, and a Four of Spades. Michael checked his hole cards once more: two Kings, a promising pair that could lead to a strong hand. Bridget, with a subtle glance at her cards, a Queen of Spades and a Jack of Diamonds, raised the bet by half a million. Michael, sensing an opportunity, called without hesitation.
The turn added a Nine of Hearts to the board. Michael's heart rate remained steady, his expression unreadable. Bridget raised again, this time by a million pesos. The stakes were getting higher, but Michael was ready. He called again, confident in his hand and his read of Bridget.
The river revealed an Ace of Hearts, and the air was thick with tension. Michael, now holding a full house with Kings full of Aces, was in a strong position. He pushed all his chips forward, going all in with his total of three million pesos. Bridget, holding a straight with Queen high, hesitated for a moment before calling, putting her own stack at risk.
The hands were revealed, and Michael's full house trumped Bridget's straight. He had doubled his holdings to six million pesos, a significant victory that left the table in awe.
As the chips were pushed his way, Bridget leaned in and asked, "Why are you playing in this establishment, Michael? You don't strike me as the typical high roller."
Michael collected his winnings, his eyes never leaving the chips. "I need the money to start my business. No one is willing to invest in my product."
Bridget's interest was piqued. "And what is this prototype you're so eager to fund?"
"A solar panel with more than 60 percent efficiency," Michael replied, a touch of pride in his voice.
Bridget chuckled softly, well aware of the technological challenges that such a claim entailed. "Sixty percent? That's quite the claim, given the limitations of current technology."
Michael met her gaze, undeterred. "I've made breakthroughs. It's just a matter of getting the funding to take it to market."
"Hmm…how much do you need to start your business?" Bridget asked.
"Ten million would do," Michael answered.
"Ten million," Bridget pulled out her phone from her pouch and then checked the conversion. "So you would need about 163,290 euros to start off your business?"
"That would be correct, now I have six million on my hand, four million left to earn," Michael said.
"So you want to play another round?" Bridget asked.
"Well…you strike me as a girl who has a deep pocket, so I think you are never going to back down from my request for another round."
Bridget giggled. "You are an interesting man. Very well, I'll take you on. Don't cry if you lose."
"I won't," Michael flashed a confident grin
***
Thirty minutes later.
Bridget sighed as she watched Michael pull the stack of chips towards him. The standing was 7-4, and it was she who had a score of 4.
"You already have 17,500,000 pesos, that is more than what you need," Bridget smiled. "Good game, Mr…"
"My full name is Michael Reyes, and yes, thank you for the game," Michael said as he extended his hand, offering a handshake.
Bridget accepted the handshake and shook Michael's hand. Before leaving the table, she handed him a business card. "In case you need anything, you can call me. I'm staying in the Philippines until February. I'll be looking forward to your prototype."
"Thank you," Michael said, stowing the business card in his pocket. With that, Michael rose to his feet.
As he walked past Bridget, she smiled again, she wanted to know more about him.