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The Power of the Powerless Gambler
Chapter 20: A Strong Feeling of Guilt

Chapter 20: A Strong Feeling of Guilt

After the event, Yuna’s expression was a mixture of exhaustion and distant contemplation. Her eyes, though slightly glazed, held a depth of emotion, and her shoulders were hunched as if weighed down by unspoken burdens.

Noticing her state, Victor approached with a concerned gaze. He gently draped his blazer over her shoulders, his gesture tender and protective. With a caring hand, he helped her towards the car.

As soon as Victor was out of sight, the renowned speaker, Maureen, let out a string of foul language, her voice filled with frustration and anger. "Jerk! Beast! Animal!"

As she wailed, she drooped to the ground, clutching her neck.

"After using his bare hand to strangle my neck, how could he smile so endearingly in front of that b*tch?" *Sobbed* "F**k! I almost died."

She was down in the dumps when her mobile rang.

"What? I apologize, sir. But Victor Green..."

“I haven’t forgotten the plan, but you know how terrifying Victor can be, sir. He even threatened to send me to my parents before sunrise.”

Maureen squirmed with discomfort as she tried to explain to the caller why she had failed her task. Her voice was unsteady, and she fidgeted nervously, clearly distressed as she struggled to articulate the reasons behind her failure.

"And how is that a problem? Do you care more about others finding out about your family than losing your life?"

“Why? They’re both dead!” Her eyes were bloodshot, tears streaming down her cheeks as her voice cracked with frustration.

Yuna’s strategic maneuvers turn a potentially disastrous situation into a major success. By combining emotional appeal, innovative fundraising tactics, and public spectacle, she didn't just pressure wealthy attendees to donate but also redefined her and Zack's public image.

After failing the plan to make Yuna a laughing stock, which they most anticipated, Maureen received an instruction to put a drug on Yuna's foods or drinks to create chaos and convince the public that she's an illicit drug user like her husband, Zack.

...

Zack arrived punctually to pick up Yuna and Victor, driving a spacious luxury SUV with reclining seats for maximum comfort.

As Zack drove smoothly, the serene motion of the vehicle highlighted Yuna’s peculiar behavior. The two men exchanged concerned glances through the rearview mirror, their frowns deepening as they observed her unusual demeanor.

Every moment spent in the public eye had been a balancing act, and now, away from the spotlight, the facade of strength was cracking. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to steady her breath and regain her composure, but the emotional toll was evident in her strained expression and the quiet tension that lingered in her posture.

She knew what it could be like during the event, but she would take advantage of the opportunity to acquire an enormous amount to help unfortunate people.

Truthfully, Yuna planned everything when she knew how wealthy the affluent were. She carries her first step of an ultimate gamble as she finds an opening to win during her first encounter with Lucas and the president. She was disgusted to hear them talk like the ordinary people were nothing but tools for their success.

As she leaned back and shut her eyes forcefully, she thought, 'I won my gamble, but at what cost? So this is how a scammer feels, huh?' A strong wave of guilt washed over her.

She regarded herself as nothing less than a thief meddling with their wealth.

...

Amid their discussion in the home office, Zack turned to Victor and inquired, "What happened to her?"

Victor responded sarcastically, "Why ask? Do you think she'll say thank you after being used?" He then turned his attention back to reading the news.

Yuna Collins Avere: A Beacon of Generosity

In an era where technology is advancing at breakneck speed, it’s refreshing to see individuals who use their influence not just for personal gain, but to make a meaningful impact on the world. Yuna Collins has emerged as a shining example of this ethos, proving to the world that she is more than just Zack Avere's wife. Her recent charitable endeavors have cemented her as a visionary philanthropist and advocate for social good.

Yuna's incredible generosity and forward-thinking approach have garnered widespread acclaim, particularly with the success of the GoBee platform. Her initiative to integrate the "heart feature" into GoBee has been revolutionary. This feature, which channels a portion of the platform’s revenue to support non-profit organizations, has made a significant difference, raising millions of dollars for those in need.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

How Yuna Collins, Zack Avere, and Victor Green Turned the Tide

In a stunning reversal of fortune, the news across all platforms is now celebrating Yuna Collins, Zack Avere, and Victor Green. Just a few days ago, Yuna faced harsh online criticism and Zack Avere was the target of defamation. However, the narrative has shifted dramatically, with public opinion now firmly in their favor...

"Are you sure no picture of her face will be published in the news?" Zack asked. "I'll do the same and make sure all photos of her are removed from the internet." His attention was focused on blocking and deleting any online images of Yuna, prioritizing her privacy over keeping up with the news.

"Of course. Because they know I will track them down."

Zack knew Victor had threatened them by the sound of it.

Yuna swallowed her sob and wiped the tears from her face as someone knocked persistently on the bathroom door. The knocking grew louder and more urgent, accompanied by someone calling her name. Even without looking, Yuna recognized the voices.

She wondered if Zack was infuriated with her. The enormity of the $75 million was staggering, and she couldn’t blame him for being upset. 'Should I be more resolute, like I am with my father?' she thought, closing her eyes as she reflected on her usual stubbornness.

...

"Do you atone for your mistake?"

Yuna stood in the corner, her father towering over her with a guava branch stick in hand. Her defiant pout and stubborn silence spoke volumes as she braced herself for his lecture.

“Answer me! Do you have the nerve to be upset? How will you learn if I overlook what you’ve done wrong?”

Her silence persisted, her lips pressed tightly together.

“I’m warning you. Kneel before the altar until you’ve truly repented!”

Her father’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched Yuna not only obey his command but also take an extra step. She sprinkled a neat circle of rock salt on the ground where she knelt. Her father stood frozen, his expression a mixture of astonishment and chaos. He hadn’t anticipated this added display of stubbornness, and the sight of her meticulous defiance left him momentarily speechless.

"Hey. That's enough. I'll let you off the hook once."

His stern demeanor relaxed slightly, revealing the strain of his frustration as he tried to calm his daughter.

Yuna shook her head and stayed on her flat knees on the ground.

"For God's sake, your daughter, Linda! Stand up, and let's talk properly."

As his father lost control of his rage, she neither flinched nor stopped pouting.

"Okay. I'll listen to everything you say and won't make a fuss. Stand up."

"I know I was wrong, but I can't repent because I don't regret what I did. And."

Yuna started to sob as she tried to convey her reason.

"And I will still do what I did. I lied to you and cut classes more often than you could imagine. But..." *Sobbed.* "I make sure I won't fail. I know I won't fail in any of my subjects."

As her father's income from the farm barely covered their essentials and medications, Yuna frequently skipped classes to work part-time jobs so she could spoil her sisters with snacks and toys. And her father discovered it when he wanted to surprise her at school on her 12th birthday with the shoes he bought.

"How did you know you wouldn't fail if you skipped classes too much? And you're too young to work!"

"My teachers have given me their permission. I pledged to perform better on every exam. And given my age, you know that teens as young as eleven may lawfully have part-time employment in our state."

She said proudly.

"Do you think I'll be happy with what you did? Jesus Christ, Yuna!"

"The reason I didn't let you know. And," Yuna looked away as she responded, overwhelmed with guilt. Her body stiffened as she knelt with her body weight on the floor with salts.

It must be too painful by the look of her expression.

"I told you to stand up already!" Cried her father, enraged.

"I won't tell you, so you'll never know."

...

Yuna chuckled as she recalled her father's defeated look as he left so that she could get up off the floor. Meanwhile, outside the bathroom door, Zack was on the verge of busting it down, his frustration mounting as he called out her name.

"Gadamn*! Why won't you answer if you are there?"

He continued knocking violently.

"Yuna!"

She hastily rose and pushed open the door just a crack, only enough to peek through. Standing there, she was still unclothed.

"I fell asleep. I’m sorry," she said, her tone light and casual.

"Then come out already! Do you know how long I’ve been knocking? My knuckles are almost bleeding!" Zack exclaimed, his voice edged with desperation.

Realizing the door was slightly ajar, Zack released the doorknob and went to sit on the bed, trying to calm himself. As Yuna emerged from the bathroom, still unclothed, Zack's eyes widened in shock.

"Fu**! How could you walk naked around with a man? Cover yourself!"

In a flurry of movement, Zack jumped off the bed, his limbs flailing to cover his eyes as if the mere sight of Yuna might burn them out. He threw his hands over his face, but not before a look of bewilderment crossed his features, making him resemble a flustered deer caught in headlights.

Yuna tilted her head and shook side by side as she made a hissed sound.

'I couldn't still get his mindset until now.'

"What? Are you like this to anyone? Walk around mindlessly naked?"

Yuna couldn't help but stifle a laugh as she watched Zack's reaction. His tall, imposing figure and attempt at maintaining composure while squirming in embarrassment were undeniably comical.

"It's beyond midnight, and with all due respect, this is my room. I didn't just walk around naked with anyone, because you're my husband. You should have waited outside the room or covered your eyes."

Yuna quickly slipped into her pajamas as Zack, still red-faced, turned his eyes away.

Once dressed, Yuna sighed deeply and asked, "Yes?"

The thought of Zack bringing up the 75 million dollars sent shivers down Yuna's spine. She mulled over countless excuses in her head but couldn't come up with a single justifiable reason that would make sense. Honestly, she had believed that only a million people would download the app in the first fifteen minutes, never anticipating the massive response that followed.

"You were in the bathroom for hours. I thought something might have happened," Zack grunted, still visibly shaken. When he finally saw Yuna fully dressed, he let out a deep sigh of relief.

"The pink dye in my hair was just hard to wash out. Do not ever think I would hurt myself. One thing I won't lose is my sanity."

Zack’s usually sharp, calculating gaze softened with confusion as he studied Yuna. He tilted his head ever so slightly as if trying to see her from a new angle.