His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 866

The place was electric. Even the central business district of Aldonia at this hour couldn't compare to the dazzling spectacle of lights and glamour here. It was as if this artificial island was a city that never slept. Walking through it, you could see men and women everywhere who had come to gamble. Aside from a few magnificent, opulent casinos, the streets were lined with smaller gambling stalls for enthusiasts to amuse themselves. The entire island seemed to be lost in a collective, inescapable euphoria of gambling.

However, Niamh and Jonathan were in no mood to appreciate the exotic scenery. Lana's life was hanging by a thread. As soon as they set foot on the island, Niamh and Jonathan rented an electric scooter, with Jonathan driving and Niamh riding behind him. They didn't have much time. Although Joker had given them two hours, which should have been plenty of time to get from Aldonia to this gambler's paradise, Jonathan and Niamh had spent a significant amount of time on other preparations before they left. Therefore, they had to race against the clock to reach the casino Joker had specified.

Jonathan and Niamh pulled up in front of the Golden Casino. The casino, true to its name, was a massive, golden dome that looked as if it were forged from solid gold. It was spectacular, luxurious, and exuded an air of aggressive opulence. Niamh knew that the Golden Casino was the largest and most magnificent on the entire island. They walked inside, and the interior was even more lavish than the exterior. After passing through security, they navigated through the sea of gamblers, took an elevator, and arrived at the VIP casino on the top floor.

A dedicated host was waiting to receive them. "Joker is inside. Please, come in." The host pushed open the heavy doors. Niamh and Jonathan both took a deep breath and stepped inside. The VIP casino wasn't as spacious or brightly lit as the main hall downstairs, but it possessed an understated, luxurious taste. Niamh immediately spotted Lana, who was bound tightly to a chair. "Lana!" Niamh cried out, running toward her. But before she could get far, Joker fired a shot in her direction. The bullet hit the floor at Niamh's feet. Even if it hadn't, she wouldn't have been hit. The moment Joker fired, Jonathan had thrown his arms around Niamh, shielding her with his back.

Joker narrowed his eyes, a look of contempt on his face. "It's no fun if you die... It's much more interesting if she dies." Joker’s baby face was smiling with cherubic innocence, but his eyes were hollow and devoid of light. Nearby, Lana couldn't speak, only letting out muffled, pained whimpers. She knew Niamh would come. But she really, really shouldn't have. This was a stage Joker had meticulously prepared for them. They couldn't bring bodyguards or weapons; they were like lambs to the slaughter.

"Joker, Jonathan and I are here! Let Lana go now!" Niamh yelled furiously. Joker, however, nonchalantly toyed with his pistol. "When did I say I'd let Lana go if you two showed up?" Joker stood up from his chair and walked toward them. Jonathan instinctively moved Niamh behind him. As their eyes met, for a fleeting moment, Jonathan felt a strange sense of resemblance between himself and Joker. "So, what will it take for you to release Niamh's friend?" Jonathan asked, his voice and expression as calm as ever. Joker let out a soft laugh. "Let's play a game!"