Awaiting full novel text for translation.

At a holiday family gathering, my cousin, Mark, suddenly pulled out a deck of cards.

"Let's play for serious stakes," he announced.

A collective gasp rippled through the room as he placed his newly acquired stock dividends on the table.

"Who's in?"

The relatives, knowing he was just trying to flaunt his wealth, immediately showered him with praise.

Just as Mark, basking in his triumph, was about to pocket the cards, I reached out and stopped him.

"I'll play."

His eyes widened in disbelief. He probably expected me to cower in silence, just like before.