She'd made a comeback, feeling fresh and lucky.
The other young wives chimed in, "Sister Yu has such great luck, that pure flush was brutal. I was just turning the tables, and one hand wiped me out."
"Of course! Sister Yu's living the good life now, so her luck's turned too."
"Getting out, everyone went their separate ways. As Ruth walked toward the villa, her face was full of pride, life was just too good."
"The way those women talked to her carried a hint of flattery. After all, with all the big moves happening in the property management, they all wanted a piece of the pie."
"Whether it was finding a job for a relative or a friend, their compliments were blatantly sycophantic."
"When she got home, she tiptoed in. The living room was dark except for the nightlight, everyone was clearly asleep."
"She noticed her bedroom door was closed. Ruth froze for a moment, then her pretty face flushed. She crept closer and could hear faint moaning through the door."
