The gamblers

Carmela Rosselli, a twenty‑five‑year‑old Englishwoman of Italian lineage, narrates her own tangled past with candid honesty. After the loss of her aristocratic parents, she is raised by a devoted cousin and later moves to London, where she shares a fashionable flat with her wealthy and charismatic guardian, Ulrica Yorke. Their lives in the glittering circles of Kensington take a sudden turn when Ulrica declares a desire for a radical change, proposing a whirlwind tour of the continent’s most vibrant resorts.

The pair set their sights on Monte Carlo, a haven of high‑stakes gambling and dazzling society, where fortunes are won and lost amidst whispers of intrigue. As Carmela follows Ulrica into this world of opulent casinos and secretive acquaintances, she confronts questions of love, loyalty, and the thin line between chance and destiny. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for a tale that blends personal confession with the seductive allure of the gambling elite, promising a story as complex as the games they intend to play.