Five years later

On the third floor of the Biao, a balcony overlooks the casino below. I stand there, hands resting lightly on the rail, and peer down like a queen surveying her kingdom.

A band plays from a podium in the corner of the room, while elegant guests gather around the games tables below. Everyone down there is dressed to impress, with tailored evening wear on the men and jewels sparkling at the women’s throats. The servers weave between tables bearing trays of champagne, while the chandelier glitters high above.

It’s a masterpiece. So much grander than when my father ran this place. Perhaps it’s disloyal of me to...