From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 11

Nanson had been on a losing streak, the dice rolling against him time after time at the craps table. It was his eleventh roll, and the murmurs around him in the crowded casino were all betting on big.

“Eleven times, man! It’s got to be big this time!” the crowd buzzed, throwing their chips onto the ‘big‘ side of the table.

Nanson’s hands shook as he reached into his wallet, pulling out his last three hundred bucks. His forehead was slick with cold sweat as he wrestled with the decision.

“Come on, Nanson! Go big! You’ve been down on your luck for too long, buddy! Follow the crowd, and you can’t go wrong this time!” a voice from the crowd encouraged him.

It had to be big this time.

As Nanson was about to lay his money down, someone gently took the money from his grasp. Anthea’s soft voice cut through the din. “We’re betting small. Let’s go for a three, a one, and a four.”

“Are you messing with me?” Nanson turned to see Anthea, her eyes calm, giving nothing away.

Someone from the crowd added fuel to the fire. “Oh Nanson, you’ll be stripped down to your

boxers after this one!”

“That’s not my bet! I wanted big!” Nanson protested.

croupier said firmly, pressing Nanson’s hand down. “House

back his hand and shot Anthea a glare. “You’ll pay for

the croupier lifted the cover, the dice revealed their numbers. Three, one, and

washed over Nanson. He hadn’t misheard,

said, her tone even as

They had won.

The crowd was a mix of groans and curses.

excitement as he grabbed–Anthea’s

had some

smile, she whispered, “Small again. Three, one, and four.”

“You got it!”

king of the world for the first time

Chapter 11

scene unfold. The dim light cast shadows over his

him, peering down at the commotion below. “Holy cow, she’s got a golden arm!

a young woman

to

squinted, trying to make out the