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.

buddy,” the croupier said firmly, pressing Nanson’s hand down.

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

cover, the dice revealed their numbers. Three, one, and four. Small.

surge of disbelief washed over Nanson. He hadn’t misheard, had

won, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea said, her tone even

They had won.

The crowd was a mix of groans and

Nanson couldn’t contain his excitement as he grabbed–Anthea’s hand. “What’s the call for the

believed Anthea had some magic touch.

small smile, she whispered, “Small again.

“You got it!”

winning streak, and he felt he was king of the world

Chapter 11

casino’s mezzanine, Sherman watched the scene unfold. The dim light cast shadows over his chiseled features and his

him, peering down at the commotion below. “Holy cow, she’s got a golden arm! She’s hitting the nail on the head every

young woman possessed such incredible

huh?” Sherman turned to

squinted, trying