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.

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

and shot Anthea a glare. “You’ll pay for this,

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

Nanson.

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

They had won.

small!” The crowd was a mix of groans

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

finally believed Anthea had some magic touch.

a small smile, she whispered, “Small again. Three, one,

“You got it!”

a winning streak, and he felt he was king of the world for the first time

Chapter 11

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

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

such a young woman possessed such incredible

turned to look at him.

know her?” Daniel squinted, trying to make out the figure