From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Anthea jogged over, her sneakers thumping softly on the pavement. "Uncle Nanson, what are you doing here?"

"Your mom's worried about you walking home alone at night," Nanson said with a protective glint in his eye. "She sent me to make sure you get back safe."

Anthea nodded, an unfamiliar feeling bubbling up inside her. She was used to being the protector, not the protected. This was a new sensation, odd but not unwelcome.

"So are we still hitting up the spot tonight?" Nanson asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

Anthea knew exactly what 'the spot' referred to. "Absolutely!" she replied.

Money was tight and her wishlist was long, including a new smartphone, laptop, gaming gear... She was desperate to move out of her dingy basement apartment. Those gadgets weren't just luxuries but her ticket to greater success.

And right now, the quickest way to cash was the casino.

"Let's roll!" Nanson said with a grin. "Tonight we'll give them a lesson!"

They strutted toward the casino, a fortress of sin and chance.

Inside, the place was buzzing, a hive of hopeful souls. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

But luck wasn't on Anthea's side tonight. There were six losses in a row before a single win.

Nanson looked Anthea over with concern. "What's going on with you tonight? You're off your game."

Anthea shrugged it off. "Whoever wins all the time is a legend. I'm just human."

Human or not, her winning streak the previous night had been nothing short of miraculous. Nanson scratched his head, not quite buying it.

"Rough night, huh? I thought she had the magic touch," Daniel remarked from across the room, his gaze lingering on Anthea with a mix of curiosity and distaste.

Ever since the debacle in the Morris family, he'd seen her here two nights in a row. Coincidence? He doubted it.

Beside Daniel stood Sherman, a figure shrouded in mystery, his presence commanding attention yet also demanding distance.

"She's doing it on purpose," Sherman said, his fingers pausing on the silver cross. Under his hat, his jawline hinted at a stoic beauty.

"On purpose?" Daniel echoed, puzzled.

"She lost six times, but the money she lost isn't even half of what she won that one time," Sherman observed with a nod.

Daniel widened his eyes with realization. "She's playing it low-key to avoid drawing the casino's attention?"

Sherman affirmed with a tilt of his head.

Daniel stroked his chin, continuing, "She's setting you up, Sherman. Don't fall for her tricks."

In Daniel’s mind, Anthea had no real gambling skills. It was Nanson’s discreet guidance from the shadows that gave her the edge. He kept his skills under wraps, letting Anthea take the spotlight to divert attention from them both.

"Do you think I'm like you?" Sherman replied, his voice cool, his eyes briefly meeting Daniel's.

Daniel was known for his carefree escapades, a ladies' man through and through, in stark contrast to Sherman's reserved nature.

"Sherman, not every woman is like Anthea. Don't let one bad woman give you a phobia," Daniel said thoughtfully. "Take Rebecca for instance. She's genuinely kind-hearted. I bet the engagement fell through because of some misunderstanding..."

Daniel admired Rebecca. Despite her childhood marred by poverty, she maintained her grace. Faced with a conniving sister who had usurped her life, Rebecca chose forgiveness.

Her compassion for astray kids was unparalleled, her soul seemingly untouched by the mundane grime.

Compared to Rebecca, Anthea was leagues apart.

"Rebecca's true nature will prove itself," Sherman said, his tone unwavering.

Daniel frowned, sensing Sherman's skepticism. "I guarantee you that Rebecca is not like that. Sometimes it's not just our ears that deceive us, but our eyes too. You should get to know her better. You can't dismiss everyone because of one misunderstanding. You might miss out on someone like Rebecca."