From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea ) novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27 

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. 

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. 

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Chapter 27 

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