"Callie is amazing! The game hasn''t even started, and you''re all so sure she''s going to lose?” Portia retorted, furious at the wave of negativity directed at her friend.


    "That''s right! Ourdy is incredible. She won''t lose!" Damien added, his confidence in Calliope unwavering.


    "Don''t be so sure. We know you want your Ms. Jewell to win, but look at her opponent!"


    "That''s Jett White! The Jett White! His name is legendary!"


    "Mr. White''s skill is terrifying!"


    "It''s no surprise you youngsters don''t know about him."


    "She shouldn''t have epted the challenge. There''s no way she can win."


    The crowd continued to murmur and shake their heads.


    Portia, fuming, shot back, "Is that so? Why don''t you put your money where your mouth is? Let''s make a bet on who will win."


    "A bet? You''re on! Who''s afraid of whom?"


    "Of course! Jett is bound to win. How could a young girl possiblypare to a seasoned master like him?"


    People mored to take the bet, all certain of Jett''s victory. They believed Calliope was simply out of her league.


    Portia and Damien were both incensed.


    "How much?" Portia said through gritted teeth. "Don''te crying to me when you lose!"


    "Don''t worry, we won''t lose. We have faith in Mr. White!"


    Overhearing themotion, Jett looked up and addressed the crowd. "I don''t know


    if I''ll win or lose, so I''d advise everyone to bet with caution."


    "You''re too modest, Mr. White! We believe in you!"


    "Don''t worry! We won''t me you whether you win or lose!"


    "To us, you''re a legend we look up to!"


    It was clear that Jettmanded immense respect and admiration from the onlookers. Although Portia had heard the stories about him, her loyalty was firmly with her best friend. She was determined to stand by her side.


    Quickly, Portia set up a betting pool with the people around her, pulling out all the cash she had.


    Just then, Crispin Sutton arrived. Drawn by the crowd, he squeezed through and quickly got the gist of the situation.


    Portia tensed when she saw her older brother. "Crispin, I know Callie can win! Don''t stop me. I''m using my own allowance!"


    "I''m not going to stop you," Crispin said, ncing at Calliope. "I''m betting on Callie too."


    Portia stared at him, surprised.


    Crispin chuckled. "Do I look like I have no conscience? Even if that weren''t the case, Callie is your best friend. Of course I''m on your side.”


    Portia threw her arms around his. "Crispin, you''re the best!"


    "You''re only just realizing that now? Haven''t I always been great?”


    "Yes, you''re wonderful! The best brother in the entire world!"


    The dealer began to deal the cards.


    Even facing Jett White, Calliope showed no sign of fear. From beginning to end, she was the picture of calm assurance. She


    examined her cards and looked


    up


    at her opponent with a steady, unhurried gaze.


    She was soposed, it was as if she weren''t facing the legendary Jett White, but someone she could easily crush.


    The crowd murmured in awe of her mental fortitude. To remain so calm while facing Jett, a man rumored to have never lost at the card table, was truly remarkable.


    "She really is something else," someone in the crowdmented with admiration.


    "Yes, not a trace of fear. You can tell she''s not intimidated by him at all.”