"Wasn''t that your intention?" Calliope asked with a light, mockingugh. “The whole world knows how much you dote on your daughter, that you''d do anything for her. Seeing her lose must have been hard to swallow."


    "I do cherish Blythe, but I''m not unreasonable,” Jett replied calmly. "A loss is a loss. She chose to y, so she has to ept the oue. Blythe knows that principle. She wouldn''t refuse to admit defeat. She gave you the chips she owed you, didn''t she?"


    "As for me," he continued, "the reason I wanted to y with you, Ms. Jewell, is because I admire your skill. You''re incredible."


    “It''s been a long time since I''ve met a worthy opponent. You''re the first in years, and certainly the youngest."


    Jett smiled warmly. “In fact, I''d like to be your friend."


    Calliope gave him a cold, dismissive look. "Friendship is out of the question. I don''t particrly like you, Mr. White."


    Jett was taken aback. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Calliope held some strange, inexplicable hostility towards him. But he was certain he had never done anything to offend her. Was it because of Blythe? Did she dislike her?


    He thought their Blythe had a wonderful personality and plenty of friends. Why would she be at odds with this young woman?


    After a moment of thought, Jett said, "Friendship is a two-way street. If you''re not interested, Ms. Jewell, that''s fine. Let''s end the game here. I admit, you are very skilled, and I am truly impressed that someone so young could be so aplished."


    Calliope ignored him and turned to her friends. "Portia, Damien, collect the chips."


    "Yes, ma''am!” Damien immediately began gathering their winnings.


    Portia, meanwhile, went to collect from those who had bet against her.


    "You''re not going to back out now, are you? We had a deal!"


    "My Callie won, so it''s time to pay up!"


    "Don''t even think about running off. What''s owed must be paid!" "Hey, you! Are you trying to sneak away? You made a bet too!"


    Portia pointed out each person who had taken her wager. With so many people watching, no one dared to argue or flee, and they reluctantly handed over their money. In an instant, Portia had raked in a smallTM fortune, making a massive profit. Cóntent


    Calliope had also effortlessly won millions.


    "We''ve made enough money. Let''s go have some fun," Calliope said to Portia and Damien.


    The remaining crowd watched them leave with envy.


    "That girl Portia was losing so much earlier, but she won it all back and then some!"


    “I''m so jealous! I wish I could have a winning streak like that."


    "Truly incredible."


    As Calliope''s group departed, the casino returned to its usual rhythm.


    Blythe approached Jett, looking crestfallen. "Dad, did you let her win?" she asked, a hint of


    vel


    resentment in her voice. She could ept her own loss, but why did Jett have to lose too?


    Lisette was equally bewildered. She had been sure Jett would win, or that even if he lost, he wouldn''t let Calliope off so easily. But he had conceded defeat, handed over the money, and simply let her walk away. Shouldn''t he have stood up for his daughter? For his own pride?


    “Mr. White, you didn''t have to go easy on her. Calliope is not a good person," Lisette couldn''t help but say.


    Jett''s gaze snapped to her. “Do I need you to teach me how to conduct myself? Or how to judge a person''s character?"


    His sharp words left Lisette speechless.