[KHALI]

"Monkey!" Jey shouted for the nth time. I laughed at her as she was trying to call for a winning card. Unfortunately, she has lost countless times before, and this is her final opportunity. I have 8, she got a soft 17, and I only need 9 or 10 to beat or just get a push. I triumphantly grinned when I saw the Queen of Spades on the flipped card.

"Oh, man!" She groaned and leaned on the table, her head drooping.

"I told you, you have to always keep the running count. You shouldn't have doubled down in that round. You're not going to win if you're just going to rely on your luck," I scolded her as I started shuffling the cards.

Jey is my best friend. She's a professional gamer, but she doesn't like to play cards in casinos. She spends most of her time snoozing and adoring chicken. She's strange and quirky, yet anybody who sees her knows she's a goddess. Her visual is ethereal. Many people were smitten by the long-haired girl with exquisite heart-shaped lips. She's completely naive to the fact that so many girls and guys adore her. But guess what? I won't hit on her. She's like my sister from another mother.

Today, I'm teaching her how to beat the dealer, which is me, in Blackjack. We've been doing this for the whole week. I'm teaching her the Hi-Lo card counting strategy. Essentially, you must beat the dealer rather than the other players in Blackjack. Your cards should be closer to 21, but if they're higher than 21, you'll be busted. You will also lose if you get a lower card than the dealer. So, you must have higher cards than the dealer, but not more than 21, to win.

2-9 count as their numbers; 10 to King count as 10; A's can be counted either 1 or 11 depending on the situation. In counting cards, every card has a point value and you have to count all the cards that had been used throughout the game, from the beginning to end. 2-6 are low-valued cards, and you have to count them as 1; 7-9 count as 0; 10 to A are high-valued cards and count as -1. You just have to sum up all the values of each card. Negative counts mean there are more low valued cards remaining in the deck. That's a sort of disadvantage for the player. Positive counts mean there are more high-valued cards remaining in the deck. That will help you decide how many bets you'll place and what basic strategy you will use.

Card counting allows players to bet more when the count gives an advantage as well as minimize losses during an unfavorable count. That's why I always remind my best friend not to lose the running count while doing the basic strategy at the same time. Never let anyone distract her from counting, and that's the thing she always fails to do.

"You need to practice more, buddy," I said with a chuckle and a tap on the shoulder. She sighed and pouted in irritation.

"You'll be back to the casino later?" She inquired after leaning back and placing both hands at the back of her head.

"As usual," I shrugged and smiled before stretching my body after I finished organizing the cards back to the table. My body felt stiff after a long day of teaching my best friend.

"Another round?" I asked, ignoring the stiffness of my shoulders. She grumbled and rolled her eyes, her interest in the game waning.

"Let's take a break first. Really, I wouldn't even do this if it weren't for the girls," she said while lifting her hands up.

"The girls in the casino?" I pretended I didn't understand what she meant. Despite the fact that I am completely aware of this, she has to quit pressuring me to have a girlfriend.

"Yeah. Those girls are so mesmerized by you. Dude, you're the famous Khali Luciano - the professional and most attractive dealer 'slash' floorman 'slash' the pit boss of L Hotels and Casino. You're the gem of that Casino. You don't know how many girls came to me just to ask about you. I fucking envy you, dude. They were like 'Oh my god! Look at Khali! Look at those eyes and those long fingers! God! I want her'. What do I need to sacrifice to be you?" she said, which strikes me as overblown.

I scowled, nearly cringing at her description of me. To be honest, there's some truth to that. I'm not sure why girls are continually chasing me. So, what's the big deal about me? I'm so enigmatic, and no girl could ever get me to reveal who I am. That's how secret my profile is, and the casino employees aren't allowed to reveal it. Let's just say I'm a significant figure. Some say I look like a boyish Barbie, with Barbie-like characteristics. I'd like to have my hair cut shoulder length, like a wolf. It's just cool to me.

"Trust me, you don't want to be in my situation," I replied, raising my brows twice and pushing my lips into a tight line.

"But, hey! You're being oblivious. Many girls want you, too. You're just focusing on the wrong people. "

"Pfft! You're kidding, right? Nah, I always envy you. Imagine how many girls would come to the casino just to see you, and they don't even know how to play!" She said, shrugging her shoulders and raising her hands in the air.

"It's good for the business; I'm an asset," I boasted, winking at her and making her laugh.

"And so you have to teach me how to get those girls. Even if I don't really play this game, it would be a turn-off if I lost in that card game," she insisted, even if I still think she doesn't need to do those things. She doesn't listen.

"Very well then, another round?" I muttered as I flashed a smirk at her.

.

.

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[JANE]

"Sam, what's my next appointment?" I spoke after hitting the intercom button.

"Ma'am, you have a business meeting with Mr. Park at 3 pm and dinner with Mr. Nicholas Terranova at 8 pm," my secretary said.

When I realized I had a dinner to attend this evening, I groaned quietly. My father demanded that I meet the son of our business partner, even though I didn't want to go there. We're not related, but we're both Terranovas. I wish we were related so my father wouldn't pressure me to date him. I'm under a lot of stress at work, and I was hoping that my father could help alleviate some of it, but instead, he's pressuring me to marry someone I don't even like. What a life!

It's not easy being a young CEO. I imagined myself traveling and doing the things I enjoy in life, but my father had already made up his mind about my future. Isn't that unjust? It's absurd how people believe that wealthy people always have a choice, but this is complete fiction. Because I am his only daughter, I have no choice but to inherit the company that my father founded. Sucks to be the only child.

My phone abruptly rang, and I exhaled a sigh of relief when I saw the caller ID.

"Let me guess," she spoke before I could even say hello.

"What?" I asked.

Her snorts were audible, and she mumbled, "Well, I know you don't want to attend that dinner."

Although I shouldn't have been surprised, I did raise my brows in astonishment. My best friend has her method of keeping track of my whereabouts.

"Wow! Are you a fortune teller or a psychic?" I asked, smirking. "I don't recall my best friend being some kind of clairvoyant."

"You forgot that your secretary is my sister's girl. Duh!" She exclaimed, and I just laughed in response.

"Of course, I'm aware of that!" I exclaimed, fully aware of the relationship between her sister and my secretary. Their love story began two years ago in my office when Alice came to see me for legal guidance. They say it was love at first sight. To me, it sounds cheesy, but who am I to stop those two from falling in love?

"Jane, you need my help." It's not even a question.

"Would you help me, my cute little chipmunk?" I said, trying to sound nice as I called her by the moniker I had given her, but all she did was a grunt.

"Ugh! You don't have to compliment me like that! Of course, I'll assist you. I'm your best friend," she asserted.

I checked my watch to see that it was time for me to leave since I've got an appointment with Mr. Park.

"Alright, tell me your plans later; I just have to go to a meeting; I'll phone you later," I said as I stood up and walked toward the door.

"Okay, take it easy, bye," she said as she hung up the phone, and I silently smiled, pleased that I was with the most trustworthy person. My best friend is truly an angel who has saved my life. She's always willing to come to my aid. Reese Fatico is her full name, but I refer to her as Reese Posie.

She, unlike me, has a say in what she does with her life. She's a food critic, and even though she eats a lot, I'm always amazed at how she manages to keep her Victoria's Secret model shape. It's still a mystery to me. Her long blonde hair resembles Elsa from the Disney film Frozen. Her cheeks often get fluffy as she eats, so I call her a chipmunk. She loves food as much as she loves me, but I'm not complaining.

"So, what's your plan?" I asked Reese, who sat across from me at the time. I was expecting a clear plan from her when she came to my office.

"Let's go to the casino," she said.

"What? That's your plan?" my tone conveys my opposition to her plan.

"Before you complain, let me explain," she said, raising her hand to silence me. I motioned for her to go on.

"So I have to go there tonight for my job, I have to try and write some reviews about the cuisine there, and I'm so happy since they say the food and drinks in the casino are heavenly," she muttered enthusiastically, and I just gave her a cynical look.

"No! Because, first and foremost, playing in a casino is not good. You can never win, it's gambling, and you'll only make the casino owner wealthy," I said to her as she was about to react.

"Second," I shrugged, "I don't even know how to play those card games; I might grow bored and lose my money while waiting for you."

"Look, I don't have a clear plan, and this is the only way to save your arse because, apparently, what else would you use as an excuse not to attend that dinner? At least you'll have a reason if you come with me because Jane Terranova, you're an introvert who prefers to stay in your office or your room," she said flatly.

"Wow, unbelievable," I pretended to be offended, but I had expected this from her, and she is partly correct. I sighed and paused for a moment, contemplating my options.

"Jane, you're a multi-millionaire; a night at the casino won't affect your wealth!" she exclaimed, interrupting my thoughts.

"Okay! Okay! You win!" I had no choice but to agree because she is my only salvation, and I didn't want to argue with her any longer.

"Alright, now get dressed properly," she added. I merely agreed with her after rolling my eyes. I don't have much of a choice in the matter.

I had at least two meetings after Reese left my office. After a long day, I reclined in my swiveled chair, looking for solace. My body could rest, but my mind couldn't, so I chose to read emails and texts on my phone. When I saw Nicholas' message, I rolled my eyes. How can he pretend to be nice when he's an actual monster?

>> From Nicholas: Hi Jane, I can't wait to see you at our dinner date later. I'm expecting to see you more often <<

I had just shut off my phone and considered heading home early. I need to get away from that dinner date, and a night at a casino won't harm either. I suppose I should loosen up and have some fun as well. When I told my best friend that I couldn't play cards, I was lying. I'm well-versed in the fundamentals, particularly when it comes to Blackjack. But I don't enjoy conversing with large groups of people, which is why I avoid crowded locations like Casino.

I'm standing in front of the mirror, scrutinizing my appearance. I'm wearing a Roland Mouret sheer-panel fine knit dress and smiling at how it fits me so well. I put my hair up in a ponytail and put some little make-up on. I'd rather not be the focus of attention in that place, but who am I kidding? I'm Jane Terranova, CEO of JT Telecom and a Chanel model. However, I continued to feel that only a few people would know me since I had only been seen in person a few times.

I never even imagined myself going to the Casino, although I had heard that my father had gone there several times to meet some of the investors who are so fond of the L Hotels and Casino. That place is so glitzy that it can be compared to the Casinos in Vegas. Whenever I drive by, I can only see the Casino's dazzling lights from the outside, but I've never dared to step inside. As a result, this is my first visit.

I'm a CEO, but I'm an introvert. My job had forced me to do things I had always hated. I hate having extended conversations with people and dislike being forced out of my comfort zone. As a CEO, you will encounter a variety of people and personalities. Of course, I must attend shareholder and stakeholder meetings. I even met some journalists who wanted to know more about me and my company. That's a lot to process. It's a bit overpowering at first, but I'll grow used to it.

My dad can never understand how I feel. He is always concerned about the company.

Everything is done for the company's benefit. He never once asked me what I wanted, whether I wanted to inherit his business or not. He never inquired as to what would make me happy. My mother died when I was 16, which was a devastating event in my life. I knew she wasn't going to live that long because she had cancer, but I've always wished she could live longer. She was the only person who could understand me. My mom was my best buddy, aside from my best friend, Reese. She had a good idea of what I wanted to be in the future. I aspire to be a photographer who captures the beauty of places and people. I consider photography to be my escape from the harsh realities of my life. I have the impression that I am capable of expressing all of my sentiments, emotions, and thoughts.

"Wow, look at you!" Reese squealed as she scrutinized my attire as if it were the first time she'd seen me in a dress.

I rolled my eyes at first but then smiled and laughed.

"Don't be so theatrical. I always wear dresses," I grumbled.

"Of course, I know that; you just look even hotter today," she said, a smug grin on her face.

"You look great as well." I returned the remark. She's wearing a white Khaite The Felicia dress that looks stunning on her, as well as a set of Tiffany & Co. link earrings that accentuated her elegance and attractiveness.

"Thank you! Now hurry up! Your father might be here any minute," she said as she grabbed my elbow and led me out of my apartment and down to the elevator.

That's right, I don't want to live with my father, so I have my apartment. I just reasoned that I need my personal space, yet he comes by here all the time without notifying me. One of the things that frustrate me is this - invading my personal space. We finally arrived at Reese's car and rushed inside.

"Oh my god! I know this night will be enthralling!" she shouted again, and I just laughed as I leaned back in the shotgun seat.

"You're just excited to try the food; I envy you because you can do everything you want," I muttered, drawing her gaze to me.

"Well, if I were an only child, I'd probably be a lawyer right now, and I'd be forced to inherit our law firm. I'm just thankful that my sister Alice shares my parents' values and dreams. Don't worry. I've always got your back." She squeezed my hand, assuring me that she would always be there for me, and that was enough to make me feel better. I gave her a warm smile and a nod.

"Thank you; now I think you should start driving since my father is calling me," I said, showing her my phone, and she rolled her eyes as she saw my father's caller ID on the screen.

"Damn, your dad is such a pain in the ass," she said, and I agreed with a laugh.

"L Hotels and Casino! Here we come!" she exclaimed as she started the car.