Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 43

**Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 43**

Jasper had an uncanny ability to see through the most intricate schemes. A sly smile crept across his face as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I was merely riding on your luck, Ms. Whitley,” he declared, his tone light yet charged with an underlying respect.

With a practiced motion, he pushed a hefty stack of chips—worth several million—toward her. “Consider these a reward for your impressive performance tonight.”

Renee’s expression shifted from surprise to a deep blush, her cheeks flushing a rosy hue. “Thank you, Mr. Zeller,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the weight of the moment had caught her off guard.

They continued to play, the tension in the air thickening with each round. After a while, Jasper excused himself, rising from the table with an air of casual confidence. “I need to freshen up,” he announced, making his way toward the restroom.

Conrad, ever the loyal companion, trailed behind him. “I’ll join you,” he said, his tone teasing, as the two of them walked out of the plush private room and headed toward the bathroom.

“She’s got some serious skills,” Conrad remarked, a playful smirk on his face. “If I hadn’t seen the way she was exchanging glances with you, I wouldn’t have suspected a thing.”

“Yeah, she’s not bad at all,” Jasper replied, his voice nonchalant, though a flicker of admiration danced in his eyes. For those who truly knew him, this was as close as he ever got to offering praise.

“Adam’s an interesting case, though,” Conrad continued, shaking his head in amusement. “He’s trying so hard to cozy up to you that it’s almost comical. It’s like he’s practically handed over his own wife to you. I wouldn’t be surprised if Renee’s holding a grudge and made sure Adam lost all that money on purpose.”

Conrad chuckled, recalling the scene. “I watched Adam get all worked up, and it’s clear he has no idea he’s been played. I have to admit, Renee’s a clever one.”

A knowing glint appeared in Jasper’s eyes as he nodded slightly, absorbing the implications of Conrad’s words but choosing to remain silent.

The game continued for another two hours, the stakes rising higher with each hand. When it finally came to an end, Jasper’s chips were stacked high, gleaming like trophies, while Adam, Chris, and two other affluent players sat before him, utterly broke. Their faces were a vivid shade of green, envy radiating from them like a palpable force. Adam, in particular, looked stricken, having lost nearly forty million.

Yet, despite the bitter defeat, no one dared voice their complaints, especially not against Jasper, who had been their formidable opponent.

Jasper stood, brushing off his hands as if shedding the weight of the game. “Ms. Whitley,” he called, his voice firm yet warm, “a quarter of these chips belong to you. Please take them downstairs to cash out.”

Jasper caught a glimpse of Renee beside him in the reflection, and suddenly, he broke the lighthearted banter with an unexpected comment. “It’s all thanks to Ms. Whitley,” he said quietly, a hint of sincerity in his voice.

Renee’s grip on the box tightened momentarily, but she quickly relaxed, shaking her head in disbelief. “Mr. Zeller, you’re joking. It was your luck all along,” she replied, trying to deflect the praise.

Ding.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and they stepped out into the bustling hallway.

The others, with their comparatively meager stacks of chips, cashed out swiftly, eager to escape the sting of their losses. But Jasper’s pile was monumental, and since Renee had “invested” ten million, they needed to settle up in person. The teller was the only other presence in the room, creating an intimate atmosphere between the two of them.

Standing tall with his hands comfortably tucked into his pockets, Jasper lowered his voice, a hint of seriousness creeping in. “You’ve got skills, Renee. If your husband ever decides to dump you, at least you won’t have to worry about starving.”

Renee froze at his words, her brow furrowing in confusion as she feigned ignorance. “I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Zeller. But… since we won this money together, I suppose that makes us partners, right?”