Frank was already imagining the look on Jade's face when these stones were cut back at the company facility—the shock, the disbelief, the dawning realization that she'd just secured the services of someone truly exceptional. The thought brought a private smile to his lips.
By early evening, the sun was beginning its slow descent toward the horizon. The sky had transformed into a riot of color—brilliant oranges and deep crimsons spreading across the heavens like fire, painting the clouds in shades of flame. The lively, chaotic energy of the Stone Gambling event was gradually winding down as participants began to pack up and prepare to leave.
At exactly six o'clock, the National Stone Gambling Tournament organizers opened the doors to an elaborate buffet dinner. The venue was the same mass
