From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Edna gently patted Delia's hand, "The weather's been dreadful lately, lots of rain. Your arthritis must be acting up, do take care."

"Okay," Delia nodded, her face shrouded in a thick veil of concern.

Their emotions remained unspoken, yet understood.

Delia no longer resisted accepting Edna's gift, reminding her, "It's getting late, be careful driving home."

Edna nodded in acknowledgment.

After Edna left, Delia didn't immediately depart. Instead, she stood there, watching the taillights of the sedan vanish into the night before she turned and made her way back to the estate.

After Sarah left, Anthea busied herself at home, tinkering with microchips, eager to get her temperature-regulating clothing line on the market.

She then picked up a few gigs on GlobalGigaNet.

With her hands full, Anthea decided not to help out at the diner that evening.

The next morning, after a run with Tanya, Anthea was just approaching the entrance of her neighborhood when a stretch Lincoln suddenly blocked her path.

The car door swung open, and six uniformed men stepped out one by one, lining up in formation. All in black suits and sunglasses.

It was just like something out of a movie, depicting the grand entrance of a wealthy heiress.

So cool!

Next, an elegant, silver-haired lady emerged, basking in the attention like a star among her entourage.

Anthea was taken aback, "Mrs. Christensen?"

Used to seeing Karen in plain clothes, Anthea was a bit thrown off by the sudden display of opulence.

"Ann!" Karen dashed over and enveloped Anthea in a warm hug.

She hadn't seen Anthea in days and was struck by how stunning she looked—more beautiful than even in her own youth.

Karen boasted, "Are you surprised? Thought you saw the wrong person?"

Anthea nodded, "A little, yeah."

With a proud smile, Karen teased, "I've told you we’re loaded, but you wouldn't believe me!"

Anthea replied, "I believe it now."

The bodyguards, the spectacle, the luxury car—it seemed Mrs. Christensen's family didn't just have a mine; they might as well own the mint.

Karen went on, "My grandson is quite the heartthrob, you know!"

Winking at Anthea, she hinted, "What do you say, consider my grandson, maybe?"

The saying goes, having an elder is like having a treasure.

And it couldn't be more true. Karen was just like a playful child at heart.

Anthea deftly changed the subject, "Mrs. Christensen, it's boiling out here. Let's go inside and chat. My mom made chilled plum juice this morning. It's delightful!"

"Sounds good," Karen nodded, then turned to her bodyguards, "Bring the gear, follow me!"

Gear?

Anthea was puzzled. Was the old lady gearing up for a brawl?

Karen laughed, explaining, "Ann, you've been so kind to me before, treating me to crawfish and cola, so I brought some gifts for your mom and uncle."

"Mrs. Christensen, that's very generous of you, but you're always welcome here without bringing gifts."

Karen patted Anthea's hand, "My family's loaded! A little something like this is nothing. Just a drop in the bucket! Oh, and Ann, I brought some Iberico ham too. Let's hurry—I've heard it's delicious!"

Karen had visited the Yeager family once before and knew her way around.

Upon arriving at the Yeager residence, she began directing the bodyguards to place the items properly. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Anthea went to the kitchen to brew some coffee for Karen.

Returning from the kitchen, she was stunned to find the living room nearly filled to the brim.

"Mrs. Christensen, why did you bring so much stuff?" Anthea asked, her voice laced with playful reproach. "You said just a little."