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

When Debra arrived on Arcadia Avenue with her renovation proposal in hand, the line outside Yeager's Delicacies stretched down the block.

She was taken aback.

Who knew there was still a joint with such a booming business?

With a crowd like this, the cash register must be singing all day long. No wonder they were looking to expand the place!

For a moment, Debra couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy.

Just then, it struck her. She remembered Carole mentioning her diner was right here on Arcadia Avenue.

Could it be that Carole was the owner of Yeager's Delicacies?

Debra's eyes widened in disbelief.

There’s no way!

She remembered Carole dressed down in simple attire, not a piece of jewelry in sight. If Yeager's Delicacies really was Carole's, would she present herself so modestly? No, it couldn't be Carole's.

Comforted by this thought, Debra relaxed a bit.

Finally, when the lunch rush eased and the line dissipated, Debra made her way inside.

The décor was nothing fancy.

It was hard to believe such an unassuming place was the talk of the town.

Debra glanced around and approached a server, “Hi there, I’m the owner of Wise Walls Interiors. I'm looking for your boss.”

That's when she caught sight of a familiar figure.

It was... Carole? Indeed, it was Carole!

Debra froze in her tracks. Was Yeager's Delicacies actually Carole's? Or was Carole just working there?

It had to be just a job, right?

Debra tugged at the server’s sleeve and asked in a low voice, “Hey, who's that woman over there?”

The server glanced at Debra, “That’s our boss, ma’am.”

Debra's face turned pale.

It was true! Carole was the owner of this diner.

Debra swallowed hard, then inquired further, “The two stores next door, they’re getting a facelift, aren't they? How much is the rent per month around here?”

The server replied, “The boss owns these buildings outright, so I'm not sure about rent. And as for the renovations, Ma'am, she’s already partnered up with another company. If that’s what you're here for, I’d hate for you to waste your time.”

Carole owned these shops? Bought outright?

Debra felt faint.

With Cloudcrest real estate prices, those three stores were worth a fortune! Good heavens!

Debra’s face grew whiter still, barely processing the revelation that Carole was so affluent.

After a long moment, she composed herself and approached Carole.

She was going to be Sarah’s mother-in-law, after all.

With the connection between their families. Even if the shops had deals with other companies, Carole would surely hand the renovation over to her!

Plus, with Carole's diner doing so well, there had to be some secret recipe. She could coax it out of Carole!

Then, she could open her own eatery right across the street!

The more Debra thought about it, the brighter the picture seemed, and she approached Carole with confidence, “Carole, darling! I almost didn't recognize you! We're practically family, so leave those two shops to me for the makeover! You know I’ll hook you up with a sweet deal! After all, we're so close!” Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Carole, well aware of the Brown family's antics, showed no amusement.

Some people have no shame. After all that had transpired, they still had the gall to show up.

“This lady, I don’t know you,” Carole said with a polite smile. “And I've already entrusted Jackson from Willow Brook Designs with my shops.”

Debra persisted, “Carole, honey, what are you saying? We know each other well! I’m Sarah’s future mother-in-law!”

Carole frowned, “Didn’t Sarah tell you? She and Lacy broke up.”

“That’s impossible!” Debra laughed. “Why would Sarah leave a catch like Lacy!”

Debra didn’t believe that Sarah would give up such a golden opportunity.

“Nana!” Carole called out, “Please show this lady out. I don't know her.”

Nana came rushing over.

Debra refused to budge, “Carole, we’re family. How can you turn your back on me like this? Even if not for my sake, you should think of Sarah...”

Carole slightly furrowed her brow and turned to Jackson, “The noise is a bit much here. Shall we go to your office to sign the contract?”

Jackson nodded, “Of course.”

Debra hurried after Carole, “Carole, wait!”

But Carole didn’t respond, stepping into Jackson’s car and closing the door behind her.