From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

At that point, she paused and tapped her temple with her pale index finger. “But just remember, behave yourself. I’m not allowed to hang out with idiots.”

“You!” Mac, fuming, raised her left hand and swung at Anthea’s face.

With a slight lean, Anthea dodged Mae’s hand effortlessly.

Due to the excessive force, Mae’s hand ended up slapping the oak tree behind Anthea!

“Mae, are you okay?” Alicia jumped, startled by the sound.

“Ouch…” Tears welled up in Mae’s eyes from the pain.

Looking at the scene, Anthea couldn’t help but remark with a sigh, “What a bunch of morons!” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

With that, she turned and walked back into the rotisserie.

Mae watched Anthea’s retreating figure, grinding her teeth in anger. “You bitch, just you wait!”

A sinister glint flickered in the depths of Mae’s eyes. She was determined to make Anthea pay!

Inside, Lauren saw Anthea enter and quickly came over. “Anthea, you sure showed her!” Originally thinking Anthea would just take the loss, Lauren was surprised to see Anthea had an ace up her sleeve!

Anthea casually rolled up her sleeves, revealing a sliver of her delicate and fair wrist. “It was nothing.”

Lauren followed up, “Hey, did you know those three girls?”

Anthea shook her head, “Nope.”

“So why were they picking on you?” Lauren asked.

Anthea raised an eyebrow, “Probably jealous of my looks?”

After all, she knew she was quite the looker!

Lauren burst into laughter at Anthea’s joke.

But as much as it was said in jest, it was also the truth. Anthea was truly beautiful, with a radiance that couldn’t be imitated.

When it was time to clock out, Nanson came to pick Anthea up.

Having been hitting the casinos every night, Nanson automatically started heading in that direction.

“Uncle Nanson, let’s skip the casino tonight,” Anthea said.

“Why?” Nanson asked.

Anthea replied, “Relying on gambling to win money isn’t a long–term plan.

Nanson scratched his head, “Anthea, you’ve got such a knack for gambling. It’s a waste not to go! It’s like burying your talent!”

“Uncle Nanson, you’re also forbidden from going to the casinos from now on.” Anthea turned to look at Nanson.

“Why?” Nanson was a picture of confusion.

It was usually the elders who looked after the young. Why did Anthea dictate terms to her Nanson and so confidently at that? Yet, for some reason, Nanson trusted Anthea from all aspects.

Anthea stated with conviction, “Because the casino is no good place. One should aspire to better things, not just gamble! Besides, how could a pretty young girl like me be seen in such a place? It’d give the wrong impression!”

Nanson was speechless. It sounded as if the person who was sashaying through the casino a few nights ago wasn’t her.

He hadn’t realized Anthea was sophisticated.

“There’s a food stall. Let’s have some food,” Anthea suddenly suggested, spotting a hamburger stall by the roadside.

Nanson could only agree, “Alright…”

They sat down at the stall.

The friendly stall owner immediately asked, “What can I get for you two?”

“I’ll have a hamburger. What about you?” Anthea wasn’t fussy. She sat down and got herself a glass of water.

Nanson said, “Same for me and throw in a beer.”

“I’ll have a beer too,” Anthea chimed in.

Nanson reprimanded, “What’s a kid like you doing drinking beer? Hey boss, make that a cold

cola!”

Anthea had lived two lifetimes and had never been protected like a child before.

She dissolved into a smile, her gaze brightening with a rare warmth.

In the underground casino.

Two figures appeared on time at the second–floor railing.

Sherman leaned against the ornate balustrade, a silver cross dangling from his fingers, exuding an aura of austere detachment.

“I thought the plan was to play hard to get but she’s not here tonight.” he said, his voice casual but edged with an icy coolness.