From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 15

Carole was the epitome of a devoted mother. Unfortunately, Rebecca was far from a grateful daughter.

Beyond forcing Carole to sell her blood, Rebecca committed a series of selfish acts.

Not too long ago, she’d even gone as far as suggesting that Carole sell a kidney to cover a house down payment.

If the Morris family hadn’t shown up out of the blue, Carole might have gone through with it.

Rebecca’s behavior worsened afterward.

She spread nasty rumors that Carole was a home–wrecker who skulked in the shadows and even had the gall to accuse her of a child–swap conspiracy, disregarding the years of love and care Carole had provided.

Nanson couldn’t fathom how the kind–hearted Carole could have given birth to someone as self–centered as Rebecca until the Morris family came to their door. It was only then that he had his epiphany.

Rebecca wasn’t Carole’s biological daughter.

The revelation that the child she’d raised was not her hit Carole like a ton of bricks. She was devastated to learn that her daughter, whom she had loved and nurtured for eighteen years. did not share her blood.

The daughter she’d raised turned her back on her to reunite with her biological family, and her birth daughter wanted nothing to do with her, even refusing to acknowledge her.

Carole felt like her steadfast dedication all the years had turned into a cruel joke. She had even contemplated suicide, but thankfully, Anthea returned.

down a prescription, Anthea said, “Mom, I’ll come with

ends meet, Carole had been working

“How can that be

rotisserie didn’t pay much, but it helped put

how could

her pen after finishing the prescription. “Mom, you can’t keep working with your health like this!

that, Nanson jumped in, alarmed, “Carole, you’ve got to listen to Ann! Nothing is

had accurately determined that Carole sold her blood, Nanson had

Chapter 15

medical judgment.

fuss. I’ve always been like this. What could go

to worry if the money kept you

classmate yesterday and plan to invest

fact was that she had earned the money on the gambling table, but she didn’t dare tell Carole, who disapproved of gambling,

paycheck and bonus from yesterday. I’ll give you my wages every month

your money,” Carole refused.

insisted, “Carole, we’re family. I only want you

health

nothing and living off her child and brother while feeling under the weather.

looked at her mother. “Mom, we’ve just found each other. I don’t want to lose you over money matters. It’s better to face a painful truth momentarily than suffer for a