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.

Anthea said, “Mom, I’ll come with you to

meet, Carole had been

Carole was stunned. “How can that be

rotisserie didn’t pay much, but it helped

job, how could they make

“Mom, you can’t keep working with your health like this! Otherwise, the consequences could be dire,

in, alarmed, “Carole, you’ve got to listen to Ann! Nothing

sold her blood, Nanson had faith in her

Chapter 15

medical judgment.

like this. What could go

to worry if the money kept you from quitting.

plan to invest it in mutual funds

the gambling table, but she didn’t dare tell Carole, who disapproved of gambling, so

this is my paycheck and bonus from yesterday. I’ll give you my wages

your money,” Carole

I only want you

smiled. “My health is fine.”

the thought of doing nothing and living off her child and brother while

you over money matters. It’s better to face a painful truth momentarily than suffer for a long time. If you