From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 42

“Ann, what are you up to?” Carole called out as she rapped on the door and peeked inside with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What in the world is this?”

Anthea replied without looking up from the disassembled pieces that surrounded her. “Just got a new computer, but it seems to be on the fritz. I’m checking it out.”

“Do you think you can put it back together?” Carole widened her eyes in disbelief.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Anthea confidently assured her. “Of course, Mom.”

As they chatted, Anthea casually dropped the news, “Oh, by the way, we’re moving tomorrow.”

“Moving?” Carole was taken aback.

Living in a basement flat was no good for their health, but the rent in Cloudcrest wasn’t pocket–friendly. How could they afford to move?

With a reassuring smile, Anthea said, “Don’t worry about the money. I made a decent sum from some stocks and mutual funds I dabbled in. After paying back what I owed to a friend, we’ve got enough left over to cover rent for a year.”

Η

Truth be told, the cash was all from a lucky streak at the casino.

Anthea wasn’t yet familiar with the rules of this world to risk the stock market. She stuck to what she knew best.

enough to secure

she completed her first mission, the paycheck would be substantial.

an ultra–rare mission promised a hefty

start packing.” Carole

old junk. The new place is fully furnished. Just pack some clothes for you

their belongings. “Well, maybe I can sell some stuff to

works,” Anthea nodded

logged onto the tech forums at that moment, she would’ve seen the buzz all about

nabbed that

smokes! What a boss! Take me under your

notice that Phoenix–YC is a total

Chapter 42

A fresh

out,

been waiting for days. Why couldn’t a real pro

can pull this off, I’ll

“Agreed!”

“Screenshot taken!”

mission. Before long, everyone’s

was thrilled. “I’ll bring over the company truck tomorrow to haul all our stuff