From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 45

Karen tapped a picture on the menu and declared. “This one, please.”

Anthea glanced over and realized that lobsters were tricky to fish, making them a tad pricey.

“I’ll have a lot!” Karen announced.

“Sure,” Anthea nodded, not the least bit perturbed by the cost.

“Don’t forget the shrimp.” Karen added.

“Don’t you worry. It’s on my mind,” Anthea replied with a reassuring smile. “Just give me a

moment.”

Karen nodded in approval.

As Anthea turned to fetch the order, Lauren asked curiously, “Anthea, is that lady a relative of yours?”

“We just met yesterday. It’s not easy for her to be alone,” Anthea explained.

naive?” Lauren cautioned. “There are plenty of con artists out there preying on sweet girls like

wasn’t exaggerating. Scammers were indeed rampant, leaving many people penniless.

does nothing, where would the kindness be in this world?” As she spoke, Anthea found herself thinking of her nanny

Lauren conceded. “But

your money.

gently, “I’ll be careful.”

a steaming lobster and shrimp.

stood up excitedly, nearly drooling,

eating. The lobster is fresh from the oven. It’s hot.”

Karen nodded.

roadside, with Rebecca

change in Anthea was significant, which gave Rebecca an inexplicable sense of unease. But at the sight of Anthea now, engaging in such menial tasks, Rebecca heaved a sigh of relief. She was probably just being paranoid.

guard down. She

11:29

Chapter 45

underling forever.

recalled past events and determined to avoid meeting that person and all the triggers for

Anthea and then flickered to the elderly lady talking to her. “Isn’t that the old