From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 80

Her smile was like the gentle breeze, teasing the blossoms of an apple tree as if ice had suddenly met the fierce blaze of the midsummer sun.

Watching Anthea in profile, Carole felt an inexplicable sense of calm washing over her.

At those words, the curly–haired woman showed a look of speechlessness in her eyes.

Gosh, the young folks these days were bold. Their talk was like daydreaming, blowing their trumpets without giving their brains a moment to catch up.

Could a place like this make a go of it?

It was a pipe dream!

“Listen, sweetheart, don’t take this the wrong way, but turning a profit will be tough with a location like this. Tough! I’d advise you to ball before you’ve even opened your doors. Otherwise, you’re in for a world of hurt and tears.”

Anthea smiled faintly. “Thank you for the heads up, ma’am. I get where you’re coming from, but I have confidence. I’m sure we can make it work.”

When seeing her good intentions weren’t getting through, the curly–haired woman figured there was no point in pressing further. After all, it wasn’t her who would be taking the hit. “You’re young and optimistic, and that’s fine. I’ve said my piece. Take it or leave it. I’ve got my fires to tend to, so I’ll leave you to it.”

After the e woman left. Carole voiced her concerns with worry. “Ann, are you sure we can pull this

off?”

an

is brilliant! She’s a whiz at stocks and a guru at

was all–in when it

moon was made

our business thrive!

a smile, letting go of her worries. “Fine, I’ll take your word

with their family banding together, she was sure they’d

Christensen family, the servant brought over the medicine to

brew was a bitter bomb.

11:01

times the bitterness of any medicine she’d ever tasted. Barely a sip down and Karen couldn’t help but spit it right out.

what’s wrong?” Adah was startled.

medicine is just too bitter!”

suggested. “Karen, maybe we should call Dr. Lyons back. If the medicine’s

pill is often good medicine. Fetch

sure we shouldn’t call

need,” Karen waved her

her mother–in–law some candied