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?”

put an

faith in Ann! Ann is brilliant! She’s a whiz at stocks and a guru at financial planning. Running a small restaurant will be a piece of cake for her. Don’t

all–in when it came to

Anthea claimed the moon was made of cheese,

right, Mom. Trust me, and I’ll make our business thrive! Besides, we’ve got everything set up. Are

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

with their family banding together, she was

the servant brought over the

was a bitter bomb.

11:01

the bitterness of any medicine she’d ever tasted. Barely a sip down and

wrong?” Adah

medicine is just too bitter!”

maybe we should call Dr. Lyons back. If the medicine’s too

often good medicine. Fetch me some candied

“Are you sure we shouldn’t call Dr.

waved her off.

went to get her mother–in–law some