From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 99

Anthea’s confidence was just as infectious as her smile when she assured she wouldn’t lose a dime on her new venture.

Fanny couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“Sweetheart, let me give you a piece of my mind. Don’t take offense! It’s not about making or losing money anymore. It’s about closing down or not. Honey, you just opened the doors. It’s best you cut your losses while they’re still small and find someone to take this place off your hands.”

Half a day into the grand opening, there was not a soul had wandered in. Fanny was baffled by Anthea’s unwavering optimism.

Anthea was pretty, but prettiness didn’t fill the seats or pay the bills.

ass

Fanny held a tinge of pity as she continued, “I’ve got my pot to stir, so I’ll leave you to it. Remember to drop by for a cuppa sometime!”

“Sure, Fanny. Pop in whenever you can,” Carole said with a warm smile, escorting her to

the door.

As soon as Fanny left, Carole came back with a frown painting her face. “Ann, maybe we should consider selling the place…” Her earlier confidence had vanished with the absence. of customers on their first day.

Anthea grasped Carole’s hands, her smile undimmed. “Mom, don’t lose heart. The lunch. rush hasn’t even started! Go ahead and whip up a hundred and fifty servings of our roasted rabbits, and the same number of our opening act dessert. I promise you, by lunchtime, we’ll have a crowd.”

a lot of food that won’t

still empty, and yet she was asking for a feast fit for

won’t go

her determination, Carole hesitantly agreed, “All

wasn’t one to back down without

kitchen, a pixie–haired girl walked in, smartphone in hand. “Excuse

got to her feet. “Yes, that’s us!”

“Took me a minute to find you! I snagged this coupon online for a free starter dessert. Is that for

1/2

12:34

bewildered. What coupon? Free

was when Anthea, ever the charmer, stepped in. “Absolutely! Let me take a look at

girl was momentarily starstruck

she even real? That kind of beauty didn’t

she handed over her phone

you’ve claimed our special offer, here’s our dessert on the house. Enjoy this while you browse the menu for your

“And if I don’t like it, I can

“If you decide you’d like to order, just give me a

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