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.”

her brows in concern. “Ann, that’s a lot of food that won’t keep. What if no one shows? Won’t

she was asking for a feast fit for

won’t go to waste,” Anthea reassured her.

sight of her determination, Carole hesitantly agreed, “All right

Anthea wasn’t

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

off guard, quickly got to her feet. “Yes, that’s us!”

“Took me a minute to find you! I snagged

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bewildered. What coupon? Free

charmer, stepped in. “Absolutely! Let me

girl was momentarily starstruck by Anthea’s beauty.

That kind of beauty didn’t

she handed over

guided the girl to a window seat. “Right this way. Since you’ve claimed our special offer, here’s our dessert on

cheekily added, “And if I don’t like it, I can just

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

was impressed by Anthea’s easygoing