From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 143

The shop was tucked away in a forlorn corner of the sleepy strip mall, and business had been as stale as last week’s bread.

So when Anthea showed up, Una was certain she’d come to stir the pot.

Una’s face drained of color, her skin prickling with a chill that made no sense in the heat of July.

Anthea strolled in, her voice cutting through the stifling air. “Is Una around?” She’d dealt with Una when leasing the space before and didn’t know anyone else at the leasing. office. Looking to buy the shop, she naturally sought out Una.

Una’s heart skipped a beat. Trouble was brewing.

She couldn’t let Anthea corner her now. A scapegoat was needed and fast.

Swallowing hard, Una pointed to Dinah, the newbie on the team. “Dinah, handle that customer for me!”

“Huh?” Dinah blinked in confusion.

“Are you deaf?” Una snapped, playing the seniority card. “Get moving, or I’ll have the manager on your case!”

Anthea, who was just a partition away, had sharp senses. She could hear the commotion inside, clear as day.

she was here for a

her eyebrows, but she didn’t call Una out, not

assist you today?” There was a tremor

replied, “I’m a bit worn out. Could we talk in the

to a cozy

leased a shop here before. Can

“Let’s see. Ah, yes,

“I’d like to buy that shop, and the two vacant ones beside it.”

jaw nearly hit the floor. “Buy all three

to the low foot traffic, and the

of

$4,000 a month. That bonus was years of salary.

was in a dream. Anthea wasn’t here

composure, Dinah stammered,

get the contract signed,”

stood up promptly to mask

Una burst in, shoving Dinah