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.

thought she was here for a

her eyebrows, but she didn’t call

Anthea with hesitance. “Good afternoon, madam. How may I assist you today?” There was a tremor in her voice, sensing the tension that had

on Anthea as she replied, “I’m a bit worn out. Could we talk

way, please.” Dinah led Anthea to a cozy

I leased a shop here before. Can you look. it up?”

see. Ah,

Anthea nodded, then dropped a bombshell. “I’d like to buy that shop, and the two vacant

floor. “Buy all three shops?”

that deserted food court had been a tough sell due to the low foot traffic, and the developer was offering a

of

That bonus was years of salary.

dream. Anthea wasn’t here to cause

composure, Dinah stammered, “Are you serious?”

the contract signed,”

promptly to mask her excitement.

contracts, Una burst in, shoving Dinah