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.

Probably thought she was

her eyebrows, but she didn’t

madam. How may I assist you today?” There was a tremor

as she replied, “I’m a bit worn

Anthea to a cozy corner with plush sofas.

a shop here

see. Ah, yes,

dropped a bombshell. “I’d like to buy that shop, and the

jaw nearly hit the floor.

the low foot traffic, and the developer was offering

of

$4,000 a month. That bonus was years

she was in a dream. Anthea wasn’t here to cause trouble

Dinah

contract signed,” Anthea stated.

promptly to mask her excitement.

laid out the contracts, Una burst in, shoving Dinah aside. “Ms. Yeager is