From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

10:24

Chapter 165

Karen blinked in surprise before chuckling. Ta that all? You call this a lot? Ann, you must be pulling my leg.” If her car had been bigger. she would have crammed it with even more goodies!

Anthea handed Karen a mug of steaming coffee and sold firmly. “Mrs. Christensen, when you come over to my place, you’re forbidden from bringing anything with you! Or I genuinely be miffed.”

Karen accepted the coffee, her gaze sweeping around the room before she deftly changed the subject. “By the way, Ann, where’s your mom?”

“You have to promise me first, then I’ll tell you.”

At the time, Anthea had simply felt a pang of pity for Karen and had reached out to help without expecting anything in return.

Now, with Karen bringing over so many things, Anthea felt truly overwhelmed.

Karen grumbled, “Ann, aren’t we good friends?”

Anthea grinned, “It’s precisely because we’re not strangers that you shouldn’t bring stuff over.”

Karen’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Then you’ve got to visit my place too!”

“Deal!” Anthea nodded.

“Pinky promise!” Karen extended her little finger “Pinky promise, hang on a hundred years, may the one who breaks it become a yellow–bellied pup!”

Meanwhile, in Capital City.

called Gerard into her room.

wanted to see me?” Gerard asked, peering at her

look, choosing her words carefully before speaking. “Gerry, how would you feel about your dad finding

filled the air,

ck and palpable.

Gerard was expressionless

Not angry. Not upset.

gauge

something else, Gerard spoke up. “Is this

yes, yes!” Janet nodded

treating him

for Gerard not

day before had

for Delia’s suggestion, Janet might never have thought to get Gerard’s help.

was Jonah’s Achilles

else, but

then Jonah would have no choice but

forever. As a grandmother, Janet couldn’t bear the thought of her beloved grandson growing up without a

eyes/no one else was a better match for Jonah,

you want

was void of emotion

She had always thought that Gerard

Gerard so much when