From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 234

Anthee sent back a cheerful “Merry Christmas!” and, getting into the festive spirit, shot over a virtual gift–a digital cash gift, tagged with the note: “A small Christmas gift

Sherman stared at his phone, a little taken aback.

Hed grown quite a bit since the last time he’d received Christmas gifts from anyone other than his parents or relatives.

And speaking of which, he hadn’t gotten any since he turned eighteen.

He tapped to accept the gift.

It wasn’t a lot–just $20.

Sherman chuckled and sent a Christmas gift in return, “As the saying goes, one good tum deserves another.”

Anthea opened her gift to find $120–a hundred more than she’d sent.

A sly smile played on her lips. For all the talk of the stinginess of the wealthy, it seemed Sherman was an exception.

Thanks, boss man, she texted back.

“Don’t mention it. What’s Ms. Yeager up to?” Sherman typed.

“Lighting fireworks, replied Anthea, attaching a video she’d just taken.

Her surroundings were bursting with excitement.

Sherman glanced at his stark office desk and walked over to the window.

City, fireworks

Eve was unusually quiet here, hardly

and sent it

in Capital

tomorrow.” As soon as Sherman hit send, he

“Safe travels.*

“Thanks.”

Anthea went home and started her

than she received a challenge from Leisure Hermit for

challenging her time and again despite

their chosen

brought a

“Merry Christmas, Gerard!”

“Merry Christmas, guys.”

fireworks and settled down to

that you’re sure your mom’s

other two turned

to

George chimed in.

Gerard nodded.

is thousands of miles away from here! Plus, it’s a

was like looking for a needle in a

districts. The central area has ten, with a population of 31.26 million, including 12 million non–residents. I’ll

child who’d never known his mother was something