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.

Capital City, fireworks

quiet here, hardly any different from

and sent it

in Capital City?”

hit send, he froze. Why was he reporting his travel

“Safe travels.*

“Thanks.”

went home and

she received a challenge from Leisure Hermit

challenging her time and again despite

their chosen spot for setting

brought a generous stash.

“Merry Christmas, Gerard!”

“Merry Christmas, guys.”

and settled down to chat

that you’re sure your mom’s in Cloudcrest, what’s

other two turned

going to find her.”

chimed

Gerard nodded.

miles away from here! Plus, it’s a huge place. Where will

for a needle

Cloudcrest is a direct–controlled municipality with twenty districts. The central area has ten, with a population of 31.26 million, including 12 million non–residents. I’ll search, bit by bit. If I don’t find her this year, or the next, I’ll keep looking the year after and

who’d never known his