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.

fireworks were

Eve was unusually quiet here, hardly any different from

snapped a photo and sent it over

in Capital

As soon as Sherman hit send,

“Safe travels.*

“Thanks.”

display, Anthea went home and started

she begun than she received a challenge

raised an eyebrow. LeisureHermit was persistent, challenging her time and

his friends arrived at their chosen

brought a generous stash.

“Merry Christmas, Gerard!”

“Merry Christmas, guys.”

fireworks and settled down

your mom’s in Cloudcrest, what’s your plan?”

other two turned

going to find

chimed

Gerard nodded.

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

looking for a needle in

12 million non–residents. I’ll search, bit by bit. If I don’t find

longing of a child who’d never known his mother was something perhaps others couldn’t fully