From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 298

Chapter 298

As Riley scrambled to his feet, dusting off the dirt from his jeans, he quickly caught up with Sherman's stride. The two were greeted by a warm smile from Adah as they approached the dining area. "Finished your little competition, have you?" Adah chuckled. "Dinner's about ready. I was about to send someone to fetch you boys. Who won, by the way?"

"Sherman's too good!" Riley exclaimed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I mean, with these skinny arms and legs of mine, how could I ever match up to him?"

Sherman clapped Riley on the back with a hearty laugh. "Riley's just a greenhorn! Give him a few decades to practice, and maybe, just maybe, he'll have a shot at beating me." Riley's mouth twitched into a grimace. "Decades?"

The dinner table was a lively scene, with Karen strategically seating Riley next to Anthea. Five people gathered around the table, with Sherman sitting directly across from Riley.

"So, Riley," Karen began with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "you're what, 21 this year?"

"Yeah, that's right," Riley replied with a nod.

yourself a girlfriend back at college?"

head. "Haven't found the right one

Karen's matchmaking was cut off as Sherman stood up and served her a piece

glanced at Sherman with a knowing

Cheeky boy!

were having a

fish was met with Karen's approval. "Not bad

these are spiced to perfection. You've got to try them. And wait till you see the crawfish coming up-they're your favorite." Riley joined in

usually a fan." In her past life, Anthea hadn't been one for indulgences. Often a nutrient shake was enough, and she'd go days without a proper meal.

seizing the opportunity, asked Riley, "Can you handle spicy

up. "The spicier the

meaning. Sherman, however, kept his eyes on his plate, his handsome brows

a dish of coconut crab was brought to the table. Karen started to say something to Riley, but Sherman was already on his feet, deftly cracking the crab for everyone.