From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 488

Even though Alex didn't shed a single tear from beginning to end, there was an unmistakable air of melancholy about him.

This sorrow seemed to emanate from his very bones.

There was no hiding it.

Wiping the rain from his face, Alex said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Anthea replied, glancing at the sky. "This rain doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon. Why don't we head back?"

"Alright," Alex nodded, taking the umbrella from Anthea's hand. "Let me hold it."

At nearly six foot two, Alex towered over Anthea, who barely reached five foot three. Holding the umbrella for him was quite a task, so she didn't object.

Together, they descended the cemetery steps.

If anyone else had been there, they would have noticed that Alex held the umbrella almost entirely over Anthea, his shoulder already soaked through.

They walked in silence.

The cemetery was eerie on its own, and the rain only added to the oppressive atmosphere. Under the weight of thick clouds, the whole place felt like a cage, suffocating in its gloom.

Alex's hand, tucked into his pants pocket, trembled slightly.

In a daze, he was transported back to that helpless night. His foot slipped, his body lurching forward as he nearly tumbled down the steps, but a pale hand caught him just in time. "Be careful," a voice said.

The words were like a ray of sunshine in the dead of winter, dispelling the shadows from his heart. Alex steadied himself, "I'm okay."

"Are you sure you're

his head slightly. "Let's

Anthea matched his stride.

just

assistant quickly opened

into

followed, "Let's drop Ms.

go to your

"I'm fine."

eye in the rearview

ad

woman, get this close. Yet Ms. Yeager

the driver noted a

would have thought that the cunning head of the

careful

seen it himself,

car arrived at the Yeager

farewell, reminding him, "The roads are slippery in the rain. Tell

tea when you get home to

Alex nodded

left, Alex instructed the driver, "Drive

momentarily taken aback, surprised

speed steady between 60 and 70 miles per

later, the car

gates were still adorned with mourning banners