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."

glanced at him, "Are you sure you're

shook his head slightly. "Let's

Anthea matched his stride.

parked just outside the

approach, the assistant

into the back

followed, "Let's drop Ms. Yeager

"We should go to your place first; your clothes are

"I'm fine."

Anthea's eye in the

ad

this close. Yet Ms. Yeager managed not

noted a cautiousness in

the cunning

careful around a young

seen it himself, he wouldn't

no time, the car arrived at the Yeager

got out and bid Alex farewell, reminding him, "The roads are slippery in the rain. Tell the driver to

to brew some ginger tea when

Alex

Alex instructed

was momentarily taken aback, surprised

he kept the speed steady between 60 and 70

later, the car stopped

adorned with mourning banners