From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

As soon as Chase finished speaking, an uncanny silence fell over the room.

Daniel, in particular, looked mortified-his face shifting from pale to flushed, the embarrassment clear in his eyes.

How could he be the fool here? It was Sherman who had misunderstood Rebecca, wasn't it? Who else could that mysterious racer be if not her?

Rebecca's hand, stirring her coffee, froze mid-motion. Her complexion paled a shade. Chase belonged to Mr. Christensen, and wasn't Mr. Christensen supposed to like her? What was he getting at now?

Rebecca's grip tightened around her silver spoon.

Daniel shot Chase a glare, trying hard to swallow his anger. "You said Sherman sent you with a video. Then show us. Let's all take a look at this video!"

He was ready-he wanted to see, for himself, who would dare impersonate Rebecca. The very thought made his blood boil with indignation.

Hector chimed in, "He's right, Chase. Talk is cheap. If you have proof, let's see it."

Hector had known Daniel for years. Sure, Daniel could be a bit of a flirt, but he wasn't gullible enough to be tricked so easily. Besides, Hector's impression of Rebecca was positive-she didn't seem like the type to stage a deception.

At that moment, Rebecca's heart hammered in her chest.

that video be? She had, after all, bribed the driving school—she'd been assured the surveillance footage would never see the light of day.

Christensen had managed to

actually her? She did remember showing off her driving skills at the school once, with some help from the "system." Or—maybe there was

chin and looked at Chase, feigning calm. "Chase, if you have evidence, I'd like

tablet, and

video was a recording from inside a training

instructor's dismissive voice: "Not going to fail, huh? Fine! Here, take the wheel and show us what you've got. Dinah, hop

picture cleared. On screen, a young woman in the driver's seat turned slightly toward

snow-pale skin, lips naturally stained rose,

always thought Rebecca was striking, but compared to this woman, Rebecca all but

The video continued.

the girl, repeating instructions, "Go ahead. And let me say one more time-that's the gas, that's the brake. Don't mix them

car shot forward, tearing down the S-curve like a

it

the car

series of high-level

maneuvers—drifting, side-slipping,

that left the instructor