From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

"Sherman, let's go! Don't waste your breath on people like her," Karen snapped, grabbing Sherman by the arm.

Sherman gave a small nod and followed her, leaving Rebecca scrambling after them.

"No! Grandma, please, don't go! I'm begging you, please forgive me!" Rebecca pleaded, chasing at their heels.

But Karen didn't even look back.

Smack.

She slammed the car door in Rebecca's face.

The driver started the engine, and all Rebecca could do was stand there as a cloud of dust settled around her.

"Ah!"

A guttural cry tore from her throat. Rebecca collapsed, sobbing in utter despair.

In the car, Karen glanced at Sherman, worry creasing her brow. "Listen to me, you stubborn boy! Don't let that manipulative girl Rebecca fool you. I only accept Ann as my granddaughter-in-law, got it?"

She'd seen enough schemers in her day, and she wasn't about to let Sherman get tangled up with one. Truth be told, her nerves had been especially on edge ever since she'd read that romance novel last week-the one where the male lead was completely duped by a conniving vixen.

endlessly-betrayed, heartbroken, humiliated. And

dust reading that nonsense. If she could, she'd have jumped right into the

She lied without blinking and would even throw her own parents under the bus if it meant marrying into the Christensen family. Karen's biggest fear was that Sherman would end

not

treat her badly, I swear-I'll knock some sense into that thick skull of yours, break

eyebrow. Grandma love,

listening to me?" Karen demanded, punctuating her words with a sharp smack to

cross around his neck. "I heard

his calm response. Wait a second. Had she heard that right? My God. For once he

That never getting married.

mean one thing: Sherman was

excitement in check. She stifled a laugh behind her hand-wouldn't do to jinx things if her future granddaughter-in-law heard her

with that Robinson boy? Did he lose his mind or

"What did

no time filling him in on Daniel's little visit, recounting how he'd come by just to spread nasty

listened, his expression darkened, a dangerous glint flickering in his

"You need to stand up for Ann. She's a wonderful girl, and I won't sit by while

his cross. "Don't worry. I'll take care of

"Good.