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.

girl suffered endlessly-betrayed, heartbroken, humiliated. And the worst part?

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

even throw her own parents under the bus if it meant marrying into

not allow

ever so much as misunderstand Ann, or treat her badly, I swear-I'll knock some sense into that thick skull of yours, break both your legs, and cut you off for good! You'll be out of this family, and

an eyebrow. Grandma love,

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

fingered the cross around his

Wait a second. Had she heard that right? My God. For once he hadn't launched

That never getting married.

could only mean one thing: Sherman was truly falling for

but Karen kept her excitement in check. She stifled a laugh behind her

on with that Robinson boy? Did he lose his

furrowed. "What did

time filling him in on Daniel's little visit, recounting how he'd come by just

a dangerous glint

up for Ann. She's a wonderful girl, and I won't sit by while some

tightened around his cross. "Don't

nodded in satisfaction. "Good. I'm