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? In the end, the heroine actually forgave the idiot who'd wronged her, like some

reading that nonsense. If she could, she'd have jumped right into the pages to knock some sense into the heroine and give the male lead a swift kick

the bus if it meant marrying into the Christensen family. Karen's biggest fear was that Sherman would end up like Daniel from

not allow

that thick skull of yours, break both your legs, and cut you off for good! You'll be out of this family,

an eyebrow. Grandma

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

absentmindedly fingered the cross around his neck. "I heard

calm response. Wait a second. Had she heard that

That never getting married.

one thing: Sherman was

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

She turned to Sherman, her tone sharp. "By the way, what's going on with that Robinson boy? Did he lose his

brow furrowed. "What

in on Daniel's little visit, recounting how he'd come by just to spread nasty rumors

Sherman listened, his expression darkened, a dangerous glint

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

tightened around his cross. "Don't worry. I'll take

satisfaction. "Good. I'm counting