From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 539

Back in the day, Sherman was a legend behind the wheel-a real king of the track.

No one expected Anthea to actually beat him.

Anthea sipped her dessert soup, her tone light. "Honestly, it was just luck. I barely edged him out by thirty seconds."

Hector swallowed hard, looking between the two of them.

How could they talk about something so terrifying as if it were just another ordinary day?

...

Daniel took Rebecca for a drive in the countryside, hoping the fresh air would lift her spirits. It was late afternoon by the time he brought her home.

At the curb, Rebecca turned to him. "Daniel, would you mind coming upstairs for a cup of tea? I really have to thank you. You've helped me so much today I feel a lot better."

He smiled warmly. "It's nothing. I promised I'd be your friend for life, didn't I?"

Together, they made their way to the Morris family's apartment.

The Morrises were renting the top floor.

out and knocked, but no one answered, even after several tries. "Is Mom

you bring your keys?" Daniel

started digging through her

while before

a sharp chemical stench hit them-natural

face went pale. She dashed inside,

on her

acrid smell, making it nearly impossible to breathe. Daniel hurried to open every window and door, then rushed to the kitchen and

bone broth had boiled over, spilling soup across the burners. It wasn't hard to figure out what happened: the soup had boiled over, extinguished the flame,

quickly turned

her face ashen and still, not a sign of life. "Mom! Mom!" Rebecca's panic was unmistakable as she dropped to her knees, her voice shaking with tears. "Mom,

her phone and dialed emergency services. The paramedics arrived within

of them shook his head. "I'm

No vital signs.

actually let out a breath, relief

too late. The last thing she wanted was for things to end

dropped to her knees. "No! Please, this can't be! Doctor, I'm begging you,

doctor could only shake his head, helpless. "Miss, I'm very sorry. If there were anything

it, desperate and wild-eyed. "Doctor, I'll do anything! If you bring her back, I'll spend the rest of my life repaying you! Please, I'm

the doctor only