From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Carole glanced back at Sandra, her voice tinged with a mix of indignation and pride. "Ann is my daughter now, she doesn't have any sisters! Mrs. Morris, if you’re here to look for trouble, you can go back now!"

Sandra's face turned ashen.

“What in the world was Carole? A shameless home-wrecker, who had given birth to a child out of wedlock! And she had the nerve to speak to me like that.” she thought.

Rebecca held Sandra's hand, signaling her not to get upset, then looked at Carole with a feigned smile. "Mrs. Yeager, my mom's just got this way about her, but she's really got a good heart. Please don't take it personally."

Carole's frown deepened, sensing that Sandra and Rebecca had ulterior motives. "I'm not taking any of your stuff. We run a modest household here; we don't have room for high and mighty guests. Maybe you should head back to your affluent neck of the woods."

Rebecca didn't seem to take offense, continuing smoothly, "Mrs. Yeager, I know there's been some bad blood between us in the past. I was young and ignorant, and I'm sorry if I ever made you angry. I came here today to apologize."

Carole just watched Rebecca.

The Rebecca of today was clad in luxurious fashion, her makeup meticulous, a far cry from her former self. The only thing that seemed to have changed was that Carole thought Rebecca didn't look as pretty as she used to.

The Rebecca of the past was like a beacon of light.

She brought radiance wherever she went.

Carole couldn't fathom what Rebecca truly wanted.

Anthea stepped forward, looking down at Rebecca with a hint of supremacy. "We've made it clear you're not welcome here. Do I need to say it again?"

Without more idle talk, Rebecca pulled out a crimson invitation from her bag. "Anthea, the day after tomorrow is Audrey Peterson's 78th birthday celebration. I hope you'll join me. Here's the invitation."

With those words, Rebecca turned to Sandra. "Mom, let's go."

Sandra nodded, following Rebecca's lead. Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Anthea watched the two leave, raising an eyebrow slightly before picking up the invitation from the table.

The Petersons?

Anthea knew a little about Alex Peterson.

Recently, Talbot had been looking to collaborate with Alex.

But Alex was in high demand, and Talbot hadn't managed to secure an appointment.

Anthea was curious about him too.

Talbot was her business partner, after all. And she would consider his business agenda.

Narrowing her eyes, Anthea had initially been indifferent to the birthday bash Rebecca mentioned.

But now, it seemed like a must-go event.

She closed the invitation, plotting in her mind.

Just then, Carole, clutching the items Rebecca had brought, ran towards the door.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Anthea called out.

Carole replied, "They left their things. I'm going to return them." She genuinely didn't want anything that Rebecca had brought.

"They drove here, Mom. You won't catch them now," Anthea pointed out.

Carole frowned. "What should I do then? Should I take a cab to drop them off?"

Anthea offered a small smile. "Isn't there an orphanage across the street? Why don't you donate these items there? Oh, and I bought some clothes and toys. They'll be delivered soon. I'll go with you."

Anthea had been an orphan in a past life.

In this life, she wanted to use her power to do something for children without homes.

After researching the orphanage, Anthea had bought over five hundred down jackets for the kids and some toys.

On the way to the orphanage, Carole asked, puzzled, "Ann, what was the real reason for Rebecca and her mother's visit today? Were they sincerely bringing us holiday gifts?"

"Of course not."

"Then what were they after?" Carole inquired.

Anthea replied calmly, "Rebecca's true motive was probably to get me to attend Audrey's birthday celebration with her."

Carole knitted her brows and said, "She's definitely plotting something! Ann, you better steer clear!"