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

"Talbot, it's me," Anthea's voice was soft but unmistakable. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

At her words, Talbot looked up and upon seeing Anthea, he quickly sprang from his executive chair, "Annie."

Anthea was younger than him, but Talbot never dared to truly think of Anthea as a little sister.

Despite her youth, Anthea carried herself with a sense of authority that was undeniable.

Whenever he saw her, Talbot felt like a schoolboy who hadn't done his homework upon facing his teacher, an uncontrollable sense of dread.

Anthea pulled out a set of fashion designs from her bag and handed them to Talbot, "Here are the latest spring designs, and take a look."

Talbot took the designs, his eyes filled with astonishment. Each design had two initials in the bottom right corner: AY.

AY was Anthea.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Talbot would never have believed that a teenager could possess such extraordinary design talent.

Anyone who saw her designs and finished pieces had only one thought in their mind: Buy it.

The name AY was now legendary in the entire fashion industry. It wasn't just about being well- known, it was about commanding respect.

There was a saying going around in the industry circles: AY's debut was the pinnacle of design.

If people knew that AY was just an eighteen-year-old girl, it would surely cause a sensation.

Most importantly, AY wasn't just a designer, she was also the inventor of temperature-regulating clothing.

Talbot couldn't even begin to imagine the waves this news would make in the business world once it got out.

She was just eighteen, still a kid who hadn't even gone through her SATs.

Suppressing his amazement, Talbot continued, "Ms. Yeager, the pieces you've designed will definitely become the nation's new favorite once they hit the market. Oh, and there's this hotshot actress who's been dying to have you design her a carpet gown. Are you interested in taking the commission?"

"How much are they offering?" Anthea asked, her tone indifferent.

Talbot gestured the number seven with his fingers.

"Seven million?" Anthea quirked an eyebrow.

Talbot shook his head.

Her brow furrowed slightly, "Don't tell me it's seven hundred thousand."

"That's right."

"I'll pass," Anthea replied briskly, "Tell them I'll consider it for seven million. And while you're at it, release a statement that I'm only taking three commissions a month, no more."

Scarcity increased value.

In the business world, this was known as hunger marketing.

Talbot nodded, "Understood."

Anthea's gaze fell on a contract on the desk.

Quickly, Talbot slid the contract out, "This is our agreement with the Peterson Group. Would you like to review it?"

"Alex Peterson?"

He nodded.

Anthea took the contract and skimmed it rapidly. A slight smirk curled at the corner of her mouth, "Cunning fox."

"Is there an issue?" Talbot asked, concerned, "I've checked it thoroughly twice and didn't notice anything major."

Anthea placed the contract back on the desk, "Here, and here. But it's not surprising you missed it, and he's exploiting a loophole in the terms."

Talbot hadn't noticed anything amiss until Anthea pointed it out. Now, it all clicked into place, and his respect for Anthea's acumen grew even more.

In fact, Anthea herself was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected Alex, only 28 years old, to be so astute.

She continued, "Have someone deliver a copy of this contract to Alex tomorrow. And remember, don't say a word."

"Not a word?" Talbot was puzzled.

How would Alex know they'd spotted the issue with the contract if they didn't say anything?

Anthea seemed to read his thoughts, "If Alex is worth our time, he'll come to apologize in person. If he doesn't react, it means we need to look for a new partner."

Alex was smart.

Even without words, he'd understand the gesture of sending the contract back to him.

Working with intelligent people didn't require much talk.

Talbot caught on quickly to Anthea's strategy, "Got it, Ms. Yeager. I know what to do."

Anthea nodded, "I'm off to school then. Call me if there's an issue."

"Will do." Talbot escorted Anthea downstairs.

The employees on the ground floor watched in awe as Talbot personally saw Anthea out, treating her with such deference. They began to whisper among themselves.

"What's the deal with our boss and that stunning girl? If they were dating, shouldn't she be the one acting all respectful? The way our boss treats her is like she's the CEO or something."