From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Bob scrambled to apologize with a few of his buddies.

Anthea didn’t hold a grudge and turned to Nanson. “Uncle Nanson, let’s get out of here.”

“Okay.” Nanson promptly followed Anthea’s lead.

Bob and his crew were left scratching their heads as they watched the pair stride away.

Anthea had called Nanson ‘Uncle‘. But why did Nanson seem more like Anthea’s loyal sidekick than her uncle?

As they walked, Anthea glanced at Nanson. “How much did we rake in tonight?”

“It’s all here.” Nanson immediately pulled out his wallet and handed all the cash to Anthea. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

After Nanson handed over the money, it dawned on him. Why was he so obedient to Anthea?

It was a strange feeling, almost instinctive.

Anthea counted quickly, a blur of fingers revealing over fifteen thousand bucks..

She was so fast that Nanson barely had time to process before she finished counting.

“Here’s your cut, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea handed Nanson a portion of the bucks.

Nanson was puzzled. Wasn’t all that money his?

Anthea read his thoughts and said, “Don’t forget, Uncle Nanson, I won this cash. Without me, you’d be so broke that you couldn’t even keep your pants on.”

The implication was clear that five grand was more than generous.

Nanson gave a playful laugh, “What’s a kiddo like you doing loaded with so much cash? Maybe you should let me handle it.”

“I’m saving for Mom’s medical bills,” Anthea replied, referring to Carole’s health.

Upon hearing it was for Carole’s treatment, Nanson didn’t press further.

Carole’s health had failed these years, and Anthea seemed a caring soul!

Just then, a piercing white light shot toward them from a distance, causing Nanson to instinctively shield his eyes!

On the other hand, Anthea didn’t even blink, walking forward as if the glare meant nothing to her, as cool as a cucumber.

Inside the back seat of a nearby car sat a figure with a sleek silhouette.

He had a silver cross in hand, eyes closed in meditation.

The eyes under the gently furrowed brows opened, revealing deep eyes as they passed the spot.

11:18 m

A faint smile played upon the lips.

Holy smokes! Was that a smile?

Peering into the rearview mirror, Daniel was agape with surprise.

Having been with Sherman for so long, he’d never seen him smile.

He must have seen wrong.

Daniel gripped the steering wheel with one hand and rubbed his eyes with the other. When he looked again, everything was back to normal.

So, it had been a mistake. He knew it. The ‘Ice King‘ couldn’t possibly smile.

Sherman pinched his nose and lazily ordered, “Spread the word that my family is on the brink of financial ruin and about to hit rock bottom.”

Daniel was confused.

Since when was the Christensen family in financial trouble or facing bankruptcy?

Then it clicked. Under the threat of bankruptcy, all the hidden monsters would reveal themselves. Daniel grinned. “Copy that!”

As Daniel was about to continue, he asked, “Sherman, you know what? Adah and Karen are visiting the Morris family to discuss your engagement with Rebecca tomorrow morning. Are you tagging along?”

“Engagement?” Sherman’s eyebrow quirked a hint of mockery in his gaze.

Daniel got the message. “Don’t worry, Sherman. Rebecca is very kind–hearted. She’d even forgive an imposter trying to take her place. She’ll stand by you through thick and thin!”

Daniel admired Rebecca and trusted her character.

Rebecca wouldn’t be ungrateful. Even if she heard about the Christensen family going under, Rebecca wouldn’t call off the engagement!

Sherman stayed silent, his fingers playing with the silver cross.

The casino was a twenty–minute walk from the basement apartment where the Yeager family resided. Anthea and Nanson strolled through the night, finally reaching the place they called

home.