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

She handled the coffeepot with the grace of a ballet dancer from grabbing it to setting it down on the table, the entire act didn't take more than 20 seconds.

To an onlooker, it might have seemed like just a brief moment, but only someone like Sherman, a connoisseur of poise and precision, could appreciate the difficulty of such a feat.

Moreover, the pot was filled with scalding hot coffee, yet she managed not to burn herself, nor did she spill a single drop.

Her movements flowed as elegantly as a river, a testament to her skill.

"Thank you," Anthea said, slightly lowering her gaze to meet Sherman. Sparks flew in that fleeting encounter, ripples of a potential beginning, but they vanished just as quickly as they had appeared.

Anthea had an excellent memory.

At the sight of those eyes, she promptly recalled the man she had seen at the Morris family gala the other night.

Considering Rebecca's recent behavior, it dawned on her that the little performance was probably for his benefit.

This man had the air of someone born with a silver spoon in his mouth, someone not to be taken lightly.

Rebecca was clearly aiming high.

Sherman paused for a moment, momentarily taken aback.

Back in his youth, he had made a name for himself with a steely resolve, and although years of charitable work and clean living had softened his edge, few could hold his gaze for more than three seconds, not even his business associates who often deliberately avoided eye contact with him.

Yet today, he had found an exception. And she was just a teenage girl.

"Ann!" At that moment, Nana came dashing over.

"What's up?" Anthea turned her head away smoothly, breaking eye contact.

Nana handed her a phone, "Ann, your phone's ringing!"

"Oh, thanks." Anthea took the phone and stepped aside to a quieter spot for the call.

Sherman watched her go, then took a sip of his drink, his right hand absently tracing the contours of a silver cross. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

"Sherman, you're not falling for Anthea, are you?" Daniel asked with a hint of concern.

Sherman remained silent, his features bathed in the warm light, looking every bit the aristocrat, cloaked in mystery.

"Sherman! Anthea is playing tricks. You can't fall for her act!"

Daniel was genuinely worried, fearing Sherman might be duped.

As the sole heir to the Christensen family, Sherman was a catch. There were plenty of women scheming for his attention.

Not everyone was as innocent and pure-hearted as Rebecca, who seemed utterly unfazed by Sherman's prestigious status.

"You think too little of Anthea who doesn't need to play games," Sherman said coolly. "Besides, I'm a bachelor by choice."

If he were like any other man, Anthea would be an excellent match indeed, but he wasn't. Marriage and children were never his objectives.

There was no telling if those were Anthea's goals either.

She was just a bit young.

If she were older, they might have made good confidants.

At this point, Mr. Christensen had yet to realize that no woman had ever played such a role in his life.

Daniel was on the verge of tears.

Sherman was usually so astute. Why couldn't he see through Anthea's charade?

He accused the good-natured Rebecca of putting on an act, yet he couldn't recognize the real performer.

What a classic case of being too clever by half! Daniel sighed.

Soon the vegan salad arrived.

A large pot full of veggies looked just like any other vegan feast.

Sherman lost his appetite at the sight, not that he was ever one to indulge in sensory pleasures.

Daniel picked some greens with the serving forks and urged, "Try these, Sherman. I guarantee they'll exceed your expectations."

At the sight of Daniel's enthusiasm, Sherman gave the greens a taste. The crisp texture and the flavor impressed him, even though he was a veteran of countless state dinners.

The salad burst with flavor at the slightest bite, leaving a tangy and spicy aftertaste that was surprisingly appetizing.

"How is it, Sherman? Good, right?"

Sherman nodded slightly, "Indeed, it's quite good."

Coming from Sherman, whose praise was rare, this was a significant compliment.

During the meal, Rebecca was the picture of elegance, managing to finish the salad while maintaining her composure.