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

Latonia's words rang with a sense of undeniable truth.

Throughout history, it was unheard of for a bride's family to not receive a wedding gift of some sort.

Debra chuckled, "Eighty thousand is no small figure; I need to discuss it back home."

Latonia nodded in agreement, "Well, let us know when you've made a decision, and then we can continue discussing the kids' wedding plans."

The smile never left Debra's face as she replied, "We'll do it your way."

And just like that, Debra totally changed her attitude.

Disappointment washed over Sarah as she observed the entire exchange. Lacy hadn't uttered a single word. It seemed Lacy really didn't care about her, just like Anthea had suggested.

After dinner, Sarah confronted Lacy, "So, about the eighty thousand dollars, is your family going to give it or not?"

Lacy looked troubled, "I need to check with my mom." In the Brown household, Debra called the shots, and she was already quite upset with Lacy's insistence on marrying Sarah.

Sarah stared at Lacy, "And what if she refuses?"

Lacy recalled his mother's earlier words, "Sarah, are you marrying me or the money?"

It appeared his mother was right; Sarah was only marrying him for the money!

Otherwise, with his looks, how could she possibly be interested in him!

"What can eighty thousand even do?” Sarah retorted, “A wedding costs much more than that! Lacy, do you think I care about the money?" What she was looking for was a gesture!

Her words hung in the air, followed by, "Or do you expect me to pay you to marry into your family?"

Seeing Sarah's anger, Lacy hurried to explain, "No! That's not what I meant! Don't think like that, Sarah. I'll talk to my mom and make sure she pays the money."

"And if she doesn't?" Sarah pressed again.

"I'll talk to her," Lacy assured.

"Lacy, your savings surely exceed eighty grand, don't they?"

Lacy was taken aback, then admitted, "My mom knows exactly how much is in my account. If suddenly eighty-thousand went missing, she'd know... Sarah, I love you! Don't worry, I'll make sure my mom pays the money."

Sarah looked at Lacy, "Alright, I'll wait."

Before, Sarah had trusted Lacy, as well as his parents. Now, she felt anxious.

She was afraid that to the Browns, she wasn't worth the eighty thousand.

At home, Debra was fuming. She ranted about Sarah's ingratitude until she was pale with rage.

Lacy attempted to calm her, "It's just eighty grand, Mom. We're not short on cash. Just give it to Sarah's family."

Debra glared at Lacy, "It's not about the money. If I give in today, that Sarah will be walking all over me tomorrow!"Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

She had seen through Sarah's ambitions long ago! Sarah was trying to show her up!

After all, the Browns didn't ask the Allens for a cent, and that was fortunate enough!

With a pointed finger, Debra commanded Lacy, "You call Sarah right now and tell her the Browns won't give a dime of that wedding fund!"

Lacy looked at Debra, conflicted. From Sarah's demeanor, he knew if his family didn't pay up, she might actually leave him.

Sarah was beautiful and significantly younger, a real catch he didn't want to lose.

Lacy was aware of his own worth.

Aside from his family's wealth, he had no advantage over Sarah.

Debra, sensing Lacy's hesitation, added, "Son, with our status, you can get anyone. Sarah should look in the mirror. Marrying into the Browns is a stroke of luck she's had in lifetimes! Don't worry, she won't give up a catch like you. Just tell her that, and it'll be fine."

Convinced by Debra's words, Lacy felt she was right.

With his prospects, Sarah wouldn't break up with him.

When Sarah received Lacy's call, disbelief painted her face. She couldn't fathom the Browns' stinginess.

A wave of nausea overcame her, and she couldn't help but retch at the thought.