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

"No way!" Sarah hastily declined, "That's far too valuable! I can't accept this!"

This was a temperature-regulating dress! It must be very expensive and hard to get.

Even though a few grand was pretty steep, the idea of owning a temperature-regulating dress seemed totally worth it!

So, even if it cost a small fortune, Sarah still felt it was a good deal.

This kind of high tech wasn't something you could just buy with money.

Anthea said, "Sarah, remember when you gave me that necklace for my birthday? Should I send you the money for it too?"

With that, Anthea pulled out a clover necklace from around her neck. The silver clover necklace made her fair skin look even more radiant, as pure as freshly fallen snow.

Sarah was touched that Anthea had kept the necklace she gave her and felt warmth in her heart.

"The necklace I gave you isn't worth much, not compared to this dress!"

Anthea took Sarah's hand, "But to me, this necklace is priceless. It represents our friendship, just like the dress I'm giving you. Sarah, if you consider me a friend, let's stop talking about money, or else I'll get upset."

Anthea put it like that, making it hard for Sarah to refuse without seeming pretentious.

"Okay, I'll accept it then, thank you so much, Ann."

"You're welcome," Anthea continued, "The RealTimeFlow gala is on the 18th in the evening. I'm planning to head to Capital City a day early. After the event, I thought we could hang out in the city

for a few days. Will you have time, Sarah?"

At the mention, Sarah's eyes lit up.

"Absolutely, that sounds amazing! I've never been to Capital City," Sarah said, her recent job resignation due to her abortion having left her with plenty of free time.

"Ann, don't you have school?" asked Sarah, concerned that her friend might miss school since it wasn't yet winter break and Anthea was still in her senior year.

Anthea shook her head, "I've already talked to our homeroom teacher. As long as I'm back in time for the final exams, it's fine."

Anthea had assured Waldron that she'd be among the top ten in her grade on the finals, which is why he'd agreed to give her the time off.

"That's a relief," Sarah nodded.

The night before the trip, Carole was so worried she could barely sleep.

Nanson was just as concerned, "Ann, maybe I should come with you."

The distance between Cloudcrest and Capital City was several thousand miles, and Nanson couldn't help but worry.

"Yes, have your uncle come with you," Carole chimed in, nodding vigorously.

Anthea shook her head, "Uncle, don't you trust my judgment? The courier company is just starting to hit its stride—it's a crucial time for growth. If you're not there to steer things, who knows how much business we might lose?"

True to Anthea's faith, Nanson had a sharp business acumen. In just over two months, he had brought a nearly bankrupt company back to life. QuickSend Parcels was already expanding into the neighboring city.

"But business is not as important as you are! I need to go with you!" Nanson insisted, worried that Anthea, despite being a skilled eighteen-year-old, might still be too naïve. This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

"Uncle, there's no need to worry, really. Besides, Sarah's going to be with me."

"Sarah's going too?" Carole asked.

Anthea nodded slightly.

Knowing that Sarah would accompany Anthea eased Carole's mind. Sarah had years of work experience and had traveled alone on many occasions; she was worldly and savvy.

With Sarah by Anthea's side, there was nothing to worry about.

"So, Mom, Uncle, please don't worry, I'll be fine."

The next morning, Nanson drove Anthea and Sarah to the airport. Concerned for the girls' safety, he gave them a rundown of do's and don'ts.

"Make sure you double-lock your hotel room door, don't open it for strangers, and Ann, call me as soon as you get there."

Anthea nodded, "I know, Uncle. You're fussing like an old man, you've said it sooo many times already!"

"People get wordy with age, just like trees grow more roots. Are you tired of my nagging already?" Nanson said with a playful slap on Anthea's head.