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

Lizzie's words hung in the air before she continued with determination, "He's got to leave with nothing to his name! Also, we can't keep the grocery store running anymore. Let's sell it off and liquidate the assets!"

This was something Anthea had specifically advised Lizzie to do.

As soon as Gina agreed to the divorce, it was imperative to sell off the family-owned grocery store. If the store remained, Malcolm would undoubtedly keep pestering Gina.

In the business world, such entanglements were the last thing anyone needed.

Gina blinked, not quite grasping Lizzie's point.

Lizzie took the time to clarify, revealing the strategy behind the move, to which Gina nodded in agreement, "Lizzie, your friend is right!"

Worried Gina might spiral into anxious thoughts, Lizzie reassured her, "Mom, don't worry. Even if the divorce goes through, with your skills, we'll live a great life! My friend, she doesn't have a dad, and her mom looks so young and vibrant! So, Mom, no sad faces, no regrets. This is a good thing for us!"

Seeing her daughter's strength, Gina knew she had to be just as resilient.

"Okay," Gina agreed with a nod.

Lizzie then recalled Anthea's advice, "Mom, to ensure he leaves with nothing, we'll have to play it cool for a bit longer, at least until we've successfully sold the store."

'The he' in question was, of course, Malcolm.

Gina understood the subtext of Lizzie's words, "Don't you worry, Lizzie. We don’t need to endure anything. If I decide today, the store could be sold by tomorrow."

Gina had been in business for years and knew plenty of entrepreneurs who would be interested in taking over the store.

"Really?" Lizzie's eyes sparkled with hope.

Gina nodded again.

"Mom, let's head to the hospital now."

With the security footage from their home, the medical report on her injuries, and evidence of Malcolm's infidelity in hand, filing for divorce would be much smoother.

They arrived at the hospital.

Gina's head wound seemed minor but required several stitches.

Lizzie felt a surge of regret for not having used a beer bottle on Malcolm's head in retaliation.

Holding Lizzie's hand, Gina comforted her, "Lizzie, Mom's okay. Don't worry."

Despite the stitches in her head, Gina didn't opt for a hospital stay. After getting her prescriptions and the medical report, she and Lizzie headed home.

Gina was a woman of action. The very next day, she reached out to potential buyers for the store. One of them was Ricky, a robust 42-year-old man who had known Gina for years. NôvelDrama.Org © 2024.

"Gina, you've been running this grocery store for 12 years. Are you sure you want to hand it over to me?"

Gina smiled, "Do you think I'm joking? It's been 12 years. I'm exhausted. I want some rest."

Ricky, aware of Gina's shrewd business acumen, said admiringly, "Your husband is lucky to have married you!"

Gina just smiled without responding.

"By the way, is there no room to negotiate on the price?" Ricky inquired further.

Gina replied, "I've got over two million in inventory here, plus this three-story building. 3.5 million and it's yours. I wouldn't part with it for that price if I wasn't in a hurry."

The property was Gina's own purchase.

Twelve years ago, before the real estate prices in Cloudcrest skyrocketed, she had bought the building for just $100,000.

It had become more than just a place of business to her over the years.

If it weren't for the recent turmoil, Gina would never have considered selling.

"Deal!" Ricky thought it over and agreed, "3.5 million it is. When do we handle the transfer paperwork?"

Ricky was no fool. He knew the grocery store was worth far more than 3.5 million!

Just the building alone was now valued at 1.6 million, and with the store's booming business, 3.5 million was indeed a bargain for him.

"Let's do it now," said Gina.

Ricky was surprised by Gina's haste but didn't question it, "Alright, let's go."

Once the transfer was completed, Gina and Lizzie left their long-time home the following day and moved into a newly purchased quaint villa.

The villa was serene, conveniently close to Northbridge High School.

Three days after settling in, Lizzie invited Anthea and Tanya over.

As promised, Anthea and Tanya arrived.

Lizzie introduced them to Gina, "Mom, this is Anthea, you can call her Annie, and this is Tanya."