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

So, every time Karen saw Anthea eating, it sparked her own appetite like nothing else. Her granddaughter-in-law was simply the best. So easygoing with food! A breeze to please.

At three in the afternoon, Anthea stood up to say her goodbyes.

"What? You're leaving already?" Adah clutched Anthea's hand, her face a picture of dismay. Even Chubby, the plump little furball in Anthea's arms, let out a disgruntled meow.

Anthea chuckled, "Remember, Adah, next time you and Mrs. Christensen should come over to my place for a visit. It's getting late, and I really should head back.”

As she spoke, Anthea added, "Oh, and Adah, don't forget to bring Chubby along."

"Meow," Chubby seemed to affirm, responding to Anthea’s words

Anthea gave Chubby a big, affectionate squeeze, "You're the cutest.”

Ah, the satisfaction!

Sherman's gaze briefly swept over Chubby, cool and detached. Caught off guard, Chubby quickly burrowed deeper into Anthea's embrace! Holy smokes! Was that a death glare aimed at a cat?

Just then, Riley also announced his departure.

Karen smiled, "Why don't you take Ann with you, Riley?"

Riley nodded, “It would be my pleasure to take Ann home." He had been worrying about how to get some alone time with Anthea! Sherman fished car keys out of his pocket, "Riley's going out of his way. I've got to swing by the office anyway. Anthea can ride with me." "If Riley's out of the way, then Ann can go with you,” Karen added. "Ann, if this grumpy guy gives you the silent treatment, don't hold it against him." “Not at all!" Anthea flashed a small smile. "Then I'm in your hands, Mr. Christensen.”

"It's on my way," Sherman replied, his tone neutral.

Riley stood there, thinking: I can take a detour! He was more than willing to! Really!

The old lady watched Anthea and Sherman's retreating figures, a gleam of amusement in her eyes. That cheeky boy! Trying to outplay her! He's got another think coming!

This wasn't Anthea's first ride in Sherman's car. Different from the last couple times in Capital City, this time, Sherman was behind the wheel himself. And she was sitting shotgun.

Sherman gripped the steering wheel with one hand, the crucifix pendant with the other, "If you get bored, feel free to connect to the car's Bluetooth and put on some music.”

"Alright," Anthea replied, buckling her seatbelt. Shehadn't planned on playing music. But with just her anck Shermarvin the car, and the — atmosphere a tad awkward, she> decided to distract herself bys cannecting to Bluetooth and firing uf the music player.

Soon, the car was filled with the soft strains of music.

Meanwhile, at the Peterson residence.

A man in a-tailored suit stood before a floor-toxceiling window, tall and: ~ imposing. A shadow seemed to cross his face. Unpredictable as the weather, nobody could guess his next mood swing. Content. belongs to“ -

"Knock, knock, knock."

At that moment, a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

His assistant, also clad in a suit, came in and stood behind Alex, respectfully reporting. "Boss, we've got a lead on that case." "Speak," Alex's finger idly played with the ring on his hand.

"The kidnapping twelve years ago involved three families.”Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

"Which three?"

"The Zack family from the east side of town; theMay family to the west; and then there’ s the Morris family" The assistant paused, "I've had. > peoplecheck; both Miss Zack au Miss May have no scars on 1 their amis. ‘ ta

Alex was not surprised by this, "And the Morris family?" The assistant hesitated before continuing, "Ms. Yeager of the Morris family is a special case, we haven't been able to get a clear check yet..."

The man, who had seemed as gentle as jade, suddenly turned into a raging beast. "Useless!"