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

The room's air pressure plummeted to freezing levels. The assistant broke out in a cald sweat, feeling a chill run down his spine. Having been by Alex's side for over three years, he knew exactly what his boss was capable of and quickly added, "But I can assure you, the real heiress of the Morris family doesn't have a scar on her arm."

Alex narrowed his eyes. This meant the little girl from back then couldn't possibly be Miss Zack, nor Miss May, and certainly not Rebecca Morris. The only remaining possibility was Anthea

Reflecting on his previous encounters with Anthea, Alex's gaze darkened. She was indeed different from the other socialites of Cloudcrest. Her file was encrypted. And she was nothing like the waste everyone rumored her to be. Mysterious and complex.

"Alright, you can go," Alex said with a dismissive wave of his hand. The assistant. feeling like he'd just been pardoned, bowed his head and scurried out of the room.

After the assistant's departure, the roam was left in a silence so deep it was almost terrifying. The Peterson mansion was perched halfway up the hillside. Coupled with Alex's preference for solitude, the twilight made the atmosphere even more desolate.

Alex stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, his face betraying no emotion, and for a moment, he was transported back to that cold basement twelve years ago. Hunger, cold, fear—they had surrounded him. A little girl came and sat beside him.NôvelDrama.Org content.

"Brother, are you hungry? I have candy here. A piece of candy will make the hunger go away."

With that memory in mind, Alex reached into his pocket and took out a piece of candy, unwrapping it until its sugary taste slowly spread on his tongue, dissipating some of the fierceness in him. He then turned and walked toward the backyard.

Grandma Audrey lived there. The old lady was not in good health, and even before nightfall, she was already lying in bed.

"Grandma," he greeted

"Ah, Alex is here,” Audrey's face lit up with a smile. Alex propped up a pillow behind the elderly woman. "Are you feeling any better, Grandma?" She nodded.

"Doctor Yeager is quite skilled. I'll ask her to come take a look at you.” Alex suggested

"That would be nice, I do like her," Audrey said, and then as if remembering something, she added, "But tomorrow is Monday, and Annie has school. You could wait for her at the school in the afternoon."

"Alright," Alex nodded slightly.

After some more conversation, Alex took his leave. Watching his retreating figure. Audrey sighed. She worried that once she was gone, Alex would end up alone.

Monday arrived. Anthea finished her breakfast and headed to school. Just as she was about to reach the school, a surprised voice called out from behind, "Anthea?"

She glanced back and saw Baldie.

"Need something?" she asked casually.

Baldie, whenadn't seen Anthea ina few dayschad a complex expression on his face. But what really caught him off guard was the jacket Anthea was-wearing. Was that..a © Nosthbridge High School uni iform? Céntent belongs to

The Northbridge High uniform was a clunky mix ot blue and white that many students disliked wearing, but on her, ittseemed to take on an S effortt less purity. It confirmed that old saying: a beautiful persomcan rake even a burlap sack look good.

There she stood, doing nothing at all, yet fulfilling every teenage boy’s fantasy of a first love. Baldie was momentaritydazzled. Could it be . that An hea was actually a student at Northbridge High? But hadn' = HarrieDsaid that Anthea was a‘’ dropout, barely making it through rolddle school? Or was the-uniform she wore just a cheap buy meant to mimic a student's look? These days, many who wanted to pass as students wore such uniforms for the thrill of it.

With that thought, Baldie relaxed. No matter how pretty Anthea was, she couldn't possibly be attending Northbridge High. It was just her vanity speaking.

“Anthea, you turned down such a well-paying job at my place last time. Did you find something better?" Even if she had, what of it? Without an education, she was still uneducated

Anthea, carrying her backpack with one hand, replied indifferently, "I have school, no time for part-time jobs.” Baldie didn't call out her bluff and continued, "You're at Northbridge High?" She nedded.

At that moment, Baldie had to admire Anthea's audacity. Her inner world must be enormous to lie so blatantly without even batting an eyelash