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

The night enveloped him entirely, shrouding his expressions in darkness. His voice was cold, "Well?"

"Ms. Yeager does have a scar on her arm.”

"From a burn?” Alex inquiredNôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

The maid shook her head, straining to recall the shape of the scar, "Doesn't look like a burn. More like a bite of some sort.”

“Recent?”

Again, the maid shook her head, "No, it's not recent. Looks like it's been there for a while, but Ms. Yeager's fair skin makes the scar stand out.” “Alright, off you go,” he dismissed her, then added, "I'll have the butler increase your salary."

"Thank you, sir!" The maid was overjoyed.

Having been with the Peterson family for so long, this was the first time she'd seen Alex offer a raise! If the others found out, they'd be green with envy.

Alex returned to Audrey's room. His expression remained unchanged. Audrey looked back at Alex, "Alex, just spill it. What are you up to?" Alex was taken aback, "I'm not sure what you mean, Grandma."

"All of a sudden, why did you have Lacy spill that potion on Annie?” Audrey continued, "Your real intention was to get Annie to change her clothes, wasn't it?"

"Grandma, you're overthinking it."

"Whether I am or not, you know very well," Audrey's gaze drifted to the door, "Alex, after all these years, can't you have a heart-to-heart with your grandmother?"

Though Alex was Audrey's grandson, Audrey never felt she truly understood him.

"Grandma, just focus on getting better, don’t worry so much.” Alex approached, tucking her in.

Soon after, Anthea walked in, having changed her clothes. Her pale green dress complemented her skin beautifully. "Annie, you look lovely in that dress!" Audrey complimented genuinely.

Anthea quirked an eyebrow, "Maybe it's just because I'm naturally good-looking?”

Audrey chuckled at her jest.

Anthea snpited, "That's more like it, Audrey You should smile more. it’s good for your lungs and expresses healthy emotions, beneficial I for your body.” t0..

Audrey's smile deepened, "Alright, alright, I'll take Ann's advice and smile more.”

After chatting with Audrey for a while and prescribing some medicine, Anthea said her goodbyes.

Alex walked Anthea out.

Stepping out of Audrey's courtyard, Anthea broached the subject, “Audrey has, at most. six months left. Mr. Peterson should be prepared.”

Hearing this, Alex's face betrayed no particular emotion, “Is there really no other way?”

Anthea shook her head, “Audrey's N reached I Her age. Her organs are < aS gradually failing. However, the c> meditvine I prescribed should alleviate some of her pain. "Content ~

Doctors can only do so much. Even if Anthea were a miracle worker, she couldn't stop the natural process of aging and death.

Alex didn't Say much more. Over the years, he'd grown accustomed to the cycle of life and death. Even if Audrey were to pass away now, he dauibted he could muster atear.

Alex drove Anthea to the entrance of the Yeager family’s apartment complex.

"Thanks for the ride, Mr. Peterson. Drive safe," Anthea thanked him as she got out of the car.

"It's I who should be thanking you,” Alex slowly said, "Ms. Yeager, no need to be so formal, just call me by my first name.”

Anthea nodded slightly, "Then you shouldn't be formal with me either. It's late: I won't invite you in for tea now. I should head back."

“Alright, I should get going too," Alex said, settling back into his car and closing the door.

The car that should have been speeding down the highway instead came to a stop at a fork in the road not far from the Yeager family's complex.

Alex pulled off the red string around his neck, the fierceness in his eyes gradually fading, "I've finally found you.”