From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

By the time they got home, it was well past three.

“Sweetie, get a good night’s sleep.” Nanson sald warmly.

“You too, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea replied with a soft smile.

Carole woke up early in the morning, her mind racing with the day’s tasks. She decided to make some oatmeal for breakfast. She fried some eggs as well.

A little while later, Nanson strolled in from outside, his voice booming through the house. “Carole, you up yet? I got some donuts and breakfast burritos. Come on out, and let’s have breakfast!”

Carole cleaned her hands on her apron and stepped out of the kitchen, complaining, “Why’d you go wasting money? I’ve already made oatmeal!”

Nanson chuckled. “I got a bonus this month! Besides, my dear niece is growing up. She needs to eat something nutritious.”

Then he added. “Oh right, has my dear niece come out yet? I’ll wake her up for breakfast!”

My dear niece?

Carole was stunned. Who was Nanson referring to as his dear niece? Could it be Anthea?

But the night before. Nanson kept calling her a little troublemaker, so why the sudden change to a dear niece?

Was she dreaming?

Just then. Anthea walked in from outside. “Mom, Uncle Nanson, good morning.”

Carole asked Anthea with a puzzled look, “Ann, where have you been?”

“I went for a run.” Anthea replied. “I need to improve my fitness. I only managed a few laps before getting winded, but I’ll take it slow and steady.”

Nanson pulled Anthea to sit down. “My dear niece, I got you some burritos, donuts, and milk! You need it for growing strong bones!”

“Thanks, Uncle Nanson.”

They shared a tender family moment.

Carole rubbed her eyes in disbelief. “Nanson, you sure you’re okay or something?” Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Nanson laughed. “Carole, you’re overreacting! Why wouldn’t I treat my dear niece well?”

Carole was speechless. She suspected Nanson was putting on an act, but she had no proof.

Breakfast was a confusing affair for Carole.

After the meal, Anthea put down her fork and turned to Carote, “Mom, you don’t look so well How about I go with you to the clinic later?”

Carole smiled and replied, “No need, darling. I’m as fit as a fiddle!”

Go to the clinic and spend money? Carole was the type to tough out any sickness,

The family was already hard–pressed financially, She couldn’t be a burden,

Anthea persisted, “If you don’t want to go to the clinic, let me take a look. I know a bit about medical knowledge.”

“Ann, you know medical knowledge?”

Anthea made a modest gesture. “Just a tiny bit.”

In another world, Anthea was a renowned healer. Besides, the original owner of her body had been trained in various skills typical of elite households, so knowing some medical knowledge wasn’t surprising.

“Well then, have a look,” Carole consented.

Anthea nodded and checked on Carole.

Carole’s health was far from good. She had signs of energy and blood deficiency, coupled with malnutrition and a persistent cough.

After a moment, Anthea released her mother’s wrist and said, “Mom, have you donated blood before?”

Carole was shocked, then nodded.

Nanson interjected from the side. “Donated blood? She sold blood, and that’s what! Which hospital would let her donate with her health?”

Blood donation would require a health check. Hospitals would refuse if one’s health were not up to standard.

“What happened?” Anthea asked.

Nanson explained angrily, “All for Rebecca’s fancy smartphone! She blackmailed Carole with a hunger strike until she gave in.”

Rebecca fancied a high–end smartphone that was largely unaffordable for the average person.

A year ago, Rebecca had demanded the latest model, and blinded by her excessive love for her daughter, Carole found a shady clinic and sold her blood to afford the phone.

That act had taken a toll on Carole’s already fragile health, leaving her weaker than before.