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

While talking, Tanya snapped screenshots and saved them all on her phone.

Anthea's expression remained indifferent, as if she wasn't the subject of the rumors. "The truth will come out on its own. Besides, we've got the SATS coming up. These rumors will naturally fall apart by then!"

With that, Anthea snatched Tanya's phone and smoothly placed a set of practice tests in front of her. "You should spend less time on your phone and more time on these, Tanya. Don't you want to join me in getting into Capital City University?"

Tanya groaned, "Big Annie, getting into Capital University is a long shot for me. I'd be lucky to get into Capital City Teachers College!"

Although not as prestigious as Capital University, Capital City Teachers College was still a top choice.

Tanya's grades were average, but with Anthea's help, she had seen significant improvement. Still, getting into the Teachers College was a challenge.

"Just keep working on these practice tests, and you'll make it," Anthea encouraged, handing Tanya a notebook filled with summaries and potential SAT questions. "This should help you a lot." Tanya's improvement was largely thanks to the notes Anthea had given her previously.

"Annie, I love you so much!" Tanya exclaimed, hugging Anthea tightly.

Time flew, and soon it was Saturday.

5:30 PM.

Anthea left her house on time, dressed simply in a green dress.

Green could be a tricky color to pull off, but Anthea's fair skin and delicate features made it seem as if the color was made for her. The simple, understated design looked high-end on her, making everything else seem dull in comparison.

As Anthea stepped out, a sleek sedan pulled up beside her.

The window rolled down, revealing a face as smooth as jade.

"Anthea."

"Alex?" Anthea raised an eyebrow slightly.

Alex nodded lightly. "Where are you headed?"

"The Venus International Hotel," Anthea replied.

"I'm actually headed that way myself. Mind if I give you a lift?"

"Wouldn't it be a bother?" Anthea asked, slightly embarrassed.

"It's just a press on the gas for me."

With that said, Anthea had no reason to refuse. "Then, thank you."

She got into the car, and a faint scent of mint filled the air-fresh and pleasant.

However, Anthea preferred fresh air, so she rolled down the window a bit before asking, "How's Audrey doing?"

"Much better since taking the medicine you gave her. She keeps saying she wants to thank you properly," Alex responded. Anthea smiled, "She's too kind."

Alex, focusing on the road, reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a small box of candies. "Want to try one?"

"Thank you," Anthea said, taking a piece.

Soon, they arrived at the Venus International Hotel.

Alex got out and opened the door for her.

Anthea thanked him again, and he watched her go, the evening light casting a soft glow on his face. "You've been thanking me since you got in. No need for formalities between friends." Anthea smiled, "Alright then. Drive safe, and I'll treat you to dinner sometime."

"Sounds good," Alex nodded.

From a distance, their interaction seemed close, almost intimate.

One radiantly beautiful, the other refined and genteel.

Such a pairing naturally drew many admiring glances.

This scene also caught the eye of a man in a luxury car not too far away.

Holding a pen, his other hand resting on the steering wheel, dressed in a sharp, buttoned-up coat, his chiseled features had a layer of frost that seemed impenetrable, sending shivers down the spine.

Suddenly, he pulled out a cigarette, the harsh tobacco flavor filling his mouth. As the smoke cleared, the sedan carrying Anthea had disappeared from view.