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

Nobody saw it coming when Anthea made her move!

The sudden turn of events left Rebecca frozen in shock!

She could only feel a sticky mess plastered across her chest. It didn't take a genius to figure out she was in a rather sorry state.

"What on earth do you think you're doing!" Gloria shouted, her voice filled with disbelief.

Anthea shrugged lightly, "Oh my, I'm so sorry, my hand just slipped, Ms. Morris. It wasn't on purpose, don't be mad!"

"Slipped? You did that on purpose!" Gloria was fuming with anger.

Anthea, looking down on Gloria with a sparkle in her eyes, replied calmly, "Everyone makes mistakes, I've already apologized. Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. Ms. Davenport, Ms. Morris, why hold onto grudges?"

She threw Rebecca's own words back at them.

Gloria stood rooted to the spot, her face flushing between shades of red and white. She never expected Anthea to turn the tables like this! Nor did she expect Anthea to be so eloquent. Was this really the same Anthea she knew?

Rebecca looked up at Anthea, her eyes filled with humiliation, "Anthea, I've always treated you like a sister. Don't you think you're being a bit too much?"

Anthea crossed her arms, "Who's really being too much here, Ms. Morris? Since your parents never taught you to walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you judge, I guess it's up to me to teach you that lesson today!"

After her speech, Anthea glanced down at Rebecca and added, "The weather's getting warmer, Ms. Morris. You might want to cut down on the iced coffee and drink more water."

The bystanders started to react.

"Anthea kind of has a point!"

"You're not alone in thinking that!"

"Seems like Rebecca isn't as innocent as she looks!"

"Suddenly, I find Anthea quite charming."

Hearing the crowd's comments, Rebecca was livid. But she had to swallow her anger!

That little witch! How dare Anthea?

After excusing herself with Mr. Lambotte, Anthea headed to the restroom to deal with the wine stain on her dress. Just as she reached the restroom door, a young woman stopped her, "Excuse me, are you Ms. Yeager?"

"I am," Anthea nodded slightly.

The young woman handed her a beautifully wrapped package, "Ms. Yeager, my name is Anna. Mr. Christensen asked me to prepare this dress for you."

"Sherman?" Anthea raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Anna nodded.

Anthea took the package, "Then I won't be shy about accepting it. Please, thank him for me."

"Will do."

After changing in the restroom, Anthea found Anna waiting at the door.

"Just give me the dress you changed out of, and I'll have it cleaned for you," Anna offered.

Anthea, holding her handbag, replied, "No need to trouble yourself, I'll wash it when I get home. By the way, where's Mr. Christensen? I should thank him in person."

"Right this way," Anna led Anthea to the hotel's exclusive member's area. Far from the noisy ground floor, the carpeted corridor here was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Turning a corner, they saw Sherman standing at the balcony on the third floor, overlooking the entire event.

He stood there, hands resting on the railing, surveying the scene below. His sharp profile betrayed no emotion, yet he exuded the aura of someone in complete control. "Thanks for the dress," Anthea approached him.

Sherman turned slightly, noticing Anthea in her new outfit. A white off-the-shoulder gown. The design perfectly showcasing her graceful collarbones. The cinched waist accentuated her slender figure, tempting one to measure its slimness with their hands. The gown's hem was embellished with tiny diamonds, which sparkled under the lights. Typically, a dress so lavishly decorated would overwhelm most, but not Anthea. The diamonds, rather than stealing the show, only added to her radiance.