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

Daniel paused, looking a bit sheepish. "How could I ever match up to Ms. Morris?"

Daniel truly believed he was unworthy of the exceptional Rebecca.

Sherman, with a slight parting of his lips, deadpanned, "You two, one's a clueless playboy, and the other's a cunning fox. You're practically a match made in heaven."

The term 'cunning fox' was something Sherman had picked up from Anthea recently. Talk about putting it to use.

At that, Daniel was beside himself, rushing to defend Rebecca: "Sherman! You've got Ms. Morris all wrong! She's not what you think; she's genuinely kind-hearted! She's helped countless people; she wouldn't even harm a fly!"

He couldn't fathom why Sherman held such a deep bias against Rebecca. Sherman usually seemed like a sharp guy, one with a clear sense of right and wrong. How could he be so mistaken now? Without entertaining Daniel's protests, Sherman turned and headed downstairs.

Daniel sighed in frustration. Missing out on someone as kind-hearted as Rebecca-Sherman would regret it one day, and by then, it would be too late. Even if Sherman came to see Rebecca's worth, given her character, it wasn't guaranteed she'd reciprocate his feelings. After all, Rebecca wasn't one to chase after wealth and power for its own sake. Daniel wished Sherman would realize this before it was too late. Downstairs, Anthea was embarking on a dessert-tasting adventure, devouring over a dozen plates in one go. The Michelin-starred pastry chef, completely astonished, asked, "Miss, aren't you worried about putting on weight?"

Anthea lifted her gaze slightly, smiling, "When the desserts are this divine, who cares about a little extra weight?"

There wasn't a pastry chef alive who didn't revel in such praise.

The chef beamed, "Since you're such a fan, let me showcase my specialty, 'Dessert Mont-blanc'!"

This dessert was a rarity in Michelin-starred restaurants, served in limited quantities. Reservations were booked up until next year.

Anthea's eyes sparkled. "I can't wait!"

As the chef began preparing the dessert on the spot, Anthea chatted with him and learned he was of Chinese descent.

Before long, the legendary Dessert Mont-blanc was ready. Kendal presented it to Anthea. "Give it a try."

The dessert looked absolutely exquisite. Taking a spoonful, Anthea tasted the sweet, rich chocolate flavor exploding on her tongue. "Delicious! Absolutely delicious! Kendal, your skill is unmatched!" Kendal was overjoyed at the compliment.

Sherman, just coming downstairs, saw Anthea enjoying her dessert and chatting with the pastry chef. They seemed to be having a great time. Sherman noted how easily Anthea got along with everyone, from forming a close bond with Karen to calling Adah a sister, and now engaging with a pastry chef. Few could boast such amiability. When Karen first met Anthea, she was a nobody, a 'beggar woman.' Sherman stood there, a rosary in hand, his presence exuding an aura of restrained power and untouchable majesty, drawing curious glances and speculation about his identity.

Rebecca spotted Sherman almost immediately and noticed he was looking her way. Sherman was watching her!

Realizing this, Rebecca was ecstatic, her heart racing with excitement. She pondered how she would reject him if he approached her. Yes, Rebecca intended to reject him. After all, a man like Sherman would surely have his pick of women throwing themselves at him.

But she was different from those women. She would be the first to reject Sherman, thereby capturing his undivided attention and ensuring he would think of no one else but her for the rest of his life. "Rebecca, when did you get here? Why didn't you let me know?" A pleasant male voice broke the silence.