From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 288

After lunch, Carole and Nanson both got swept up in their afternoon tasks, leaving Anthea alone in the quiet of the house.

Anthea sat at her desk, head bowed over a drawing with a focused expression, the sunlight streaming in through the window and casting a soft glow on her features. Just then, the doorbell chimed, breaking the silence.

She casually picked up a book to weigh down her sketches and made her way to the door.

Swinging it open, she found no one there.

A slight frown creased her forehead.

Had she been so absorbed in her drawing that she'd imagined the sound?

"Hello? Anyone there?" Anthea called out, but no response came.

As she was about to close the door, a figure popped out from around the corner, "Surprise!"

Anthea's eyes widened in astonishment, "Mrs. Christensen?"

"Annie!" Karen dashed toward her, going in for a warm hug.

But as she neared, Karen's foot slipped, and she nearly tumbled to the ground. Anthea's quick reflexes saved her, "Careful!"

"Annie, you're so agile!" Karen said, hugging Anthea as if nothing had happened.

Clearly, she had chosen the perfect granddaughter-in-law!

Anthea, ever modest, touched her nose and quipped, "Oh, I'm just third best in the world."

"Third best? Nonsense!" Karen retorted seriously. "You're clearly number one! NO.1!"

Blushing at the compliment, Anthea ushered Karen into the living room.

"Mrs. Christensen, are you cold? How about I make you some hot cocoa?" Even though early spring had arrived, a sudden chill had swept through recently. "Annie, you know how to make hot cocoa?" Karen exclaimed, surprised.

Anthea nodded.

"You're amazing, Annie!"

With a whip-smart girl like her, she and Sherman are gonna have a kid who's not just good-looking but also a total brainiac!

Their baby would be the talk of the town.

The more Karen thought about it, the more delighted she became, her eyes twinkling as if she could already see her adorable great-grandchild.

Anthea headed to the kitchen to whip up the cocoa as Karen followed.

They chatted and laughed together, the kitchen atmosphere cozy and warm despite their age difference.

Soon, the rich aroma of chocolate filled the room.

Handing over a mug of the freshly made drink, Anthea cautioned, "Careful, it's hot."

Karen blew on it gently and took a careful sip. The intense chocolate flavor enveloped her taste buds, with hints of milk and a touch of sweetness to round it off. It was absolutely delicious!

Being from an aristocratic background, Karen had tasted all sorts of beverages, but this was her first time savoring such a lovingly homemade cocoa.

The taste didn't really matter. It was the thought behind it that was important.

Annie, so beautiful and talented, was quite a catch for her precious grandson!

After finishing the cocoa, Karen got down to business, "Annie, are you free tomorrow?"

With nothing pressing scheduled for Sunday, Anthea nodded, "I'm available."

Grabbing Anthea's hand, Karen excitedly said, "Then come over to my place! You cured my migraine last time, and my daughter-in-law and grandson want to thank you in person!" Karen had been wanting to invite Anthea over for a while, but their schedules never aligned.

Anthea smiled, "Mrs. Christensen, you've thanked me plenty, and last time you brought so many gifts. There's really no need for more."

Karen frowned slightly, "Annie, are you trying to avoid me?"

"Of course not!"

"So, you'll come over tomorrow for a visit, right? It's not just about thanking you. I know your house like the back of my hand, but you've never been to mine! We are friends, aren't we?" Karen had more in mind than just expressing gratitude.

She also wanted Sherman to meet Anthea.

With Anthea's beauty, Karen was certain he'd be smitten.

Given Karen's persistence, Anthea didn't have the heart to turn her down, "Okay then, I'll come. Where's your place? I'll head over in the morning."

Karen's face lit up with excitement-her plan to bring her future granddaughter-in-law home was moving forward at last.

"It's a date then, Annie! And don't you dare stand me up!"