From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 297

Karen's eyes sparkled with cunning calculation.

Sherman thought he was tough, huh? Well, she'd serve him a slice of humble pie! It was high time he got a taste of his own medicine, experiencing the cold shoulder only to end up in a desperate chase. Otherwise, he'd never see what was truly in his heart. And you had to hand it to Riley; the timing of his appearance couldn't have been more perfect. Not only was he the world's best grandson, but he was also the smartest!

Sherman frowned slightly, his fingers tracing the edge of his rosary. "Grandma, you're matchmaking again!"

"Who says I'm matchmaking? What if Ann falls for Riley, huh? It's not like Riley's any less of a catch. Not to mention, he's at least ten years younger than you! You're old enough to be Ann's father, which is probably why you can't win her over!"

Karen grew more animated as she spoke. Sherman felt a knot of irritation in his chest that he couldn't shake off. He didn't even know why he was angry. He just was. And he felt like hitting something! "Whatever you say," he muttered, turning on his heel and walking away.

Karen hummed softly to herself as she watched his retreating figure. Just you wait, kiddo! Your downfall is nigh!

Sherman had barely returned to the foyer when he spotted Anthea and Riley chatting and laughing together. To be precise, there was also Adah standing between them, but Sherman conveniently ignored her presence. Clutching his rosary, Sherman approached Riley with a casual air, "Riley."

Riley straightened up, "Yeah, what's up?"

"I heard from Auntie that you've been learning to box. I dabbled in it myself back in the day. How about we go upstairs and spar a bit?"

Adah gave Sherman a puzzled look. What's gotten into him today? Why this sudden warmth towards Riley?

Riley almost stammered, "I, um, I think I'll pass..."

Spar with Sherman? He wasn't looking to meet his maker just yet. What was up with his big cousin today? Riley took a moment to seriously reflect on his own actions.

Sherman patted him on the shoulder, "Don't be nervous. I'm an amateur, I hardly trained. You might just wipe the floor with me."

With a bit of encouragement, Riley loosened up. After all, he had been training for three years! Even if he couldn't beat Sherman, he wouldn't go down without a fight. He might even turn the tables on Sherman So he followed Sherman's lead.

Adah watched their backs with a little confusion, "What's with Sherman today?"

Karen replied seriously, "Maybe it's just deep cousinly love!" What else could it be? Just jealousy spilling over!

Karen chuckled behind her hand. Adah was even more puzzled, "Mom, what's so funny?"

Karen immediately dropped her facade of seriousness, "I'm not laughing!" As she spoke, she picked up a cherry with her fork and offered it to Anthea, "Ann, have some cherries. They're sweet!"

Adah's brow furrowed slightly. She couldn't quite figure out what Karen was scheming. Sherman was usually all about wellness, from his herbal tea to his spacious home gym on the second floor of the annex. The two cousins entered the gym. Riley surveyed the environment, impressed by his cousin's self-discipline.

"Here," Sherman tossed him a pair of boxing gloves. Riley caught them and put them on. They stood in the center of the room, exchanged a warrior's salute, and began to spar.

And then, Riley regretted his decision. He should have never agreed to spar with Sherman. He should have never secretly thought he could take Sherman down. Now, Riley had only one sensation. Pain! Every bone in his body ached. He was falling apart!

"I can't do this anymore! I surrender!" Riley plopped down on the mat, raising his hands, "I give up! I surrender!"

"The world's not over yet, don't surrender! Man up, will you? Get up!" Sherman loomed over him.

"Cuz, I really can't handle it anymore!" Riley was close to tears. If this went on, he wouldn't be able to stand, "Please, have mercy!"

"That's all the fight you have in you?" Sherman arched an eyebrow.

Riley pulled off his gloves, "Cuz, dinner's probably ready by now. Let's head downstairs."

Sherman glanced at the clock on the wall and parted his lips slightly, "Let's go."