From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 334

Anthea shook her head slightly, "It's pretty much okay."

"That's a relief."

Helena was stunned. She thought Nanson was being a bit silly. Anthea was just a kid; what did she know? It was like the blind leading the blind!

Their meeting with TOAEON Corporation was scheduled for 3 p.m., so Nanson, along with Anthea and Helena, started their journey at 2 p.m. TOAEON was an international firm that had been rooted in Luxphinia for many years. Previously, TOAEON had partnered with another international courier service, but due to a slew of bad press recently tarnishing their image, they were on the lookout for a new partner.

Upon their arrival, Nanson's group discovered they weren't the only ones eyeing the partnership-over twenty companies were in attendance, including two publicly traded courier firms.

Nanson felt as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him. His earlier confidence evaporated at the sight. Even publicly traded companies were in the mix; what chance did his small firm stand? Disappointment filled Helena's eyes. "Let's just go back," Nanson said, crestfallen.

"Why leave?" Anthea raised an eyebrow slightly.

Nanson's gaze swept over the crowd, "We're no match for these competitors."

"Not trying at all ensures we're no match. Uncle, fleeing isn't your style!" Anthea countered.

Helena stepped in, "Ms. Yeager, you might not understand, but these courier companies are leagues ahead of us in size. Ever heard of SwiftSend? They went public last year! We stand no chance against them."

Anthea smiled faintly, "Being bigger or more well-known doesn't necessarily mean they're better at what they do. Every big conglomerate started as a small company. How can you be so sure we'll lose without even trying? If we don't believe in ourselves, then we've already lost."

Helena thought Anthea was being naive. Talking a good game without understanding the reality. What chance did a small arm stand against a thigh? It was just a waste of time to continue. Nanson looked up at Anthea, "Annie, what do you suggest?"

"We absolutely cannot back down now! Nor should we underestimate ourselves!" Her voice was soft yet carried a calming force.

"Alright!" Nanson nodded, "Uncle will listen to you!"

"President Yeager?" Helena was shocked. Nanson was too easily swayed! He was actually taking this pie-in-the-sky talk seriously... Nanson turned to Helena, his face all seriousness, "Let's go with Annie's plan."

Helena, at a loss for words, just muttered, "Oh."

Just then, someone came over to greet Nanson, "Nanson!"

"President Davenport." Nanson greeted politely.

President Davenport, Easton Davenport, also ran a courier company. Easton offered Nanson a cigarette and said, "Eyeing this deal too, Nanson?"

Nanson replied with a smile, "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, right? We're all striving for better."

"True," Easton exhaled a ring of smoke, "But looking at the turnout today, us smaller firms don't stand much of a chance. Instead of wasting time here, might as well head back and focus on other ventures. I'm heading out. You?"

In fact, Easton wasn't the only one thinking of leaving; many smaller companies were already bailing. Nanson confessed, "I'm going to give it a shot."

"Give it a shot?" Easton laughed as if he'd heard a great joke, "No offense, Nanson, but look at those companies ahead of us. Each one more capable than the next. Why waste time banging your head against a brick wall?"

At that, Anthea looked up slightly, "Mr. Davenport, if you think so little of yourself, that's your business. But why discourage my uncle?"

Easton was taken aback. What a sharp-tongued young lady! "And she is?"

Nanson apologized with a sheepish smile, "Sorry, President Davenport. This is my niece, just a kid speaking her mind. Please don't take it personally."