From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 179

"Here's the contract. If everything looks good to you, just sign on the dotted line." said Anthea calmly.

Talbot adjusted his glasses and said, "I'm sorry, but could I take a look at the prototype first?"

Though Anthea's pitch was impressive, Talbot couldn't commit without seeing the product firsthand. The world was full of smooth talkers, and besides, Anthea was so young. Could she really have invented a garment that adjusted its temperature? It sounded far-fetched. Talbot didn't fancy his business acumen going to waste on a pipe dream.

Anthea handed him a tote bag. "Mr. Talbot, feel free to try it on."

Skeptically, Talbot went to the restroom, pulling the garment from the bag. He frowned; the shirt looked utterly ordinary, indistinguishable from the white button-down he was wearing. He should have known better. How could a teenager come up with such a revolutionary invention?

Disappointed, Talbot returned to the table. "Ms. Yeager, this shirt seems no different from any other fabric."

Anthea's smile didn't waver. "Our climate-adaptive fabric adjusts to the ambient temperature. Since we have the air conditioning on in here, perhaps you should step outside."

Talbot stepped out into the chilly December air of Cloudcrest. Passersby were bundled in their winter coats. A cold gust hit him, but instead of shivering, he felt a warm embrace enveloping him. The shirt worked!

His eyes lit up as he dashed back into the café. "Ms. Yeager, it's incredible! This shirt is nothing short of a miracle!"

"Now, Mr. Talbot, shall we finalize the contract?" Anthea asked, still smiling.

"Of course! I'll sign!" Talbot, containing his excitement, scribbled his signature onto the contract. A temperature-regulating garment was unheard of, even in technologically advanced Country Pellonia. This innovation would take the world by storm, and his status as a CEO along with it!

At that, Sherman's eyes snapped open, the chess piece twirling on his fingertip. "You sure?"

"Absolutely," Daniel affirmed. "Griffin YC, our elusive streamer, will be at the anniversary gala."

"When do we leave for Capital City?" Sherman asked.

Was that a yes? As Daniel noted Sherman's interest in Griffin, he sighed inwardly. Sherman was as eager to meet Griffin as he would be disappointed at the gala. Griffin was nothing but a cheat. Daniel had been baffled that anyone could beat Sherman until he learned the truth. The deception was regrettable, but the silver lining was that Rebecca would shine at the gala.

Rebecca was not only a chess prodigy but also a stunner. Griffin YC, the unsightly cheater, would be merely a foil to Rebecca's brilliance if she even dared to show up at the event.