From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 298

As Riley scrambled to his feet, dusting off the dirt from his jeans, he quickly caught up with Sherman's stride. The two were greeted by a warm smile from Adah as they approached the dining area.

"Finished your little competition, have you?" Adah chuckled. "Dinner's about ready. I was about to send someone to fetch you boys. Who won, by the way?"

"Sherman's too good!" Riley exclaimed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I mean, with these skinny arms and legs of mine, how could I ever match up to him?"

Sherman clapped Riley on the back with a hearty laugh. "Riley's just a greenhorn! Give him a few decades to practice, and maybe, just maybe, he'll have a shot at beating me."

Riley's mouth twitched into a grimace. "Decades?"

The dinner table was a lively scene, with Karen strategically seating Riley next to Anthea. Five people gathered around the table, with Sherman sitting directly across from Riley.

"So, Riley," Karen began with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "you're what, 21 this year?"

"Yeah, that's right," Riley replied with a nod.

"Got yourself a girlfriend back at college?" Karen prodded.

Riley shook his head. "Haven't found the right one yet."

"Well, I might just know a lovely young lady for you..." Karen's matchmaking was cut off as Sherman stood up and served her a piece of fish with the serving fork. "Grandma, this is your favorite, isn't it? Please, have a taste."

Karen glanced at Sherman with a knowing look.

Cheeky boy!

They were having a silent battle of wits.

Karen nodded in approval. "Absolutely! Men are better suited for this sort of thing!"

Sherman skillfully prepared the crab, and Karen placed some onto Anthea's plate. "Annie, the crab is infused with a hint of coconut. It's divine with the rich roe. You must try it."

Anthea didn't hesitate, savoring the combination of flavors. True to form, no sooner had she finished the crab than Adah offered her some spicy chicken. "Annie, you'll love these—they're just the right amount of spicy."

"And it's not just spicy food Ann loves. She's got a sweet tooth too. Here, try the sweet lotus root," Karen chimed in.

Karen and Adah piled Anthea's plate high with a variety of dishes, as if they were competing to spoil her with choices. Luckily, Anthea was up for the challenge, her appetite more than accommodating.

Karen reveled in watching Anthea eat. There was something refreshing about her lack of pretense, so different from the high society girls who counted calories and avoided anything that might threaten their figure. Sure, they might be slim, but to Karen, they looked like they were missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures: good food.