From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 482

"Sherman?" Anthea was momentarily taken aback, not expecting him to call her out of the blue.

"Yes," Sherman continued, "I've just arrived in Pellonia."

"Alright," Anthea replied. "I've heard Pellonia has been a bit chaotic lately. Make sure to stay safe and don't go out after dark."

Was she actually concerned about him?

Sherman couldn't help but smile slightly. "I will."

After chatting a bit more, Anthea ended the call.

Sherman looked up at the rising sun, its warm glow reflecting in his eyes. After a brief pause, he turned to his secretary. "Let's go."

The secretary promptly followed in his footsteps.

Meanwhile, Anthea had just hung up when another call came through. It was from Nanson, who she assumed must have been on the same flight as Sherman.

...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On this particular day, Anthea was in her front yard, watering the flowers in her little garden.

Suddenly, she heard someone calling her name from outside.

She glanced up and saw Alex, dressed in a suit, his expression serious.

"Alex?"

Alex nodded briefly, keeping it short. "Anthea, my grandmother's not doing well. Could you come with me to see her?"

"Of course." Anthea put down the watering can, hopped over the garden fence with a fluid, graceful movement.

Alex was momentarily stunned. "Aren't you going to lock the balcony door?"

"No need," Anthea replied lightly. "I have a security robot at home. Where’s your car? We should hurry."

"Follow me," Alex said, and Anthea quickly matched his pace.

Once in the car, Alex habitually unwrapped a butterscotch candy, popped it in his mouth, and handed another to Anthea.

Whatever Audrey had said seemed to deeply unsettle Alex, his face turned dark.

Tears welled in Audrey's eyes. "Alex, it's been 12 years. Have you not forgiven your father yet…"

Father? Could such a man truly deserve that title?

Alex kept silent, struggling to control his emotions. Ten years ago, he’d been diagnosed with an emotional instability disorder. He needed to stay calm, to prevent his grandmother from seeing him fall apart.

Clenching his fists tightly, Alex fought to keep his composure.

Audrey sighed, her voice barely a whisper. "Please, leave us for a moment. I want to have a word with Annie alone."

Alex remained rooted in place. He knew what Audrey wanted to say.

Audrey sighed again. Throughout her life, Alex was the one she felt she had failed the most, the one she worried about the most. He had endured so much hardship, and she had never seen anyone break through the walls around his heart.

She understood that Anthea was different for Alex. After much investigation, Audrey discovered that Anthea was the little girl from years ago. This revelation filled her with joy.

Audrey believed that only Anthea could bring warmth to Alex’s life. She intended to reveal everything to Anthea in her final moments, hoping to entrust Alex’s future to her.