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

"Don't worry, Mom," Anthea said, wrapping her arm around Carole's, "she doesn't scare me."

Yet, Carole couldn't shake off her concern.

High society was a complex web of alliances and rivalries. She feared Anthea might be taken advantage of.

Anthea reassured her, "Mom, I've grown up in those circles. Trust me, I know how to handle myself. Besides, this party's a big deal for me. I can't miss it."

Hearing her daughter's confidence, Carole reluctantly gave in, "Alright, just make sure you keep your phone handy. If anything feels off, you call me right away."

"I will," Anthea nodded, reassuringly.

The day of the party arrived quickly.

Anthea, dressed to the nines, stepped out to the lobby of their apartment building and saw the Morris family's limo already waiting.

Rebecca, her gown concealed under a down jacket, stood outside waiting, "Anthea, you made it."

With the Christmas around the corner and it being Audrey's birthday bash, Anthea had chosen a burgundy dress. It was a simple design that seemed casual but somehow, she made it look effortlessly chic and international.

Rebecca frowned subtly.

Anthea was always pushing the envelope with her fashion risks.

In such chilly weather, she didn't even bother with a coat! How was she not freezing to death?

If there was a free ride on offer, Anthea wasn't one to turn it down. She strode forward confidently and settled into the car, calling out to Rebecca, “We can head out now.”

Rebecca was momentarily speechless. Why was she playing the host?

But this wasn't the time to spar with Anthea.

Rebecca slid into the car and instructed the driver to proceed, then turned to Anthea with feigned concern, "Aren't you cold, dressed like that?"

Anthea offered a light smile, "Doesn't Ms. Morris know about thermostatic dresses?"

"Thermostatic dresses?" Rebecca's brow furrowed.

That explained Anthea's composure. It was high-tech fashion.

Rebecca had heard of temperature-adjusting clothes but hadn't managed to purchase any due to the waiting list. Did Anthea have a connection?

"Where did you get your dress, Anthea?"

Anthea's brow arched slightly, "are you into that?"

Despite her reluctance to concede in front of Anthea, Rebecca couldn't help but nod, taking out her phone, "I want this one."

Anthea glanced at the screen, her tone nonchalant, "Five million."

If you could fleece Rebecca for money, why not?

"Five million?" Rebecca's eyes widened.

Despite the absence of price tags on the AY website, their priciest attire didn't exceed the hundred- thousand mark. How could it possibly fetch a price of five million?

Anthea nodded, "Is it too much? This is a signature design from AY Tech's top designer. If you're not buying, there's a whole line of people waiting to snatch it up!"

The weather was indeed getting colder.

Rebecca was eager to resume her live streams and re-establish her presence in front of Mr. Christensen. But wrapped up with layers, how could she showcase her beauty to him?

She was truly smitten with the dress and, considering her unsuccessful attempts to reserve one, Rebecca played along, "Are you sure it's available for five million?"

"Mhm," Anthea's tone was light, "Pay today, delivered tomorrow."

"I'll have my assistant transfer the money."

Well, it was just five million. Once she married Mr. Christensen, even five hundred million wouldn't matter.

Anthea's lips curled into a sly smile. Fool's money was still money.

In light of the five million, Anthea decided she'd be a bit nicer to Rebecca for the time being.

Soon, the limo pulled up in front of the Peterson family's estate.

The day was Audrey's birthday celebration, and the Peterson estate was decked out in festive grandeur.

Anthea and Rebecca handed their invites to the staff at the gate and followed a server into the heart of the estate.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.