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

Gerard shook his head.

"No worries, man," Kearney said, clapping Gerard on the back with a comforting smile. "Hey, I have relatives in Cloudcrest. Even if you're clueless about the place, I can get her to keep an eye out for you."

"Thanks, Kearney."

Kearney's old cheeks flushed a shade of pink. "What are you thanking me for? We're brothers!"

Healy chimed in, "So, when are you planning to head to Cloudcrest?"

"Classes start mid-February. I'm thinking of catching a flight over on the 8th."

Healy nodded in understanding.

Meanwhile, at the Morris household.

Around the dinner table, Daly looked over at Rebecca, a puzzled frown on his face. "Rebecca, I told you to reach out to Kendrick last time, and you didn't. There's been no word since then. You think he's forgotten all about his lifesaver?"

Daly had even planned a celebration banquet, eagerly awaiting Kendrick's visit to express his gratitude. His daughter would be hailed as Kendrick's savior, and surely, some of that glory would reflect on him.

Just thinking about it was enough to make Rebecca's blood boil. If it hadn't been for Anthea stealing her thunder and the credit that was rightfully hers, would she be in this mess? Banned from streaming, clueless about chess...

And now the laughingstock of the internet.

"Kendrick probably won't be coming back," said Rebecca, her voice flat.

"Why not?" Daly's face darkened. Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Rebecca sighed, "It's... complicated. Let's not get into it right now, Dad."

Seeing her like this, Daly knew better than to push. His daughter always had her reasons, perhaps some other plan up her sleeve.

After dinner, back in her room, Rebecca sifted through a barrage of Christmas' greetings. Among them were messages from Sallie and Stella Lyons of the Lindsay family. Those two sisters, always looking to step on others to raise themselves higher, had never given her the time of day when she hung around Carole. Now that they knew she was Ms. Morris, they were suddenly all sweetness and light, messaging her with nauseating affection.

Rebecca's eyes narrowed as she thought of Felton Yeager and Gemma. What if they knew that not only had Carole opened a restaurant, but their granddaughter Anthea had become a big-shot live streamer? She could just imagine their reaction.

Anthea liked to make her life difficult, right? Steal her spotlight? Well, Rebecca would see to it that Anthea not only had to deal with that scumbag Alex but also a few despicable relatives that would stick to her like gum on a shoe.

She'd make Anthea's life miserable. Once those relatives got their claws in, not even Anthea's savvy could save her.

With that thought, Rebecca's lips curled into a sly smile, and she texted Sallie back.

[Merry Christmas, Sallie!]

Sallie was taken aback by Rebecca's response.' After a moment's pause, she replied.

Rebecca continued to message: [It's been a while. Got time to catch up soon?]

Sallie replied: [Sure.]

Rebecca said: [Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today? Free tomorrow afternoon?]

Sallie agreed: [That works.]

Nanson was up and about bright and early the next morning, eagerly preparing to visit friends after breakfast.

Holding two pairs of pants, he stopped by Anthea's door and asked, "Hey, Annie, which pair makes me look younger? The dark blue or the charcoal grey?"

Anthea looked at Nanson, pondering seriously for a split second before replying, "Uncle, are you sure you want the truth?"

Nanson nodded, eager for her opinion.

Anthea continued, "Honestly, I think diapers would shave off the most years."