From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 14

By the time they got home, it was well past three.

“Sweetie, get a good night’s sleep.” Nanson sald warmly.

“You too, Uncle Nanson,” Anthea replied with a soft smile.

Carole woke up early in the morning, her mind racing with the day’s tasks. She decided to make some oatmeal for breakfast. She fried some eggs as well.

A little while later, Nanson strolled in from outside, his voice booming through the house. “Carole, you up yet? I got some donuts and breakfast burritos. Come on out, and let’s have breakfast!”

Carole cleaned her hands on her apron and stepped out of the kitchen, complaining, “Why’d you go wasting money? I’ve already made oatmeal!”

Nanson chuckled. “I got a bonus this month! Besides, my dear niece is growing up. She needs to eat something nutritious.”

Then he added. “Oh right, has my dear niece come out yet? I’ll wake her up for breakfast!”

My dear niece?

Carole was stunned. Who was Nanson referring to as his dear niece? Could it be Anthea?

But the night before. Nanson kept calling her a little troublemaker, so why the sudden change to a dear niece?

Was she dreaming?

in from outside. “Mom,

asked Anthea with a puzzled look, “Ann,

for a run.” Anthea replied. “I need to improve my fitness. I only managed a few laps before

Anthea to sit down. “My dear niece, I got you some burritos, donuts, and milk!

“Thanks, Uncle Nanson.”

a tender family

in disbelief. “Nanson, you sure you’re okay or

“Carole, you’re overreacting! Why wouldn’t I

Nanson was putting on

confusing

Anthea put down her fork and turned to Carote, “Mom, you don’t

smiled and replied, “No need, darling. I’m as fit as a fiddle!”

Carole was the type to tough

already hard–pressed financially,

to the clinic, let me

know

gesture. “Just a tiny

owner of her body had been trained in various skills typical of elite households, so

have a look,” Carole