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

The cameras were rolling, capturing every moment.

It wasn't Anthea's first rodeo in front of the cameras, and it showed. She was the picture of calm. Carole, on the other hand, seemed a bit jittery. Anthea gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Carole looked up at Anthea. From this angle, she could see the confident smile on Anthea's face.

Suddenly, Carole felt her nerves settle. She smiled at the camera and answered the reporter's questions with ease.

After the interview, Carole asked, "When can I catch this on TV?"

It was her first time being on television, and she couldn't hide her excitement.

The reporter replied, "It'll air in about a week, 6 PM on 'Daily News Digest' on Cloudcrest TV. There'll be reruns at noon and 3 PM." "Great, thanks!"

Yeager's Delicacies was already a hit in town, but once word got out that the valedictorian of Cloudcrest Science High was the daughter of the owner, the place was swamped with people wanting to rub shoulders with success.

The power of the inte is something else; Yeager's Delicacies became the talk of Cloudcrest overnight.

After the interview, Anthea called Karen.

Karen, ecstatic beyond words, rushed upstairs to find Adah, "Adah! It's fantastic news!"

"What's up, Mom?" Adah, in the middle of a beauty routine with a face mask on, turned to Karen.

Karen, beaming, announced, "We've hit the jackpot! Anthea got the highest score in town! 749 points! The top of Cloudcrest!" "Really?"

Karen, oozing pride, affirmed, "Of course, it's true! My granddaughter-in-law is just that brilliant!"

Adah, ditching her face mask, exclaimed, "Annie's been aiming for Capital University. Does this mean we can move back to Capital City with her?" They both had had their fill of life in Cloudcrest.

"Absolutely! Karen nodded. "But

Sherman needs to up his game. Capital University is crawling with young, romantic guys who know how to charm a girl. What if one of them sweeps Anthea off her feet?"

In comparison, Sherman, despite being handsome and wealthy, seemed lackluster.

But what's the use of being handsome? Can good looks fill your stomach? And wealth? Who wants to wake up to a cold face every day?

Too old! Can't crack a smile! Doesn't know how to make a girl happy. Lacks sweet nothings. He's probably never even held a girl's hand before. In Karen's view, Sherman was full of flaws.

"Right," Adah agreed. "Mom, you're spot on! I'll have a word with Sherman."

"Leave it to me. I have a plan for that

boy," Karen said, leaving Adah's

room only to bump into Sherman returning from work. He was muttering something, holding a rosary in his hand.

Karen, puzzled, wondered why such a young man would take to such old-fashioned habits. She couldn't fathom it.

Her mood lightened as she hummed a cheerful tune, heading downstairs, "Oh, what a joyous day for us common folk..."

"Grandma, what's got you so cheerful?" Sherman raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Didn't Ann tell you?" Karen looked at

him in surprise, "Ann's the top

I

scorer! How could I not be ecstatic? I need to call Riley, make sure he seizes the moment. Before Ann starts college, he should win her over Once she's at Capital University, surrounded by all those talented young men, she'll be spoilt for choice! Riley won't stand a chance then!"

Karen continued her chatter as she walked downstairs.

"Grandma," Sherman called out to Karen.

"What is it?" Karen paused to look at Sherman.

Sherman's tone was even, "Anthea and Riley are not a good match. Maybe you should stop playing matchmaker."

"Since when is it your place to decide? Mind your own business!" Karen shot him a look before continuing her way downstairs.

Sherman frowned slightly. Back in his room, Sherman texted his secretary, "Keep an eye on Riley these coming days."