From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Kendrick wasn’t just blowing smoke when he talked about gifting shares.

As the words settled, Kendrick continued, “Miss Yeager, don’t go thinking you can’t handle the business. I’m still in fighting form, and as long as I draw breath, you won’t have to worry about company matters.”

Damian was not promising.

Rather than waiting till Kendrick kicked the bucket and his life’s work got carved up by his family, he’d rather hand over thirty percent of his shares to Anthea while he still could.

Sure, giving away thirty percent meant a loss, but holding onto the other seventy percent was a win, especially with Damian gripping the reins tightly.

Kendrick was confident in Anthea’s integrity, entirely convinced that she wouldn’t harbor any ill intentions. However, he was not quite as sure about those distant relatives.

A pack of wolves in sheep’s clothing, they were!

What mattered more, Kendrick believed Anthea could take the Wright Group to new heights.

But Anthea was hesitant to accept, so Kendrick shelved the idea for the moment and said, “Miss Yeager, I feel a real kinship with you. As it happens, I’ve got a granddaughter about your age. Why don’t I take you on as my god–granddaughter?”

A god–granddaughter?

Widening one’s social circle was never a bad idea. After all, the more friends, the more paths you have

open to you.

Anthea didn’t refuse Kendrick’s offer, “As long as you are okay with it.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Kendrick beamed with joy. “From now on, Miss Yeager, you’re my granddaughter!”

For Kendrick, accepting Anthea as his god–granddaughter was a triumph.

Anthea was only just starting out, and she was already such a skilled doctor. In the future, she’d certainly do even greater things. Before long, there’d probably be a line from here to Capital City of people wanting to cozy up to her.

“Kendrick, no need to be so formal. You can just call me Anthea.”

“Then I’ll call you Annie,” Kendrick decided.

“Okay,” Anthea nodded slightly, “that’s what my family and friends call me.”

“Then I’ll call you Annie too,” Audrey said with a smile in her voice.

“As you like, Audrey.”

Like it? How could anyone not!

Who wouldn’t be thrilled with a young woman so beautiful and talented in her field?

Audrey was half–tempted to have Anthea move into the Peterson household right then and there.

After the dinner party, Alex had his driver take Anthea home.

Watching the black car fade into the night, Alex turned to his assistant, “Check into what’s been going on with the Morris family lately. I want to know why Ms. Morris went by Yeager before she turned eighteen.”

“Sir,” the assistant stepped forward, “there’s no need to dig.”

Alex looked at him, “You know something?”

The Morris family’s mishap had been the town’s hot topic, with the exception of Alex. He never cared for gossip and paid no mind to things that didn’t concern him.

The assistant relayed the whole Morris family baby mix–up to Alex.

In the darkness, Alex massaged his temples, a mysterious veil cast over his face by the night, “So, the lady who was Ms. Morris before isn’t the real Ms. Morris?”

“That’s correct,” the assistant added. “The Ms. Yeager who showed up tonight was actually a fake Ms. Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

Morris.”

This was clearly something Alex had not anticipated.

Narrowing his eyes, Alex turned and walked back into the house.

The assistant followed.

Alex slipped off his silver watch and laid it on the table. Looking back at the assistant, he said, “You can clock out. I’ll call you if anything comes up.”

“Alright then.” The assistant left the room.

Alex headed to the bathroom to shower. His white dress shirt came off, revealing 8 packs.