From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 544

Rebecca had gone all out-she'd painstakingly applied makeup that made her eyes look like they'd just cried,

slipped into a white dress, and arranged herself to look as delicate and vulnerable as possible.

Once she was ready, she opened her dresser drawer and took out a small vial of clear liquid, tucking it carefully

into her purse before heading out the door.

The liquid was a powerful sedative just a single drop could knock out anyone, man or woman. Unless someone

had taken the antidote beforehand, even a whiff of it would send them into unconsciousness.

Back in the day, when she still had access to the system, Rebecca had traded for this little secret. Thank God

she'd had the foresight to keep it. Where else could she get something like this now?

As she left her bedroom and stepped into the living room, a chill ran down her spine, goosebumps prickling her

arms.

She couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away. Tonight, she'd make Sherman hers-no hesitation, no second

thoughts. With him, she'd secure her place in the Christensen family as Sherman's wife, climbing straight to the

top in one bold

move.

Having been given a second chance at life, Rebecca tended to believe in the supernatural. And Sandra had died

right here, in this house. It did unnerve her, if she was honest.

But then again, Sandra's death was her own fault-she'd forgotten to turn off the gas stove and succumbed to

carbon monoxide poisoning. What did that have to do with Rebecca? Even if Sandra's ghost was still hanging

around, she was just another restless spirit.

Thinking this, Rebecca's fear faded. She squared her shoulders and walked out. When she arrived at the hotel,

Sherman hadn't arrived yet.

Rebecca ducked into the restroom to freshen up, slipping the vial into her pocket. She was ready-she just needed

to break the bottle, let the fumes do their work, and Sherman would be at her mercy.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Rebecca's eyes lit up. Mr. Christensen was here!

She practically leapt up and hurried to the door.

Standing outside was a tall, imposing man, his frcasting a shadow that seemed to swallow her up.

Rebecca blushed and looked up, expecting to see Sherman's familiar face.

But as she lifted her eyes, she froze.

This wasn't Sherman.

"Who are you?" Rebecca's voice was wary as she instinctively took a step back.

The man regarded her coolly. "My nis Hughes. I'm Mr. Christensen's assistant. Mr. Christensen askedto

deliver a message: a woman as shameless as you isn't even fit to step through the doors of the Christensen

estate, let alone serve as a housekeeper. Stop dreaming. Have sself-respect and a little dignity."

Rebecca's face went as white as a sheet.

He knew. He knew everything. The whole situation was under his control.

Rebecca felt like a complete fool, a puppet whose strings were being yanked for someone else's amusement.

All her careful preparations had cto nothing-Sherman hadn't shown up. All she'd gotten was a faceful of

humiliation.

But she couldn't accept it. She wouldn't accept being played by Sherman like this. What now? What was she

supposed to do?

She could wait but her body couldn't. Rebecca pressed a hand to her stomach. Yes. She was pregnant.

Her original plan had been to use this meeting to make Sherman the legitimate father of her unborn child. Once

she had his child, the doors of the Christensen family would open for her, no questions asked.

But now, everything was falling apart. Sherman wouldn't even see her.

Abort the baby? No-she couldn't. Her health was fragile; a termination would mean she'd never be able to have

children again.

So what now?

That's when Rebecca thought of someone else.

Daniel.

Daniel's family wasn't as powerful as Sherman's, but he was still one of the city's elite. And most

importantly, Daniel and Shermannet

were close friends. If she got

always be opportunities to see

Sherman again.

together with sheepnet

But this would require careful planning. She needed to make sure Daniel felt guilty guilty enough to take

responsibility.

After leaving the hotel, Rebecca went to the market and bought armfuls of

groceries, then spent the afternoon cooking.

Two hours later, she dialed Daniel's number. "Hey, Daniel? It's me."

"Hey," Daniel answered.

"I was just thinking, you've helpedso much lately-I'd love to thank you with a home-cooked meal.af youre

free, why not cover now? I've made a whole spread.

Daniel had meant to say no.

But when Rebecca mentioned she'd cooked dinner herself, he couldn't refuse.

How could he-when, in his wildest dreams, he never imagined he'd get to taste Rebecca's hcooking?

Daniel arrived not long after.

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