From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Wilma eyed the girl skeptically.

She was probably seventeen, maybe eighteen tops. And this was supposed to be a miracle doctor?

LI

Wilma doubted if the kid could even tell the difference between a cold and the flu.

Was it a joke?

In Wilma’s mind, Paulina was always the sensible type, so it was a shock that she’d do something utterly foolish this time.

It was a huge letdown.

Luna squinted her eyes, a hint of scorn curling at the corners of her mouth.

So, this was the miracle doctor that Paulina had been raving about.

It was one other than Cloudcrest’s infamous faux heiress, Anthea Morris.

Oh, wait, it was just Anthea, no longer a Morris.

Who in Cloudcrest didn’t know Anthea was nothing but an illiterate good–for–nothing?

Yet, the thought of that vial containing the Anos parasite made Luna’s gaze flicker with

wariness.

A good–for–nothing wouldn’t have the skill to drive out a parasite from a person’s body.

Besides, Luna had met Anthea before.

The old Anthea would’ve made a clown blush with her over–the–top makeup, a veritable poster child for tackiness. But the Anthea standing before her at the time bore no resemblance to her Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

old self.

Luna clenched her fist, a spark of something fierce flashing in her eyes.

“Wilma, this is Ms. Yeager.” Paulina repeated, seeing no reaction from Wilma.

Finally, Wilma returned to reality, nodding with a tight–lipped smile, “Hello there.”

Despite her skepticism about Anthea’s abilities, Wilma maintained her composure as a high society lady.

Anthea responded with a small, poised smile. “Pleased to meet you.”

Standing by Wilma, Luna delicately covered her mouth, her eyes shifting from astonishment to disbelief. “You… you’re Anthea?”

Most would’ve cringed at that remark, given Anthea’s former reputation as the town’s laughingstock and good–for–nothing..

Unfazed by the insinuation, Anthea nodded graciously. “Indeed, I am Anthea, although I now go by Anthea Yeager.”

Wilma turned to Luna, asking, “You know her, Luna?”

Luna nodded.

Relieved to hear Luna knew Anthea, Wilma’s demeanor softened. “Luna, step outside with me

for a moment. Ms. Yeager, sorry, but I need to speak with my niece.”

“Of course,” Anthea said, nodding slightly.

Luna flashed a friendly smile at Anthea and followed Wilma obediently.

Once outside, Wilma immediately inquired about Anthea..

There was a term in this world for people like her, which was a prodigy.

Luna was a rare talent, and her circle comprised the top talents.

Thus, Wilma wondered, maybe Anthea possessed some medical genius.

Perhaps Anthea could cure her son.

Comforted by the thought, Wilma felt a newfound stability.

At Wilma’s probing. Luna’s expression twisted with unease. “Um, Aunt Wilma, how do I put this?”

“What do you mean?” Wilma frowned.

Luna began. “Ms. Yeager was invited by Paulina after all…”

“Don’t worry about her. Just tell me the truth, Luna.”

“Well…” Luna hesitated, “Fine, the Ms. Yeager inside is the former Ms. Anthea Morris…”

Wilma’s face flushed in anger.

“You mean the Morris family’s infamous usurper? The fake heiress?”

Luna nodded. “Don’t get upset, Aunt Wilma. I think Paulina might not have known Ms. Yeager’s true identity…”

How could Wilma not be upset?

Having the town’s well–known waste of space treat her son? It was nothing short of a cruel joke.