From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Rebecca tried to reassure her father. "Dad, please don't worry. Daniel gave me his word—he wouldn't go back on a promise. For
all we know, he's already making arrangements right now!"
Daly felt a small measure of relief settle in his chest.
Just then, a knock sounded at the office door.
"Come in!" Daly called out.
A few of the company's shareholders entered, faces grim.
"Daly, the company's on the edge of bankruptcy. Our stock has dropped another ten percent, and if this keeps up, you know
exactly what's going to happen."
Daly's brow furrowed. "So, what are you suggesting?"
"Someone's offered to buy us out," one of them said. "We've talked it over, and we think it's time to sell."
"No way!" Daly's face turned hard. "You've all been with the company for years. We've weathered plenty of storms together-are
you really going to abandon ship now, when things are toughest?"
Sell the company? Even if they did, the proceeds wouldn't come close to covering all the mess they were in.
The shareholders fell silent.
Daly continued, "Let me be straight with you. The Robinson Group is about to invest in Morris Enterprises. When that happens,
we'll be back on top-and better than ever!"
The shareholders exchanged glances, clearly believing him. After all, the last time Morris Enterprises was in crisis, the Robinson
Group had swooped in to save them.
"That's a relief to hear, Daly. When are they investing?"

"It's already in motion," Daly assured them.
With that, the shareholders finally relaxed. No one mentioned selling the company again.
Evening fell quickly.

But there was still no word from the Robinson Group.
Daly grew anxious and drove straight home.
When Rebecca heard what had happened, she frowned, worry creasing her face. She couldn't stay calm either.
A whole day had passed-why hadn't Daniel given any response?
"Dad, don't worry. I'll call Daniel right now."
She wasted no time in dialing his number.
When Daniel answered, his voice was thick with guilt. "Rebecca, I'm so sorry... My dad just stripped me of my position! But I
promise, I'll find a way to help you."
Rebecca's face drained of color.
She never imagined things would unravel like this.
At that moment, the front doors of the Morris family home banged open.
Several men in uniform marched in. "Mr. Morris? You're under investigation for tax evasion and bribery. Please come with us."
Before Daly could react, a pair of cold handcuffs snapped around his wrists.
"Dad!" Rebecca cried, trying to block their path.
"Please don't interfere with official business," one of the officers said, pulling her aside.
Just like that, Daly was taken away.
Morris Enterprises collapsed almost overnight.
By the next day, bankruptcy was declared, with nearly two hundred million dollars in debt.

The court froze all of the Morris family's assets, including their accounts, and sealed off the family estate.
Rebecca and her mother, Sandra, were forced to leave the mansion.
They had no choice but to move into a run-down, cramped apartment in a cheap part of town.

Daniel drove over to help with the
move, his expression heavy with guilt as he looked at Rebecca. helo
"Rebecca, why don't you both come
stay at my place for now?" With the court freezing her accounts, there was little else he could offer.
Rebecca shook her head, trying to sound braver than she felt, her eyes red. "Thank you, Daniel, I appreciate it. But we'll be fine."
What if Mr. Christensen was putting her to the test? If she really moved in with Daniel, Mr. Christensen would surely disapprove.
Daniel couldn't help but think-Rebecca really was an incredible woman. Even now, she refused to accept his help, still holding
herself together.
The apartment complex was a far cry from the luxury they'd known.
Sandra, used to living in a sprawling estate, was appalled by the cramped, dingy space. She pinched her nose in disgust, unable
to hide her distaste.
Rebecca spoke softly. "Mom, please try to bear with it for now. This is all we can afford at the moment, but I promise, we won't be
here forever. Things will get better."
Daniel was carrying boxes in when his phone rang. "Hello? Hector? You're in Cloudcrest? Great, let's meet up!"
After hanging up, Daniel hurried over
to Rebecca. “Rebecca, an old friend
of mine just got into town. I'm going
to see him, but I'll come back later to
help." .
Rebecca nodded. "Go ahead, Daniel. We'll manage." Daniel headed to the café where he'd arranged to meet Hector Holt.
"Hector!" he called.

Hector waved from across the room. "Daniel!"