From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

With no witnesses at the scene, the police had no choice but to bring both women down to the station.
Karen stuck to her story, insisting that Rebecca had hit her. "Officer, she claims I was trying to scam her, but I don't want her
money. All I want is a sincere apology. After that, I'll leave the rest to you-handle it however you see fit."
The two officers exchanged a glance.
Honestly, Karen's request didn't seem unreasonable at all.
If she'd really been out to con someone, she wouldn't be so quick to let things go.
Rebecca, meanwhile, bristled at the idea of apologizing. Apologize to this miserable, penniless old hag? Who did she think she
was?
But right now, she had no other choice.
The Morris family was no longer what it once was.
Rebecca forced herself to swallow her pride, her face stiff as she muttered, "Sorry."
Karen immediately cowered behind the officers, pretending to be terrified. "Officer, I'm scared! What if she tries to get back at me
after this? I'm just a helpless old woman—what am I supposed to do? You have to help me..."
One of the policemen shot Rebecca a stern look. "Show some real remorse. Either you apologize properly to the lady, or you can
spend three days in a holding cell. Your choice."
Rebecca could have screamed. Instead, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Ma'am, I'm truly sorry. It was all

my fault. Please forgive me."
Karen finally seemed satisfied and waved a dismissive hand. “Forget it, forget it. Beautiful people like us shouldn't stoop to the
level of the ugly."
Ugly?
This wretched old woman just called her ugly!
Rebecca's teeth clenched so hard her jaw hurt.

Then Karen turned to the officers, her face taking on a look of genuine gratitude. "Sorry for all the trouble today, officers."
What a polite old lady, the officers thought.
"No worries, ma'am. If anyone ever bothers you again, just give us a call."
"Thank you, officer."
Karen signed the paperwork, beaming as she left the station.
Rebecca stormed ahead, fuming. As she pushed open the glass doors, she nearly collided with a tall figure entering the building.
He wore an old-fashioned overcoat and clutched a rosary in one hand The sunlight caught his features, casting a soft glow over
his calm expression.
Wait... Mr. Christensen?
What was he doing here?
Rebecca's heart skipped a beat.
Was he here... for her?
Yes, of course! He must be!

Why else would he suddenly appear at the police station?
Rebecca could hardly contain her excitement, her heart pounding in her chest.
She knew it Mr. Christensen must
care about her. He'd heard she was
in trouble and rushed over to stand
up for her. That insufferable old
woman was finished now!
Rebecca stood rooted to the spot, waiting eagerly for Sherman to come to her.

He drew closer and closer. Rebecca's excitement mounted, her hands trembling.
Thump, thump, thump-
"Mr. Chri-"
คอน
The rest of his name stuck in her throat as Sherman breezed right past her, as if he hadn't seen her alt and walked straight into
the station.
What was he doing? Why didn't he even look at her?
at
A wave of panic washed over Rebecca as she turned to look behind her.
She watched, dumbstruck, as Sherman strode over to Karen and stopped by her
side. “Grandma, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
Karen smiled warmly. "It was nothing, dear. Just a little run-in with a mad dog, nothing to worry about."
Grandma?!
It felt as if something had exploded inside Rebecca's head.
Her blood seemed to freeze, her face drained of color, and she stumbled backwards, completely stunned.