From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 536
She'd arranged to meet Daniel, and right now, he was waiting for her outside the building.
Daniel was Sherman's closest friend, and Rebecca knew she had to hold onto him like a life raft.
The moment Daniel saw Rebecca, guilt washed over him. She was at rock bottom, and there was nothing he could do to help.
...
Elsewhere.
Sherman and Anthea had agreed to meet at 10:30 on the winding mountain road.
But it was just eight o'clock when Hector arrived at the Christensen estate. He found Karen in the living room, watching an old
opera performance on TV.
When Karen saw Hector, she almost did a double-take. "Alison?!"
"Good morning, ma'am."
Karen looked at him with curiosity. "When did you get to Cloudcrest?"
"I arrived yesterday!" Hector replied. "By the way, where's Sherman?" Karen glanced at the clock on the wall. "He's upstairs in
the gym."
"I'll go find him," Hector said, dashing up the stairs.
Sherman was indeed in the gym, working out.
Unlike his usual old-fashioned shirts, he was stripped to the waist, muscles flexing, his abs and chiseled V-line on full display. A
fine sheen of sweat glistened on his skin.
He was practically radiating testosterone.

Even a professional fitness coach would have had to pause and admire the sight.
Hector was momentarily stunned. He glanced at Sherman, then down at his own body, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious.

Some guys take off their shirts and reveal abs and perfect lines.
He took off his shirt and only found flab...
Comparison really is the thief of joy.
Just then, Sherman noticed Hector standing in the doorway. Lifting a barbell with ease, he said, "What brings you here?"
The barbell looked almost weightless in Sherman's hands.
Hector replied, "Did you forget? We're supposed to meet my idol today!" He could barely contain his excitement at the thought of
racing with his hero.
Sherman's voice was even, "It's only eight. We agreed on ten-thirty."
"But there's drive time," Hector protested. "It's my first time meeting my idol-l can't show up late."
Sherman glanced over. "The mountain road is just ten minutes away. We'll leave at ten."
"Oh." Hector nodded. "Then I'll work out with you until then! Sherman, let me try that thing."
Sherman glanced down, still holding the barbell. "You sure?"
Nothing bruises a man's ego like that question.
Hector
be? Don't
underestimate me,
hot back, "Why wouldn't I ! It's just a barbell. Hol
can it be?"
Sherman set the barbell on the floor. "Go ahead, try it."

Rubbing his hands together, Hector grinned Sherman, you clearly don't know what I'm capable of! I'm capable of! I could lift
this ten times, easy. Water lift

Sherman raised an eyebrow, amused.
Hector gripped the barbell with both hands-then fell silent.
Holy-!
Was this thing made of lead?
He gritted his teeth, using every ounce of strength, but the barbell didn't budge. He'd thought it was light-after all, Sherman had
lifted it like it was nothing.
He hadn't expected it to be this heavy.
Hector looked up, breathless. "Sherman, how much does this barbell weigh?"
Sherman casually picked up a towel and wiped his hands, his tone utterly calm. "Not much. About four hundred pounds."
"F-four hundred?" Hector's jaw dropped.
Four hundred pounds.
And Sherman called that 'not much'?
Some things were simply beyond his understanding.
Soon, ten o'clock rolled around.
The two of them set off for the mountain road.
For the sake of the race, Sherman had brought out his
Gallardo, which looked absolutely stunning.
custom-modified Lamborghini nét
Hector climbed into his own car, his pride and joy.
Ten minutes later, they pulled up at the entrance to the winding road.

It was only 10:15.
Anthea hadn't arrived yet.
Hector was nearly bouncing with excitement. "Sherman, do I look good today? Is
my hair okay? Does this outfit work?"