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 frame casting 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 name is Hughes. I'm Mr. Christensen's assistant. Mr. Christensen asked me to 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 some self-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 come to 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 helped me so much lately-I'd love to thank you with a home-cooked meal.af youre free, why not come
over 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 home cooking?
Daniel arrived not long after.