From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 51

Out of the blue, Baldie brought up Sarah's education.

Anthea furrowed her brow slightly. "What are you trying to ask?"

"Don't get me wrong. I've got nothing against Sarah," Baldie hurried to clarify. "I just think we should prioritize learning at this time. After all, knowledge can change your destiny. For someone with just a junior high diploma like Sarah, you'd do well to keep your distance."

Baldie had a soft spot for Anthea and hoped she'd strive for excellence. He didn’t need her to outshine everyone, but at least to keep pace with him.

"What's wrong with a junior high diploma? A higher education only means you've got more knowledge than the average Joe, but it doesn't define your character. True character comes from within. What's that got to do with a diploma? Some folks think they're high and mighty with their fancy degrees, oblivious that they're just big fish in a small pond!"

Anthea's words were measured and deliberate. "Are you using your education to gossip behind people's backs?"

Baldie was dumbstruck, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Anthea had implied that all the wise quotes he had read over the years were for naught.

His scholarly pride was no match for a middle schooler.

He was only talking about Sarah, but why was Anthea getting so worked up?

Baldie squinted, and it suddenly dawned on him that Anthea was also a middle school graduate.

Anthea's lofty speech was a defense triggered by his slight to Sarah and her pride.

She feared being looked down upon.

Realizing this, Baldie felt a bit better. "Anthea, don't be upset. I didn't mean it like that. I was speaking off the cuff. That’s all."

Anthea shot Baldie a look. "Sarah is my friend. She's kind and good-hearted. Your 'off-the-cuff' remarks have already hurt her."

Baldie quickly apologized, "I'm sorry."

"Watch your tongue next time." Anthea's voice was cold as she finished speaking and walked away.

For some reason, when Anthea warned him to watch his tongue, Baldie felt a strange sensation. It was as if a teacher was reprimanding a student who had erred.

Otherwise, why would he have instinctively apologized?

Was it all just a misunderstanding?

Mrs. Christensen rounded the corner.

She watched Anthea's retreating figure and nodded in approval.

“Very good, very good!” she praised.

She liked this young lady more and more.

She wasn’t like some, who was one way to your face and another behind your back.

...

At the casino, Anthea hadn't stepped foot inside for three days.

Sherman leaned on the railing of the second floor, his tone indifferent. "It's been three days. You've lost."