From Sneers to Cheers Anthea's Ascent novel Chapter 89

Hearing Sallie sigh with fatigue, Elaine was quick to respond, “Have a rest. I’ll give you a shout when dinner's ready.”

Sallie nodded in acknowledgment.

“Hold up a second, Sallie.” Gemma suddenly grasped Sallie’s hand.

Sallie betrayed a flicker of disgust as she caught sight of Gemma’s grubby fingers. Gemma’s long and unkempt nails were caked with grime.

Swallowing her revulsion, Sallie managed to ask, “What is it?”

Gemma continued with a hint of excitement, “I got a special treat for you! Felton, bring it over here, will you?”

Felton stepped forward with a bag in hand. “This is the pickle I made just for you.”

Gemma chimed in, “Remember how you loved it when you were a little girl? Only you and Stella get to enjoy my pickle. No one else gets this special treatment!”

Sallie and Stella were the shining stars. It was natural for Gemma to dote on them. After all, when they married off, she expected them to remember herself with affection and generosity.

“Thanks, Granny,” Sallie said, taking the bag.

Gemma beamed. “No need for thanks, child. Go get some rest now.”

Sallie took the bag inside. The moment she was out of sight, she tossed it straight into the trash. She couldn’t bear to hold onto such filth for a moment longer.

It wasn’t long before Susan’s daughter Phoebe arrived.

Phoebe was the spitting image of Susan, with a talent for flattering that was second to none. One moment she was complimenting Elaine on her youthful looks, the next on how well-maintained her skin was. Her words were as sweet as honey.

Phoebe's sweet talk made Anthea's silence more noticeable. Sitting motionless on the couch, she didn’t utter a single charming word.

Elaine frowned slightly with a hint of distaste flickering in her eyes.

How on earth did Carole educate Anthea?

Elaine slipped off her bracelet and fastened it around Phoebe’s wrist. “Phoebe, this bracelet is for you.”

Phoebe was taken aback. “Auntie, I couldn’t accept this!”

Elaine’s laughter filled the room. “You’re my niece. Besides, with how sweet you are, you’re my favorite. This is the latest style. It’ll look great on someone young like you. I’m too old for such things!”

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