From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 143

The shop was tucked away in a forlorn corner of the sleepy strip mall, and business had been as stale as last week's bread.

So when Anthea showed up, Una was certain she'd come to stir the pot.

Una's face drained of color, her skin prickling with a chill that made no sense in the heat of July.

Anthea strolled in, her voice cutting through the stifling air. "Is Una around?" She'd dealt with Una when leasing the space before and didn't know anyone else at the leasing office. Looking to buy the shop, she naturally sought out Una.

Una's heart skipped a beat. Trouble was brewing.

She couldn't let Anthea corner her now. A scapegoat was needed and fast.

Swallowing hard, Una pointed to Dinah, the newbie on the team. "Dinah, handle that customer for me!"

"Huh?" Dinah blinked in confusion.

"Are you deaf?" Una snapped, playing the seniority card. "Get moving, or I'll have the manager on your case!"

Anthea, who was just a partition away, had sharp senses. She could hear the commotion inside, clear as day.

Una was squirming, alright. Probably thought she was here for a showdown.

Anthea quirked her eyebrows, but she didn't call Una out, not yet.

Under pressure, Dinah approached Anthea with hesitance. "Good afternoon, madam. How may I assist you today?" There was a tremor in her voice, sensing the tension that had sent Una scrambling.

A faint smile played on Anthea as she replied, "I'm a bit worn out. Could we talk in the lounge area?"

"Right this way, please." Dinah led Anthea to a cozy corner with plush sofas.

Once seated, Anthea began, "I'm Anthea Yeager. I leased a shop here before. Can you look it up?"

Dinah whipped out her tablet. "Let's see. Ah, yes, the property on Dreamland Drive, right?"