From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Harriet jogged over to find Anthea, her laughter cutting through the morning bustle. "Hey Anthea, get some help, will you? You're needed inside for table service."

"What?" Anthea blinked in confusion.

"We've got some big shots inside specifically asking for you," Harriet said, a grin playing on her lips. "Are they pals of yours or something?" She paused for a second, considering Anthea's humble beginnings, it seemed quite improbable.

But Harriet had seen them clearly. The most attractive among them was decked out in luxury brands that most people only ever saw on TV.

A single T-shirt that they wore was worth a grand. If Anthea knew these types, she wouldn't be waiting tables at this joint.

Anthea furrowed her brow slightly as she followed Harriet inside.

With a nod of her chin, Harriet pointed out the table. "That one with the three girls sitting at it. Make sure you give them the VIP treatment."

Anthea, her expression unreadable, approached with the menu in hand. "What can I get for you ladies today?"

She needed to fulfill her duty in any way. If these three were here to stir trouble, she'd just have to roll with the punches.

Anthea wasn't about to back down.

The familiar voice caught Rebecca off guard as she looked up with a sneer.

But then, she froze, her smirk paralyzed on her lips.

Was this Anthea? How had the so-called ugly duckling transformed like this?

Rebecca had expected to see a pitiful mess, someone down on their luck.

Instead, Anthea was positively radiant!

“What was happening? How could this bitch be so attractive? Had she gone under the surgery? How dare she look better than me!” Rebecca cursed inwardly. Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Rebecca shifted her face through shades of envy, her composure shattered. She couldn't bear anyone outshining her.

Mae and Alicia were equally stunned. Didn't Anthea just take money yesterday for makeup and beauty products? Why wasn't she wearing any makeup?

"Anthea, why aren't you dolled up today? Don't you know your plain face could scare someone?" Mae frowned, her voice accusatory.

"Makeup?" Anthea creased her brow slightly with a look of genuine confusion on her face. "Why would I need makeup? And do I know you two?"

As they observed Anthea’s innocent demeanor, Alicia and Mae started doubting their encounter the previous day.

Had Anthea gone mad?

Mae, fuming, stood up abruptly, pointing at Anthea. "Cut the act, Anthea! You definitely took our money!"

Anthea’s smile was subtle yet firm. "If you're not ready to order, I have other tables to attend to."

Alicia struggled to maintain her cool and addressed Anthea, "Bring us one of everything on the menu!"

"That's quite a lot for just three of you. Are you sure you can manage?" Anthea couldn't help but caution them.

Alicia narrowed her eyes, "We're the customers here. Haven't you heard that the customer is always right? What kind of waitress questions the customer?"

Rebecca had been silent until now. She knew she had to suppress her rage and jealousy. She couldn't allow things to spiral out of her control.

"Alright, your order will be right up," Anthea replied and headed toward the kitchen.

As Anthea disappeared from view, Rebecca finally turned to Mae and Alicia, "What's your deal with her?"

Mae recounted the previous night's events, "Anthea went back on her word! She said she'd buy makeup and pretty up today, and now she's denying it!"

"Are you two idiots?" Rebecca slit eyes, "You got played by Anthea. Don’t you even realize? You knew she was strapped for cash, and you just threw your money at her?"