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

Chapter 208

After a day of hitting the shops, hunger had finally started to nudge her. She was the kind who didn't fuss over table manners—comfort was her priority, and incidentally, her nonchalance often painted the most beautiful, natural picture.

Sherman glanced sideways, catching sight of her focused indulgence.

Was it really that delectable?

He speared a piece of broccoli, chewing thoughtfully.

It tasted... pretty ordinary, actually.

But as he watched her relish her meal, he found himself eating more than he intended.

Nearly full, Anthea waved over the server. "Could we get two of your desserts, please?"

The server nodded. "Sure thing."

Sherman's lips parted slightly. "One is enough for me, I'm stuffed."

"Don't worry about it, bring two," Anthea insisted. "I can finish them both by myself."

Sherman was speechless. He realized that she never intended to share in the first place.

When the desserts arrived, Anthea dove into them with gusto.

Sherman was taken aback; she could really put it away. He had four sisters, and they all ate very little to maintain their figures, barely touching their food and steering clear of sweets altogether. This had led Sherman to believe that all girls ate sparingly.

Clearly, he was mistaken.

He could only imagine how his sisters would react if they knew that their self-denial didn't necessarily give them the edge over someone who ate heartily with abandon—they'd be livid!

As Anthea enjoyed her dessert, Sherman just sat there, twirling his cross pendant between his fingers. They didn't speak, but the silence wasn't awkward.

About ten minutes later, Anthea finished and headed to the bar to settle the bill, only to learn that Sherman had already paid.

Anthea looked at him. "Mr. Christensen, I thought this was my treat. Why did you pay?"

Sherman gave her a faint smile, his slender fingers tracing the cross pendant. "It doesn't really matter who pays, but if Ms. Yeager feels compelled to return the favor, there's a coffee shop not far from here. You could invite me for a cup. And perhaps, you could share some chess strategies with me."

Anthea raised an eyebrow. "You want to play chess with me?"

Sherman nodded, "Yes." This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Anthea checked the time on her phone—it wasn't even 7 PM yet—so she agreed, "Okay."

They left the restaurant together, with Sherman gallantly opening the passenger door of his car for Anthea.

The car was spacious and clean, a reflection of Sherman's meticulous nature.

They arrived at the coffee shop shortly after.

The manager, who knew Sherman well, greeted him with enthusiasm. "Mr. Christensen, welcome back. Right this way, please."

The manager's eyes darted curiously to Anthea, full of disbelief. Sherman usually came alone or with Daniel. The sight of him with a beautiful woman was unexpected—could she be the fiancée from Cloudcrest everyone whispered about?

In seconds, the manager's head was swirling with questions.

They were ushered into Sherman's favorite private room, which was decorated with a classic elegance. An antique chess set awaited them on a side table.

"Ms. Yeager, please," Sherman gestured for her to sit.

Anthea nodded and settled herself across from him just as the manager brought some steaming coffee. The rising steam blurred their features into soft focus.

As far as chess was concerned, Sherman was no match for Anthea. Not even halfway through the game, his pieces were in disarray. Anyone witnessing the match might think he was letting her win on purpose.

Sherman frowned slightly. "I lost."

Anthea smiled and said "It's only natural to lose to me. After all, when I'm in the game, there's no beating me. I’m the boss."

Boss?

Sherman looked at her incredulously—she wanted to be his boss?

In that moment, Anthea realized her slip-up. She was so used to saying so during her streams that she had let the term slip in front of Sherman.