Chapter 26


    Lauren was born in the 1960s and clung to old–fashioned ideas. She believed that as long as a girl was


    pretty, she was set for life.


    After all, we live in an era where everything is judged by appearances.


    “Lauren, do you think the rich are blind and stupid? These days, a wealthy guy wants a wife who’s not


    only a looker but also has a top–notch education!” Harriet nced over at Anthea, then lowered her


    voice to a whisper, “And Anthea’s so gorgeous, I bet she’s had a string of boyfriends. Surely she’s not a


    virgin anymore. Why would a rich guy want damaged goods?”


    Rich folks weren’t fools!


    Forget about the rich. Even Harriet wouldn’t want her son bringing home a bride with no


    smarts.


    Lauren frowned. “You can’t just say things like that! Anthea doesn’t seem like that sort of


    person.


    What was the most important thing for a person? The reputation, of course!


    *Some people are two–faced. Sweet as pie to your face and a whole other story behind your back.”


    Harriet said, then quickly added, “I’m only saying this to you. It’s not proper to talk this way in front of


    others.”


    Anthea was so beautiful that Harriet felt uneasy just looking at her, sensing she wasn’t the type to stay


    in line. And there was a tinge of envy, too.


    Why should Anthea be blessed with such beauty while others weren’t?


    When envy couldn’t be spoken aloud, it turned into nder. A nder was often subconscious.


    But thankfully, the universe was fair. It gave Anthea a stunning facade but not the smarts or the


    degrees to match.


    Lauren felt Harriet’sments were out of line. “What if Anthea is still studying? Aren’t a lot of kids


    working summer jobs these days?”


    “No way.” Harriet stated confidently. “Just look at her. She’s not the studious type. If she’s just filling in


    for Carole for a month, why work so hard? It’s clear she’s aiming to stick around.”


    In Harriet’s eyes, Anthea’s diligence was her way of brown–nosing, hoping for a permanent spot on the


    payroll.


    Lauren watched Anthea’s busy figure and said, “I don’t think it’s like that… Harriet, maybe you’re


    overthinking this.”


    “Overthinking? This is the real deal! Lauren, if you don’t believe me, just wait and see what happens in


    a month.” Harriet was confident.


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    Anthea, busy as ever, was oblivious to the fact that Harriet had been sizing her up.


    12


    Chapter 26


    Anthea was a hard worker, barely taking a break all evening. Lauren handed her an ice–cold Coke,


    “Here, Anthea, take a break and have a drink.”


    “Thank you, Lauren,” Anthea said, taking the cup with both hands.


    Lauren warmed her eyes with approval at the gesture.


    These little things revealed a lot about a person’s upbringing and character.


    Anthea had good manners, which was evident.


    epting something from an elder with both hands was a sign of respect, which was a tradition Anthea


    followed without fail.


    It was well past midnight when Anthea finally finished her shift.


    Lauren cautioned her, “Anthea, be careful on your way home. It’ste and you’re a single young.


    woman.”


    “Thanks, Lauren. I will be,” Anthea assured her.


    As Anthea stepped out of the rotisserie, she saw Nanson waving from across the street. “HEW


    Anthea! Over here!”