Chapter 106


    The next morning, the new employees Sunny, Nana, and Agre showed up for their first day of work.


    With three extra hands on deck and Anthea offering a higher wage than thepetitors, they worked


    diligently, easing the load on Anthea and Carole significantly.


    Thanks to some effective marketing, the business was booming, and soon the team was swamped with


    work. Anthea decided it was time to bring on two more people.


    Days flew by, and before school was back in session, Carole wanted to take Anthea for a visit to


    Latonia’s ce and share the news of their new venture.


    Over the years, Latonia had been a rock for Carole, supporting her through thick and thin. Carole saw


    this visit as the perfect opportunity to express her heartfelt thanks.


    Carole spilled her n to Anthea, who was all for it, “Sarah’s off tomorrow, how about we swing by


    then?”


    The following day, Carole and Anthea picked up an assortment of gifts and set off to


    Latonia’s home.


    Latonia lived in an aged neighborhood thatcked the luster of newer developments but was by no


    means subpar. It was a quintessentially middle–ss area in Cloudcrest.


    Latonia weed Carole and Anthea with open arms.


    “Sarah! Look who’s here, Carole and Ann!” Latonia called out. “Come in and make yourselves at


    home!”


    Latonia chided them upon seeing the bounty of gifts, “Carole, you should have juste to visit! Why


    all this fuss? Do you think money grows on trees? I’ve seen your struggles and I don’t want you


    wasting your hard–earned cash.”


    Carole replied, “It didn’t cost much! Besides, haven’t you always been there for me,


    Latonia?”


    Latonia retorted with a smile, “We’re like sisters!”


    Laughing, Carole said, “Exactly! So let me spoil you a little. If you don’t ept these gifts, you’re


    making me feel like an outsider.”


    Latonia yfully smacked Carole’s arm, “Look at you, getting me all wrapped up in your words.*


    Just then, Sarah burst out of her room, “Ann!”


    “Sarah!” Anthea embraced her in a warm hug.


    Latonia’s husband, Keeley Allen, emerged from the house.


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    This is Keeley, Carole Introduced him to Anthen.


    Nice to meet you, Keeley.”


    Keeley, a pleasantly plump and Jovial middle–aged man, responded with a grin, “You’re as lovely as


    her sister.”


    As he spoke, he added, “Well, Latonia is hosting youdies. I’ll go grab some groceries!”


    “Off you go,” Latonia said, then turned to Keeley, “Make sure to pick up a nice and fatty fish for the


    catfish stew. Carole loves it.”


    “Got it,” Keeley replied.


    Carole, feeling a tad guilty, said, “Keeley, there’s no need for the fuss. We’re fine eating whatever is on


    hand.”


    Latonia put an arm around Carole’s shoulder, “Oh, it’s no bother at all. We’ve gotta cat too. Let him go.


    Let’s head inside and chat.”


    The Allen family’s living room was immacte with sunlight pouring in through the windows.


    Sarah scurried to serve them drinks while Latonia sliced up some fresh fruit.


    Handing Anthea a ss of water, Sarah noticed her phone still on the table and said, “Hey Ann, do you


    y video games? We should totally team up and y!” She had been in the middle of a game when


    she heard Latonia announce Anthea’s arrival and had dashed out without even finishing.


    “What game?” Anthea asked.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    “League of Legends,” Sarah replied.


    Anthea raised an eyebrow, “Is it really that fun?”


    “It’s a st!” Sarah said excitedly. “I’m an experienced yer! You wanna try? I’ll carry you


    to victory!”