From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

If this was what they called a tough market, their situation would be a disaster.

Truth be told, Fanny was speechless!

She couldn’t even believe the scene before her eyes.

What in the world was going on? Why was Yeager’s Delicacies bustling with customers?

How could it be so affordable? Where were all these people coming from?

A cold sweat broke out on Fanny’s back as a tumult of emotions with jealousy, envy, and a certain indescribable feeling swirling in her heart.

“Fanny, are you even listening to me? Are we really talking about Yeager’s Delicacies here?”

“Yes,” Fanny nodded with difficulty.

Much as she hated to admit it, it was indeed Yeager’s Delicacies.

Just then, Carole stepped out to take out the trash and spotted Fanny. “Hey Fanny, I’m swamped right now, so I can’t invite you in for a coffee,” she said with a casual wave.

Fanny mustered a stiff smile. “You’re busy! Business comes first.” She had come to revel in Carole’s downfall, but instead, she was the one left red–faced.

“Let’s head back,” Fanny said, pulling Daisy along.

Daisy, puzzled, said, “I can’t figure out why her place is so packed. On this street, aside from that crawfish joint, I’d bet hers is the busiest!”

Fanny felt a sting in her heart. It was just a small and out–of–the–way shop. How on earth was it thriving?

She wondered what sort of tricks those two were pulling.

It was infuriating!

Daisy went on, “Imagine if Samia found out how Yeager’s Delicacies is booming. Wouldn’t she be livid?”

That sparked an idea in Fanny.

Right! She shouldn’t be the one upset.

Samia’s Savory Symphony would be the ones kicking themselves.

If they knew that the spot they’d tossed aside wasn’t a dud but a goldmine, they’d be green with regret!

“Of course, they’d be fuming!” Fanny replied.

05.31

After returning Fanny made sure the news reached the previous owner next door. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Samia, upon hearing the news, was incredulous.

She had let go of that location because it was so isolated, barely seeing a soul from day to day. And now, in just a few days after Anthea took over, the business was taking off? It couldn’t be true.

Deciding to see for herself, Samia headed over to Yeager’s Delicacies.

The sight left her completely dumbfounded.

The once deserted storefront was now lined with customers.

“Good heavens!” she exclaimed, rubbing her eyes in disbelief.

But the scene remained unchanged.

It was real!

When Anthea had first taken over, Samia had laughed at her, sure she’d run at a loss.

The irony stung sharply.

If only Samia had known the true potential of that location, she would have never given it up! The regret was killing her!

All that business should have been theirs. It was Anthea reaping the benefits now!

Inside, Anthea and Carole were bustling about.

Thankfully, the roasted rabbits and the seasoning were prepared early on, so there was no need for on–the–spot cooking, which would have been impossible to manage with the current crowd.

At the end of the night, Carole tallied up the earnings and was astounded to find they had doubled since yesterday!

“Ann, we made six thousand bucks today!”

Anthea turned with a smile, “Mom, I told you our business would keep getting better.”

With every passing day, there was more hope. Carole felt genuinely happy, her complexion even seemed brighter than before.