From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

“Hey there,” Anthea said, her eyes glinting with the reflection of the chandeller’s light, like a pair of

shimmering gems.

Caught off–guard for a moment, Bryce managed a smile, “Ms. Yeager, I hear the Petersons have a splendid garden. How about we take a stroll out back?”

Nothing could be more romantic than a moonlit walk with a beauty by his side.

Bryce was a notorious playboy, juggling several girlfriends and a trail of flings he couldn’t even count. But now, the ridiculous thought of cutting ties with all of them to woo this captivating girl, to spend his life with her, was taking hold.

It was all because she was irresistibly alluring.

To say she was just ‘pretty‘ felt like an understatement.

“Thanks for the flattery, but I’m afraid I’m not that blessed,” Anthea’s gaze drifted past Bryce, “I think the ladies over there might be more interested in enjoying the garden with you.”

Anthea knew his type well, a Casanova of the modern age, a man who cast a wide net.

Bryce didn’t expect to be turned down.

Coming from the wealthy Harper family and being the pampered only son, Bryce was used to getting his way. Her rejection was a foreign concept to him.

But Anthea’s refusal only steeled his resolve to win her over. Once he got bored, he planned to drop her harshly.

After all, Anthea was just a faux heiress of the Morris family. No status, no position, no backing.

Being pursued by him should be an honor for her.

Perhaps, Anthea was just jealous, why else would she bring up those other ladies?

Yes, she must be green with envy.

“Ms. Yeager, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I barely know those people, and I’m currently single,” Bryce continued, “How about we exchange contacts? We could get to know each other better.”

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The implication in his last sentence was unmistakable.

“Really?” Anthea raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips, “Are you even in my league?”

Bryce frowned, “Don’t get cocky!”

There was always a power imbalance between men and women, and it was the women who lost out.

He had forced himself on women before, but Anthea was not going to be another one of those conquests. “You looking for a duel?” Anthea set down her glass and cracked her knuckles, looking down at Bryce with a mix of amusement and disdain, as if he were a mere jester.

Bryce felt his pride challenged like never before. No woman had ever dared to speak to him like that! He reached out to grab her, expecting no one would come to her defense at this high–society event.

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But Anthea effortlessly lifted her hand. And just like that, she caught Bryce’s wrist.

Truth be told, she preferred kicking to punching, but her dress made it inconvenient tonight.

Bryce suddenly felt weightless, tumbling forward and landing face–first on the ground, legs in the air.

The commotion drew everyone’s attention.

Such a large man brought down so easily was embarrassingly weak!

Anthea looked down at Bryce with a hint of mockery, her tone light and teasing, “Mr. Harper, you’re flopping around like a damsel in distress.

Laughter erupted from the crowd.

There Bryce lay, his face scrunched in anger. He had never been so humiliated.

He hadn’t anticipated Anthea’s skill.

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