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

"What's that mean?" Carole blinked, clearly not following.

Elaine continued, "Irvin is 55 years old. Although he’s plain in look, he is a millionaire. If you marry him, you'll be rolling in luxury for life!"

Yep, that was Elaine's grand plan. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

It wasn't that she had any particular affection for Carole.

Instead, her husband, Hancock, saw a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with Irvin, hoping to secure him as an investor.

Despite being in her thirties and a mother, Carole was undeniably beautiful, with classical features that could turn heads.

Carole frowned, "Elaine, are you suggesting that I..." The rest of her sentence hung in the air, unspoken.

Elaine nodded, affirming the unvoiced accusation.

Carole pushed back, "I appreciate the thought, but I'm not looking to get hitched again."

Elaine laughed, a wry twist to her lips, "Oh, Carole, you've got it wrong. I'm not asking you to marry the guy."

She thought Carole had an inflated sense of herself.

Thinking Irvin would marry her was laughable. Did Carole believe just anyone could waltz into high society?

"Elaine, then what are you saying?" Carole was puzzled.

Elaine laid it out, "Here's the deal. Irvin's got his wife and kids settled in another city. He had a mistress here in Cloudcrest, but his mistress got into a car accident, lost a limb, and he cut her loose. Now, Irvin's looking to set up a new nest with a mistress here."

Affairs were dime a dozen among the rich and famous, so Elaine wasn't fazed.

Plus, Carole, unwed with a child, wasn't saintly. She'd be a perfect match for Irvin.

At that, Carole's face drained of color. She stared at Elaine, incredulous, "Are you asking me to break up a family?"

"Oh, honey, you're making it sound so dramatic!" Elaine chuckled, patting Carole's hand, "Look, I'm doing this for you. With Irvin, you won't have to worry about a thing. Just relax, count your money, and enjoy life. Trust me, Irvin's a good man. He won't shortchange you."

Carole stepped back, "No way! I could never do something like that!"

"Why not? What's stopping you?" Before Elaine could respond, Gemma burst out of her seat, pointing at Carole, "Irvin's interested in you, and that's a stroke of luck! With your reputation, you should be grateful anyone's giving you the time of day, let alone being picky! You've done far worse, so drop the act! Do you think you're still some untainted maiden?"

Carole reddened her eyes as she locked gazes with Gemma.

Elaine patted Carole's shoulder, "Listen, these words are harsh but not wrong. Given your situation, Irvin's interest is a blessing. He's loaded. If you get with him, you'll be living the high life. I'm only thinking of your best interest..."

"Ridiculous!" Carole cut Elaine off, "Enough! I won't agree to this!"

Only Elaine could suggest such a ridiculous thing with a straight face.

Elaine frowned, frustrated that Carole couldn't see the opportunity right in front of her.

Irvin was willing to overlook her past, and yet she had the gall to refuse him!