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Chapter 53
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Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 54
Gregory pulled the blanket over Anathea's exposed shoulder before getting up. He stepped over the pile of clothes on the floor, walking toward the living room.Just as he was about to sit down, there was a knock at the door, followed by Theo's voice. "Gregory!"Gregory opened the door for him.The moment Theo saw the scratch marks peeking out from under Gregory's loosely draped robe, he clicked his tongue. "It seems you had an intense time.""If you have something to say, just say it." Gregory wasn't in the mood to waste time, especially since he'd already caught the emotions flickering in Theo's eyes—undeniable resentment and frustration."Why did you help her? You never used to be like this.""That's none of your business," Gregory replied flatly. He didn't owe anyone an explanation, least of all for this. Besides, he himself wasn't entirely sure why he'd spoken up for Anathea in the first place.And now that he had, he'd undoubtedly drawn suspicion from Adrian and the others
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 55
Anathea woke up feeling parched.The heat coursing through her body made her feel like a fish stranded onshore, gasping for water. Every inch of her body ached as if it had been taken apart and put back together again.She struggled to open her eyes, and when she realized Gregory was no longer there, the tension inside her loosened just a little.As she propped herself up, the blanket slid down to her waist. That was when she noticed there wasn't a single unmarked spot on her body.She didn't care. Her gaze fell on the nightstand to find a check for three million there, down to the last cent. There wasn't a penny more. It was as if he was telling her that was exactly what she was worth.Anathea curled her lips slightly. At the very least, Gregory kept his word.To him, three million was nothing. It was just like every check he'd ever given her before—nothing more than a payment after he used her to satisfy himself.Still, Anathea took the check without hesitation. For the sake o
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 56
Anathea felt a chill all over her body, and it only eased a little with the help of a hot shower. After she'd changed into the new clothes, she headed straight to the hospital.Once she paid off the remaining three million in medical expenses and confirmed the surgery date, Anathea finally let out a sigh of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "I'll be counting on you for the surgery, Dr. Peltz.""Rest assured, Ms. Jacobson. We'll do our best," Carl replied solemnly. "Mrs. Jacobson is awake now. Would you like to see her?"Ever since Fiona had started receiving the injections, her condition had slightly improved. At that moment, she was sipping the nourishing soup the nurse had brought her. When she saw Anathea at the door, she smiled and waved her over. "You're here.""Hi, Mom." Anathea smiled faintly. But the moment she noticed the thick IV catheter still in Fiona's wrist, her nose stung. "Does it hurt?""Not at all. Don't worry." Fiona raised her hand to
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 57
Anathea didn't know why Fiona had suddenly asked that. But with Fiona's surgery coming up, Anathea didn't want to worry her.Hence, she smiled and replied, "No, he's treating me well."Despite what she said, images flashed through her mind—Gregory gripping her chin, looking at her with pure disdain."I didn't know you were this cheap, Anathea. A mere three million is all it takes for you to sell yourself?""If you're going to sell yourself, then make some noise. Who are you putting on this half-dead act for?"Every word was like a fine silver needle, piercing countless wounds into her heart. The pain seeped deep into her bones, making it hard to breathe.Yet, she still wore a faint smile when she was with Fiona. "I'm telling the truth, Mom. Don't worry about me. I'm doing fine."Fiona didn't speak right away. She simply looked at Anathea, taking in how much thinner her daughter's face had become. Her heart ached, but seeing Anathea still smiling, she nodded."I just want you to
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 58
Anathea let out a breath and was just about to leave. As she lifted her head, she caught sight of Gregory at the end of the hallway, talking on the phone. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a long, sharp-edged shadow of him on the floor.She paused. Xander had said Gregory brought him here, so of course, he was at the hospital, too.Gregory also looked in her direction. For a brief moment, their eyes met. Anathea's fingers curled slightly at her sides. She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she could vaguely sense Gregory's gaze sweeping over her.He was, in fact, looking at her. She was wearing a pure white silk blouse paired with a form-fitting, pale lavender fishtail skirt.He'd picked this outfit. It was a relatively modest design. A scarf covered her neck, and the skirt reached past her knees, concealing every mark he'd left on her.Even so, her figure was undeniably striking. Though she'd lost weight, her curves remained untouched. The soft, fitte
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 59
Fiona's tone was dripping with mockery.Gregory frowned slightly. No one had ever dared to mock him so openly right to his face."What do you mean, Mrs. Jacobson? I don't understand."Fiona laughed. "You don't understand? I don't care whether you really don't understand or if you're just pretending not to. I just have one question for you—when exactly did you start having a mistress?"A flicker of confusion crossed Gregory's eyes. "Mistress? Who are you talking about?""Don't play dumb with me!" Fiona raised her voice. "Besides that woman in the ward, who else is there?"Gregory finally realized Fiona was talking about Natalie and replied calmly, "That woman in the ward is like a daughter to my mom.""Like a daughter?" Fiona scoffed coldly. Seeing his indifferent attitude, she sneered. "I didn't know your family's into role-playing."Gregory's expression darkened, and his tone turned ice-cold. "Mrs. Jacobson, watch your mouth. I'm only giving you some respect because you're Xan
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 60
Gregory gave a slight nod. When he felt Fiona's resentful gaze on him, he turned to look at her.Sensing the tension, the doctor quickly explained, "Given Mrs. Jacobson's current condition, I reduced the dosage of the sedative."That was why Fiona hadn't fallen asleep and was instead glaring at Gregory. If looks could kill, he would have been torn apart on the spot.For a moment, the ward fell into silence.The doctor wiped away a cold sweat.From what Fiona had just said, it wasn't hard to guess that she was Gregory's mother-in-law. That put him in a tough spot—he couldn't afford to offend either side."You can leave now," Gregory said calmly after a brief pause.The doctor hesitated, then cautiously asked, "Mr. Sinclair, should I inform your family of your injury?"At those words, Fiona's fierce gaze flickered with guilt. After all, she was the one who'd struck first. If Gregory decided to pursue the matter, Anathea would inevitably be dragged into it. That thought filled Fio
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 61
Gregory's steps paused briefly as he turned slightly to look at Fiona."If you don't love her, let her go." Fiona let out a breath and bent her back slowly before adding, "I'm begging you."The once-famous lady of Castenea was now lowering herself to a younger man for the sake of her daughter."Well?" Fiona asked.Maybe if Gregory and Anathea got a divorce, it would put an end to this five-year mistake. That way, Gregory wouldn't torment Anathea any longer.Fiona just wanted Anathea to have a better life, nothing more.Gregory didn't respond. After a few seconds of silence, he simply pulled open the door and left without looking back.At that moment, Natalie was being wheeled out of her ward and happened to see him. "Greg!"Gregory acknowledged her with a brief response but didn't slow down."Where are you going?" Natalie asked, but Gregory didn't reply as he walked away. A trace of confusion flickered in Natalie's eyes.Just then, two nurses pushing carts passed by."Did yo
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Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 172
Even as her heart pounded wildly under her ribcage, Natalie maintained her poise and elegant demeanor, looking like a beautiful princess at the top of the castle waiting for her prince to come.When Gregory was less than a foot away, she silently gulped. She put on her most dazzling smile and extended her right hand toward him.At that moment, the world around them quieted. The lights and the audience's unwavering gaze were on them. As everyone beheld the scene on the red carpet, shock colored their faces.Someone exclaimed, "So the bigwig who'd spent millions on Ms. Whitman is Mr. Sinclair, the CEO of Sinclair Group?""No wonder! I've heard that Mr. Sinclair and Ms. Whitman are more than just platonic acquaintances! So she's the future Mrs. Sinclair! Looks like the rumors are true, then. I bet Mr. Sinclair wants to use this opportunity to announce his engagement with Ms. Whitman officially!""Indeed! Mr. Sinclair is the finest example of a rich and adoring husband in all of Caste
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 171
Hannah carefully observed Anathea's expression and found it neutral. It was as if Anathea couldn't care less about what she'd seen on television. Only then did Hannah heave a sigh of relief and let loose a torrent of abuse. "To think that no-good Gregory would bring that hussy to a huge social event so soon after your divorce!"Hannah didn't remember seeing Gregory bring Anathea to any social event. He couldn't have made his double standards any more obvious.In stark contrast to Hannah's outrage, Anathea remained expressionless. She and Gregory were divorced, and he could bring whoever he wanted to to any party. It had nothing to do with Anathea anyway, and she saw no point in dwelling on the past."Gregory?" Chloe was curious about the man Hannah was cursing. "Mommy, who's Gregory?""This guy right here," Hannah said, clenching her jaw as she pointed at the man appearing on camera. "He might look like a decent fella, but he's nothing but a despicable, no-good prick!""Oh, so t
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 170
And yet, the lights that illuminated Presgrave Manor were as bright as day.Macon and Dayanna Presgrave had weathered the odds together for decades and were celebrating their 30th anniversary. Theirs was an arranged marriage between two equally powerful families that had made the Presgraves one of the most prestigious households in Castenea.As such, the dinner party thrown in their honor saw the attendance of many important folks from Castenea. Even the press had been invited to broadcast and photograph the event. With all the major media outlets promoting the luxurious affair, the party quickly became the most anticipated event of that evening.Everything about the party stirred up unprecedented buzz. It was even being broadcast live on television.Anathea was greeted by the live broadcast of the dinner party at Presgrave Manor the moment she clicked on the remote and turned on the television. She also caught the dashing figure in a black suit that appeared on camera for only
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 169
Dominic was well aware that by "someone", Gregory meant Anathea. However, he kept his expression neutral as he met Gregory's gaze, revealing nothing. "Mr. Sinclair, surely you jest. I wouldn't dare hide anyone from you, let alone someone who means something to you."Gregory's lips pressed into a grim line as he stared at Dominic wordlessly. He didn't believe Dominic. With Gregory's forces and the way they worked, it wouldn't take more than two days for him to hear about Anathea as long as she was in Syntherra.However, four days had passed, and there had been no news of her. Gregory doubted anyone other than Dominic could keep Anathea's whereabouts hidden.But Dominic didn't look the slightest bit rattled. "If you've lost someone, Mr. Sinclair, all you have to do is tell me who it is and I'll have my men search for them as well.""As if you'd do that." Gregory scoffed, looking away.A tense silence spread between the two men. Just as Dominic thought Gregory wouldn't say anythi
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 168
"Sweetheart, you're not old." Dominic pinched Hannah's delicate cheek. "You're only 27 and in your prime!""Is this how you treat them as well?" Hannah countered, her tone devoid of emotion.Dominic paused. "'Them'?""Do you call the other women 'sweetheart' if they please you too?" Hannah didn't ask this aloud, not that she planned to, lest she embarrass herself.The flush across her cheeks gradually waned as she calmed down. She shoved Dominic away and urged, "Why aren't you leaving?"However, Dominic's lips curled as he pinned her down, sturdy as a mountain. He even pressed his lips close to her ear and murmured, "I'll stay a little longer to boost our chances of getting pregnant."Hannah fell speechless. Dominic seemed intent on—if not borderline obsessed with—knocking her up.In the past, he'd used protection all the time and even went the extra mile to clean up the trash. He was extremely cautious so as not to create trouble for himself.But everything changed after Hanna
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 167
"Of course not," Hannah said with a smile, not a single crack in her expression. "Do I look like someone who goes back on her word? I'm not even pregnant yet. Once I am, I'll stop working."Dominic narrowed his eyes. "Are you questioning my efficiency?"Hannah was stunned for a moment, thrown off by how fast he'd jumped to that conclusion.He took her pause as silent agreement. With a smirk, he reached over and pinched her cheek. "Don't worry. I'll show you exactly what efficiency means."The moment the light turned green, he shifted his gaze back to the road and hit the gas. The Bentley shot forward like a bullet.As soon as they reached his apartment, even before stepping through the door, Dominic grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. He cupped her chin and lowered his head to kiss her lips.Hannah's eyes widened for a second in surprise. But soon enough, she responded to him.The heat between them rose fast. Hannah, caught in his demanding rhythm, struggled to catch her bre
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 166
This had been the most relaxing day since Hannah had wrapped up her latest project.But the moment she spotted a black Bentley parked just ahead, her heart, which had finally settled, suddenly shot up into her throat. Her grip on Anathea's arm tightened instinctively."What's wrong?" Anathea stopped and looked at her in confusion."I, uh… just remembered I've got something urgent to take care of." Hannah's tone sounded a little awkward.But Anathea didn't think much of it. Given Hannah's line of work, sudden plans were common. "Okay, go ahead. I'll get the markers for Chloe myself.""Oh, can you also take Chloe home? Don't let her sneak out." Hannah grasped her hand, looking serious. "You know how scary some obsessed fans can be. If they found out I had a daughter…""Don't worry. I understand." Anathea nodded. "I'll take her home and be with her. She'll be safe."The apartment's security was tighter than the hospital's."Thanks, Thea." With that, Hannah turned and walked off. S
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 165
Anathea was surprised herself. Before she'd found out about the pregnancy, her morning sickness had been unbearable, but now that she knew, it had gradually faded. And after she'd left Castenea, it had almost disappeared completely.When she was pregnant with Xander, she'd been violently sick. It was so bad that she'd ended up in the hospital multiple times. Toward the end of the pregnancy, it felt like her body was being torn apart by the chaos inside her.So, after seven months of carrying Xander, Anathea had been mostly confined to bed since she couldn't move around much.This baby, however, was far calmer. That was why Anathea guessed that it was a girl.Hannah thought so too because she'd experienced something similar when she'd been pregnant with Chloe."Looks like she's looking out for her mom." Hannah smiled as she glanced at Anathea's belly.After a brief pause, she leaned in closer to Anathea and asked, "She's such a sweet little angel. Are you really going to give he
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 164
The air reeked of blood. Gregory's eyes turned red with fury.Pain was the fastest way to awaken a man's buried hunger. And in that moment, it brought every dark instinct inside him roaring back to life."Anathea."Gregory kept saying her name over and over again, grinding it between his teeth. Even though every syllable scraped raw against his heart, his eyes only burned with growing obsession for her."No matter where you run, I'll be right behind you. I swear it, Anathea. You're never getting away from me."…"Ah-choo!"While working on her floral arrangement at Syntherra, Anathea suddenly sneezed and quickly covered her mouth with her hand."What's wrong? Are you catching a cold?" Fiona asked gently while handing her a tissue."I don't think so. Someone's probably missing me," Anathea joked as she took the tissue."Bingo!" A lively girl's voice rang out.Just as Anathea found the voice familiar, the door to the ward swung open.In walked a girl dressed in a cool little
