บททั้งหมดของ Why the Crocodile Tears?: บทที่ 91 - บทที่ 100

The instant Anathea locked gazes with Evangeline, she already knew what the latter was planning.As she expected, after dismissing them, Evangeline sought Anathea out.Evangeline said in a meaningful tone, "Nat, this opportunity is very important to you. Don't worry, I'll definitely leave you—""No need," Anathea refused gently.Evangeline paused in surprise, not expecting Anathea to outright reject her. A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.Perhaps Anathea still hadn't adjusted well, so it was Evangeline's own fault for being too hasty. It had only been a short time, after all."If you pick me, I want it to be because of my actual capabilities, so I hope you can be fairer, Ms. Holstrom. That way, the others will find it easier to accept your decision," Anathea explained.For a moment, all Evangeline could do was stare at the small smile on Anathea's face. Then, she regained her composure and let out a laugh. "Alright, I'll definitely be strict!"For the next two days,

"Absolutely. Mr. Sinclair went out of his way just for Ms. Whitman. Most people would be lucky to get even a minute of his time.""Sounds like Mr. Sinclair's got quite a stake in Ms. Whitman's exhibition, huh?"A faint smile touched Natalie's lips, her voice softening with practiced modesty. "Oh, Mr. Sinclair's just thorough when it comes to work. He's the very definition of a workaholic."Her tone might have sounded dismissive, but the ease behind it hinted at a closeness with Gregory that didn't go unnoticed. The other guests exchanged glances, knowing smiles passing between them.Tonight was more than just a celebration dinner. It was a networking event Gregory had put together specifically for Natalie.Aspen, meanwhile, took in the conversation without a flicker of reaction and headed to the seat to Gregory's right.Gregory wasn't usually the one to make the first move, but this time, he offered a handshake. Aspen barely caught his fingers before slipping into her seat, her d

"You're too kind, Mr. Wade," Natalie said with a smile as she lifted her glass.Gregory raised his own and took a sip."Let me tell you, Ms. Whitman is remarkable. To pull off that many high-profile exhibitions at her age? She's raising the bar for the entire field!""No doubt about it. Word is, she and Mr. Sinclair went to the same university. And not just any university, a top-tier one. That's some next-level talent.""You're all far too kind," Natalie said with a modest smile before turning to Gregory. "Mr. Sinclair and I may be the same age, but he finished his degree a year ahead of me. I've always admired him!"Two brilliant minds meeting at the top—it was the stuff of true romance.All at once, it seemed obvious to everyone that Gregory and Natalie were meant for each other. After all, who else could possibly match Gregory if not someone like Natalie?And so, eager to win Gregory's favor, they all made sure to sing Natalie's praises."You're just as impressive, Ms. Whitm

"Is that guy still as much of a jerk?" Theo asked, his interest piqued.He'd always had a soft spot for drama."I honestly couldn't tell you if he's still a jerk," Aspen said, her gaze moving across the room before settling on Gregory, her smile carrying a hint of something unreadable. "Mr. Sinclair, what do you think? Is he still a jerk?"The room went silent, the question hanging in the air. No one had expected that, least of all aimed at Gregory. Was he involved in this somehow?At those words, Natalie's expression tightened. A sudden realization seemed to hit her, and she quickly turned her head toward Anathea.Natalie remembered how Anathea had walked in with Evangeline from Eden Studio, which meant she was the floral designer behind "Verdant Blush"!Could Anathea really be Aspen's protégé? If that was true, then everything Aspen had just said had been a subtle jab at her!A cold tension settled on Natalie's face at the thought. But she quickly recovered, a smirk of disdain

"Ms. Langley…" Anathea murmured, her eyes pricked with tears."Call me if you have issues with the floral design. So what if I said I was busy? You should've kept pushing until I made time. You'll never get anywhere being this sensitive," Aspen chided.Embarrassed, Anathea nodded earnestly. "Understood. Thank you, Ms. Langley.""Don't thank me yet. Thank me when you've got something to show for it. Anyway, I've got places to be. I can't stand around talking all day," Aspen said with a faint smile.The elevator chimed as it reached their floor, the doors parting.At that moment, Gregory walked out of the private room and noticed Aspen, Anathea, and Evangeline together.Aspen caught sight of him but barely spared him a glance before shifting her attention back to Anathea. "Look, I know you might not want to hear this, but I've got to say it anyway."Anathea raised her eyes."Why bother holding onto a jerk like that? What's he good for?" Aspen didn't mince words.Anathea was caug