Semua Bab Why the Crocodile Tears?: Bab 211 - Bab 220

Gregory pulled Anathea in front of him, and she stared at him.It seemed he already knew about the conflict she'd had with Natalie at the jewelry store earlier that day. Anathea instinctively curled her fingers slightly.However, Gregory asked gently, "Are you tired?"Anathea froze for a moment, a little unused to his sudden concern."Cyrus and Mateo are looking after Xander. You don't need to tire yourself out like this." Gregory played with her wrist in his palm.The pads of his fingers were slightly calloused. When they brushed against her skin, it itched a bit.Anathea instinctively pulled her hand back, her tone calm. "Xander is my son, and he's sick. It's only natural for me to look after him.""What about me?" Gregory suddenly asked. "I'm your husband. Are you just going to ignore me?"There was a hint of jealousy in his voice.He'd wrapped up work early so he could go home earlier, since Anathea had returned. It was the first time in all these years that he'd felt even

Anathea's heart jolted. She instinctively placed a hand on her lower abdomen and took a step back."Where are you going?" Gregory stood up and walked to her, the pressure he exuded closing in on her.He reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace. His warm, masculine scent instantly surrounded her.Anathea pressed her hands against his chest. "Gregory, don't.""Don't what?" Gregory leaned in, bringing his lips to her ear. His warm breath brushed against her skin, tickling her.Just as Anathea opened her mouth, he gripped her shoulder. He then brushed his lips against the delicate skin of her neck, grazing her with his teeth softly.Anathea bit her lip, her body beginning to slide downward. Gregory caught her and settled onto the stool in front of the vanity.She tried to stand, but he held her down by the waist, making her sit on his lap. He caged her in his arms as though it was a prison made just for her.Gregory's fingers traced across her b

"Mrs. Sinclair was up by seven and left before seven-thirty.""Seven? She's that eager to see Adam?" Gregory thought.His expression instantly turned cold as he recalled the way Anathea had fallen asleep in his arms last night.She'd looked like a peaceful kitten, breathing softly. Her silk-like jet-black hair had been spread across the pillow, with one small lock curled around his finger.But now, even the wrinkles on the bedsheets had been smoothed out as if no one had been there.Gregory pressed his lips together and reached for the phone on the nightstand. It was only eight o'clock.Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a sticky note placed neatly beside it.Anathea's neat, elegant handwriting instantly came into view. "Cyrus has already passed your suit. I'll leave first."She used that word—leave—as though it was some casual goodbye between two people after a one-night stand, spoken by the one who always walked away first.Gregory had always been someone who could see

Anathea knew that Evangeline's concerns weren't without reason.Expanding the business wasn't a simple matter; it meant investing more capital. Since Eden Studio was still a rising newcomer, its available liquid assets weren't exactly abundant. If they failed, the losses could be significant.It was a risky move.So, regardless of what Evangeline's answer would be, Anathea was ready to accept it. She respected Evangeline and wouldn't pressure her.But the next second, Evangeline smiled and answered without hesitation, "Of course I agree!"Anathea froze for a moment, and Evangeline slung an arm around her shoulder. "I'm all about constant innovation."Otherwise, back when the domestic market outlook hadn't been so optimistic, Evangeline wouldn't have been so resolute about establishing the studio in the first place.She wanted to promote the traditional floral art she loved so much and give it a real chance to compete on the same stage as Frevancian, Englorian, and Armeran floral

Upon hearing that, Thomas was stupefied. Gregory's expression also shifted slightly as he looked down at Anathea.Anathea calmly linked arms with Gregory and turned to Thomas, smiling gently. "Tom, since my husband's here, we can part ways here."Even if Thomas were dense, he'd still be able to read between the lines.Anathea was married. He should keep his distance.This was a subtle rejection from her.Thomas pressed his lips together and finally swallowed the words he'd been about to say. "Oh, okay. Take care."Anathea nodded.Gregory studied Anathea's face, noticing how distant her expression was when she faced Thomas.A small, restrained smile crept up on his face. He glanced at Thomas with a subtle look of satisfaction and provocation, as if he were basking in triumph.Thomas' fingers curled slightly as he met Gregory's eyes. For a moment, the air thickened.Thomas eventually pressed the up button.The outcome of the standoff was clear. Gregory's lips twitched. He was