Anna’s POV:
Since you’ve already met with Henty, you should know Seth’s situation isn’t that simple. Pretending to be lovey dovey in front of Robert won’t solve anything! Blake’s voice echoed off the bathroom tiles.
I hopped down from the sink counter and stepped toward him, rising on my tiptoes to kiss his chin. ‘Is this enough?”
Blake jerked back, his jaw tightening. I sighed, letting my heels touch the floor again.
“You don’t want to help me.”
His eyes flashed with irritation. I turned toward the door, determined to find my own solution.
“Where are you going?” Blake grabbed my wrist, his grip firm.
To find Robert. Since you’re no help, I’ll figure something out myself.”
“Huh. He scoffed. “What could you possibly do?”
I stared at his hand around my wrist. “They want compensation, right? Seth shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone.”
“And why not?”
“This is partly my responsibility too. After all, Seth did it for me-
Blake’s hand shot up, gripping my jaw before I could finish. His fingers pressed into my skin, not painfully but firmly enough to silence me.
Maxwell deserved it,” he said, his voice cold despite the warmth in his eyes. “He hurt you. Seth was just delivering justice. Besides, who knows how messed up his kid would’ve turned out?”
The bathroom suddenly felt freezing.
My feet went numb as a chill ran through my body. This wasn’t about helping Seth. The calculation in Blake’s eyes, the casual dismissal of an unborn child- it made me wonder what else he was capable of, what else he’d planned for the Price family.
I heard a woman’s voice outside, calling for a staff member. Blake’s grip loosened just enough. I pulled away and hurried out, forcing my face into a composed mask before returning to our table.
“Anna, Robert greeted me. “Blake was so worried about you feeling unwell, he insisted on checking on you. You okay?”
I nodded, my smile not reaching my eyes. My heart was still racing, but I managed to steady my voice. “Just a little lightheaded. I’m fine now.”
As I settled into my seat, I decided to change the subject. ‘It’s good to have someone to take care of you. Speaking of which, when is Seth planning to get married? Does he have a girlfriend?”
Two faces at the table grew awkward. Robert cleared his throat.
‘I’ve actually found Seth a suitable match in Europe They’ve spent some time together and get along well. I’m sending him abroad in a few days to give them space to get to know each other better. Hoping to finalize things soon.”
“That’s wonderful,” I said, raising my glass for the first time that evening. “Please congratulate Seth for me.”
Blake perked up at the news of Seth leaving the country, playing the role of concerned big brother‘ perfectly. “That’s great. Wi connections there who could help.”
actly? I have
A flicker of unexpected disappointment passed through me at the thought of Seth getting married.
1/2
Chapter 212
I’ve gone back to Blake. Seth finding someone was inevitable. We were never meant to be together anyway, I pushed the feeling aside with a gulp of wine
I lost interest in the conversation after that. The wine tasted good–too good. I drank glass after glass, not enough to get drunk but enough to feel pleasantly warm.
When I reached for another, Blake caught my hand.
“You’ve had enough, he said firmly.
I barely registered what he and Robert discussed next. Before I knew it, Blake had lifted me into his arms. I peered over his shoulder at Robert.
I’ll visit you tomorrow,” I called as Blake carried me away.
In the car,
Blake practically shoved me into the seat. I wasn’t drunk, but my senses were heightened.
I let my hair fall across my face and leaned against his shoulder, pretending to be more intoxicated than I was.
“You’re not going anywhere tomorrow,” he murmured, thinking I couldn’t hear.
I stayed silent, listening to his steady breathing. He brushed the hair from my face, assuming I’d fallen asleep.
His hand lingered on my head, gentle strokes that contradicted his earlier harshness.
At home, he carried me to our bedroom and laid me on the bed. He made sobering tea and helped me drink it, then wiped my face and changed me into pajamas with surprising tenderness.
‘Sleep,” he said simply.
I’d expected him to stay like he had the night before, but he didn’t. I realized he knew I was faking, but he chose not to call me out. We shouldn’t need these games.
I wanted to open my eyes, to face him directly, but by the time I gathered my courage, he had already turned away. As he left the room, the tension drained from my body, and sleep came quickly.
Scarlett’s call woke me the next morning.
‘Anna, can we meet before I leave? I’d like to say goodbye.”
I sat up, surprised that Blake was actually sending her away. Part of me doubted she’d really go–Claire had supposedly “left” too, only to remain firmly in our lives.
Blake is always soft with those he cares about. But would he care enough about me to keep his word this time?
After so many disappointments, I’ve learned not to expect anything.
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